Sex Education is a Heated Topic for Romney and Obama

I for one do not follow the politicians or political news. My husband remains much more interested in campaigns and elections than I do. However, the battle over sex education between Romney and Obama has enticed me to take on a more active political role. Senator Obama has suggested that all grade school children (beginning in kindergarten) be instructed through a science-based sex education program. He suggests that each grade have an age appropriate sex education program. Romney, on the other hand, feels that there is no age appropriate program when it comes to young children learning about sex. Obama … Continue reading

The Controversy Over School Vouchers in Wisconsin

In Wisconsin, Governor Scott Walker created a proposal to make a school choice voucher program for students who have special needs. A group called Stop Special Needs Vouchers is protesting against the proposal. The group, which includes parents, feel that the plan would end up making it harder for students who have special needs to get the support they require at public schools. A school voucher is a controversial topic for many reasons. There is potential for people to object to the system that is used to determine whether or not a child qualifies for a voucher, to object to … Continue reading

Upcoming Genealogy Events – Week of July 15, 2012

Each and every week, there are plenty of genealogy courses, workshops, conferences, and events happening. All you have to do is find one, and figure out what you need to do in order to attend it. Here is a quick list of some of the genealogy events that are going on this week. There could be one near you! On July 16, 2012, the Ela Area Public Library, which is located in Lake Zurich, Illinois, will have a meeting of the library’s Genealogy Interest Group (GIG). It will begin at 3:00 in the afternoon, and will end at 5:00 in … Continue reading

Special Needs Podcast Roundup – Week of July 12, 2011

There are so many resources out there for parents who have children with special needs. Podcasts are an often overlooked source of information. This week’s Special Needs Podcast Roundup includes: author interviews, a glimpse into the life of a family with nine adopted special needs children, a conversation about stem cells, a parenting course, a lunch chat about a resource center, and more. The Parenting Plate Podcast released an episode on June 7, 2011. This episode has an interview with Jolene Philo, author of the book “Different Dream Parenting: A Practical Guild to Raising a Child with Special Needs”. The … Continue reading

Family Tree Magazine Picks 101 Best Websites of 2010

There are a plethora of genealogy related websites out there, and you cannot possibly test out all of them yourself. Sometimes, it’s nice to get an expert opinion about which sites are good, which are only okay, and which are so bad that they should be avoided completely. Family Tree Magazine came up with a list of their picks for the top 101 genealogy websites. Family Tree Magazine was founded in 1999. It is America’s #1 family history magazine. It covers a variety of topics that would be of interest to genealogists, from tips for genealogy research, to ideas for … Continue reading

How Often to Immunize Dogs and Cats

Now that both of my pets are two years old they don’t need annual immunizations anymore. However, because some veterinarians still push for yearly shots, it’s tricky to determine which your pets need and when. Although some states still require yearly rabies vaccinations (and you should check to see if that’s the case in your state), the truth is that as long as adult cats and dogs receive their rabies shots on a regular schedule, after their shot when they turn one year of age they only need the immunization, at most, once every three years. Cats and dogs need … Continue reading

Frugal Month in Review: November 2008

November to be is the beginning of two things. The holiday season starts with Thanksgiving, and then there is winter. Despite the fact that winter doesn’t officially start until next month, the fall seems to give way to the winter in November anyway. We had a day of snow already. Here is looking ahead to December and the end of the year! November 1st Frugal Month in Review: October 2008 “Delicious autumn! My very soul is wedded to it, and if I were a bird I would fly about the earth seeking the successive autumns.” – George Eliot. November 2 … Continue reading

Dating Violence in Schools

Dating violence is becoming more and more common. Possessive boyfriends that become jealous, demanding, isolate young teen girls and then finally become violent with them are not usual even on school grounds. Sometimes dating violence has fatal consequences that can end a young life and leave her family in ruins. Just two states mandate teaching kids about dating violence in schools. Texas mandates awareness education on dating violence, although the specific education requirements are not specified. Other states say they encourage this education, although it is not required. But Rhode Island is progressive on the issue. It recently passed a … Continue reading

Perks of Public Education: V = Vocational Courses

My perk for public education today begins with the letter V. V for me is for vocational courses. Many high schools now offer vocational courses for students. Elementary school and middle school students usually do not have the opportunity to participate in vocational courses. However for those students in high school, vocational courses are a big perk. Most high school schedules are set up so that students have the opportunity to take elective courses in addition to the required courses. A variety of vocational courses are usually offered. Vocational courses are not required but can they can help students make … Continue reading

Concerns of Public Education: U = Uniforms

Uniform policies are a concern in many school districts. My school system does not require or enforce a school uniform policy. However, we do have a dress code policy. Many districts are concerned about student attire and placing a uniform policy into effect. Some school officials feel that uniforms would cut down on concealed weapons and drugs in the schools, especially in middle school and high school. Others believe that having a school wide dress uniform policy would cut down on social competition among the students. Students could focus more on academics than social status and appearance. However, placing a … Continue reading