My family just returned from my new favorite thing about living here- Camp Sacramento! If you've never been you're missing out on what I believe is the best thing the city has ever done for its residents. The best family vacation we've ever had and that's saying a lot!
Have you ever been to sleep-away camp? Well imagine that concept but for your whole family! We slept in little cabins, ate meals in a big dining hall, played fuseball in a lodge, sat around a campfire and sang silly songs and shared group bathrooms. Add to that archery for everyone, morning hikes, a trip to Lake Tahoe and snake catching in the creek and you have Camp Sacramento.
Because it's run by the city, the cost is affordable for most families and very reasonably within reach of your summer vacation budget. They provide recreation leaders for children's activities from ages 3 to teens. Adults have recreation activities too but I preferred to sit on the patio reading a book and soaking up the nice 80 degree sunshine.
Reservations open for next summer to the general public in September. Hope to see you there!
Monday, July 28, 2008
Monday, July 21, 2008
What keeps kids in school anyway?
Thanks to Joe Sacramento's recent post, I've been mulling my former teaching career and the idea of what keeps kids in school anyway? I won't rehash the statistics but essentially, Natomas Unified is failing to keep kids in school. Why is that and what can we do to make it better?
I stumbled across an old Dept of Ed article called "Manual to Combat Truancy." This line in particular jumped out at me "I've never seen a gang member who wasn't a truant first," says California District Attorney Kim Menninger. Based on the crime stats in Natomas and ongoing problems as the economy sinks around the nation, we're obviously not doing enough to keep kids in school. The article has a few ideas of programs that have worked but none seem to focus on the real problem at hand: Why should kids care about staying in school?
The answer is simple to adults and complex to kids. If you have only seen your family treated poorly, suffered hunger, gone to school in clothes that were dirty, walked miles because you can't afford a bus pass, then you have low expectations. While working at an alternative school, I had a student who traded sexual favors for food from a neighbor. It was the only way to feed her 4 year old brother who was often left in her care for days or weeks on end. She came to school every day because it was the only bright light in her horrid life. This happens every day to kids right in our own neighborhood.
But those kids are a mere fraction of the statistics represented in Joe's report. The rest are simply kids that got left behind. I've seen undiagnosed learning disabilities that were so severe that kids in high school were still functioning at a 4th grade level. They worked so hard, for so little. I've seen others who had to work at night to help pay rent, others who failed year after year but got passed on anyway. I've seen gangsta kids who thought the streets had a better life with more money available to them. Do you know where I saw them all? SCHOOL.
And here's the simple answer. What keeps kids in school? Having an adult they trust who they believe cares about them. It's that simple. It can be a parent, teacher, family friend, pastor, principal, school counselor, even school safety officer. But they have to feel accountable to someone and feel like they matter. Will someone know if they don't show up at school? Will someone call their house and track them down? If not, one easy day turns into 100 then a failed exit exam then jail. It really is that simple.
You can throw money at the problem all day long but essentially, it boils down to time. I was lucky to be a teacher in two schools that encouraged me to give my heart and soul to my class and to take time. Miss a staff lunch because someone is crying in your classroom? No big deal. Want to plan a life-changing field trip with no money? We'll make it happen. Too many teachers are hog-tied by regulations, restrictions, low-esteem and the "no way it'll work" administration. Why do so many new teachers leave in the first five years? Because too many people tell them they can't change the world.
Second to that, schools need to have freedom to design a system that works for their students. Since Brown vs. Board of Education, a vastly different population of students has entered a system that was designed for wealthy white boys in the 1800s. The system hasn't changed to meet the needs of the students. Why do charter schools work? Because they are individualized to what a small group of students need. Our system needs to be more diverse, more understanding and more broadly defined, not less. If your student needs online school, homeschool, big classes, single-sex classes, alternative schedules, block schedules, gifted acceleration, remedial tutoring,- you should be easily able to find it within your school district.
With enough parental pressure, Natomas Unified and every district in the state could easily meet these needs. If only the administration would stop saying "No."
I stumbled across an old Dept of Ed article called "Manual to Combat Truancy." This line in particular jumped out at me "I've never seen a gang member who wasn't a truant first," says California District Attorney Kim Menninger. Based on the crime stats in Natomas and ongoing problems as the economy sinks around the nation, we're obviously not doing enough to keep kids in school. The article has a few ideas of programs that have worked but none seem to focus on the real problem at hand: Why should kids care about staying in school?
The answer is simple to adults and complex to kids. If you have only seen your family treated poorly, suffered hunger, gone to school in clothes that were dirty, walked miles because you can't afford a bus pass, then you have low expectations. While working at an alternative school, I had a student who traded sexual favors for food from a neighbor. It was the only way to feed her 4 year old brother who was often left in her care for days or weeks on end. She came to school every day because it was the only bright light in her horrid life. This happens every day to kids right in our own neighborhood.
But those kids are a mere fraction of the statistics represented in Joe's report. The rest are simply kids that got left behind. I've seen undiagnosed learning disabilities that were so severe that kids in high school were still functioning at a 4th grade level. They worked so hard, for so little. I've seen others who had to work at night to help pay rent, others who failed year after year but got passed on anyway. I've seen gangsta kids who thought the streets had a better life with more money available to them. Do you know where I saw them all? SCHOOL.
And here's the simple answer. What keeps kids in school? Having an adult they trust who they believe cares about them. It's that simple. It can be a parent, teacher, family friend, pastor, principal, school counselor, even school safety officer. But they have to feel accountable to someone and feel like they matter. Will someone know if they don't show up at school? Will someone call their house and track them down? If not, one easy day turns into 100 then a failed exit exam then jail. It really is that simple.
You can throw money at the problem all day long but essentially, it boils down to time. I was lucky to be a teacher in two schools that encouraged me to give my heart and soul to my class and to take time. Miss a staff lunch because someone is crying in your classroom? No big deal. Want to plan a life-changing field trip with no money? We'll make it happen. Too many teachers are hog-tied by regulations, restrictions, low-esteem and the "no way it'll work" administration. Why do so many new teachers leave in the first five years? Because too many people tell them they can't change the world.
Second to that, schools need to have freedom to design a system that works for their students. Since Brown vs. Board of Education, a vastly different population of students has entered a system that was designed for wealthy white boys in the 1800s. The system hasn't changed to meet the needs of the students. Why do charter schools work? Because they are individualized to what a small group of students need. Our system needs to be more diverse, more understanding and more broadly defined, not less. If your student needs online school, homeschool, big classes, single-sex classes, alternative schedules, block schedules, gifted acceleration, remedial tutoring,- you should be easily able to find it within your school district.
With enough parental pressure, Natomas Unified and every district in the state could easily meet these needs. If only the administration would stop saying "No."
Saturday, July 12, 2008
When the bad air isn't enough, take some poison with that!
The air is terrible and we're struggling to breathe. Old and young, everyone has been trapped in their houses or in cooling centers for more than a week. Just as it starts too cool down and the air begins to clear a little we're keeping our fingers crossed for relief. But don't put your mask away yet, the Mosquito and Vector Control folks are about to dump poison on your heads. They are waiting with baited breath for that second where they can fly their spray planes in the clearer air to spray.
What's about to be dumped on your house? Pyrethrins and Pyrethroids. To find out more read this. While pyrethrins may be easily excreted by most mammals, they are considered highly toxic to most fish, tadpoles, beneficial insects and many invertebrates. Those mosquito fish used to eat the mosquitoes in backyard ponds? Dead...
We've written about this before when the vector control bombed our house last year. So much for the beautiful organic garden we're growing in our backyard. Our opinion has not changed much from 2007. The spray is overrated and the health risks are too high to continue after a summer of bad air anyway. In last year's post, we discussed colony collapse and other risks to insects and fish.
Vector control officials are unable to say where or when they'll spray just yet, but it's looking like Elk Grove and the Pocket will be first. If you do not want to get caught by surprise, sign up for email alerts so you can at least have a minute to bring your pets in.
Links of interest:
Stop West Nile Spraying Now
Organic Sacramento
Don't Spray California
What's about to be dumped on your house? Pyrethrins and Pyrethroids. To find out more read this. While pyrethrins may be easily excreted by most mammals, they are considered highly toxic to most fish, tadpoles, beneficial insects and many invertebrates. Those mosquito fish used to eat the mosquitoes in backyard ponds? Dead...
We've written about this before when the vector control bombed our house last year. So much for the beautiful organic garden we're growing in our backyard. Our opinion has not changed much from 2007. The spray is overrated and the health risks are too high to continue after a summer of bad air anyway. In last year's post, we discussed colony collapse and other risks to insects and fish.
Vector control officials are unable to say where or when they'll spray just yet, but it's looking like Elk Grove and the Pocket will be first. If you do not want to get caught by surprise, sign up for email alerts so you can at least have a minute to bring your pets in.
Links of interest:
Stop West Nile Spraying Now
Organic Sacramento
Don't Spray California
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Things to do when it's too hot outside to do anything
The news says to expect it to be well over 100 in the Sacramento area and possibly even up to 110 on Wednesday, depending on who you read. So what are you supposed to do to stay cool when it's so hot outside?
*Free and Nearly Free Stuff*
Library Family programs are a fun way to make someone else pay for your air conditioning- Tuesdays at South Natomas Library at 6:30 pm are Family Game night
Thursdays at Central Library at 2:30pm are kids movies
Thursdays at 4pm North Natomas library has different performers and activities for kids
City pools are an easy and cheap way to keep cool! Adults are $2, under $17 is $1. Look at the City's website to find the one closest to you.
Regal Cinemas free family film festival. You can enjoy a family friendly movie every Tues/Wed at 10am throughout the summer.
Need to exercise but can't go outside? Try one of the local malls for an air-conditioned walk! Arden Fair has a Mall-Walker program with prizes and events. While you're there, look into the Arden Fair Kids Club. This weekend, see a kids' magician at Arden at 10am!
If you've never seen the Crocker Art Museum check it out this Sunday! Free hours are available from 10am to 1pm each Sunday, courtesy of Bank of America. If you don't mind the admission fee, Saturday features a family art program from 12pm to 3pm, including a family tour of the museum.
Up for a road trip? Head to Fairfield for the free Jelly Belly tour! Adults and kids will love this tour which includes a birds' eye view of the factory floor and free samples.
*Free and Nearly Free Stuff*
Library Family programs are a fun way to make someone else pay for your air conditioning- Tuesdays at South Natomas Library at 6:30 pm are Family Game night
Thursdays at Central Library at 2:30pm are kids movies
Thursdays at 4pm North Natomas library has different performers and activities for kids
City pools are an easy and cheap way to keep cool! Adults are $2, under $17 is $1. Look at the City's website to find the one closest to you.
Regal Cinemas free family film festival. You can enjoy a family friendly movie every Tues/Wed at 10am throughout the summer.
Need to exercise but can't go outside? Try one of the local malls for an air-conditioned walk! Arden Fair has a Mall-Walker program with prizes and events. While you're there, look into the Arden Fair Kids Club. This weekend, see a kids' magician at Arden at 10am!
If you've never seen the Crocker Art Museum check it out this Sunday! Free hours are available from 10am to 1pm each Sunday, courtesy of Bank of America. If you don't mind the admission fee, Saturday features a family art program from 12pm to 3pm, including a family tour of the museum.
Up for a road trip? Head to Fairfield for the free Jelly Belly tour! Adults and kids will love this tour which includes a birds' eye view of the factory floor and free samples.
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
More thoughts on last night's meeting...
It dawned on me at about 2am while I was sleeping, that Lisa Kaplan was sitting in the back row at the meeting last night about the Natomas crime spree. For those unfamiliar, Lisa Kaplan is the former president, now clerk of the Natomas Unified School District Board of Trustees.
I sat up and started thinking that Lisa Kaplan, Ron Dwyer-Voss and the rest of the board, should have been sitting on the stage instead of Mayor Fargo last night. How is it that a bunch of high school aged kids are committing crimes during school hours and the school district seemingly holds no responsibility for that? Where was the district's security team last night? Shouldn't most of those kids have been in school? Inderkum's graduation was 6/12 and I can't find the date but I'll bet Natomas' was close to that. So for the first two weeks of the crime spree, these thugs should have been the responsibility of NUSD.
In the long run, I'd like to know if the brats that Captain Hahn and his team have arrested are NUSD students. I'd like to know if they have attendance problems and if they have been appropriately processed by their schools. I would find it shockingly hard to believe if these guys were all good students that had somehow slipped under the radar. More likely, year after year, NUSD dropped the ball again.
I'm reminded of an incident about three years ago at the park next to Natomas Park Elementary School. I had my son there and we were playing in the sandbox early in the day. A younger boy (about 2nd grade) was swinging on the swings and waiting for school to start. Two 5th grade boys approached the boy, yelled at him, swore and used horrible language. They got up in his face and looked as though they may punch him. I immediately intervened and the older boys laughed and walked off. I grabbed my son, walked the younger boy to class and went to the office to report what I'd seen.
The school secretary refused to talk to me. She said that incidents in the park are not their problem. I showed my district ID, identified myself again as a district employee and asked to speak to the principal. No luck. I got a counselor who asked me to look through a yearbook and identify the kids but too no notes, made no attempt at doing ANYTHING. Great no bullying policy...
Absurd. Those two boys are probably now, or will be soon, perpetrating these crimes. No adult had ever held them accountable and their school didn't seen to care either.
I sat up and started thinking that Lisa Kaplan, Ron Dwyer-Voss and the rest of the board, should have been sitting on the stage instead of Mayor Fargo last night. How is it that a bunch of high school aged kids are committing crimes during school hours and the school district seemingly holds no responsibility for that? Where was the district's security team last night? Shouldn't most of those kids have been in school? Inderkum's graduation was 6/12 and I can't find the date but I'll bet Natomas' was close to that. So for the first two weeks of the crime spree, these thugs should have been the responsibility of NUSD.
In the long run, I'd like to know if the brats that Captain Hahn and his team have arrested are NUSD students. I'd like to know if they have attendance problems and if they have been appropriately processed by their schools. I would find it shockingly hard to believe if these guys were all good students that had somehow slipped under the radar. More likely, year after year, NUSD dropped the ball again.
I'm reminded of an incident about three years ago at the park next to Natomas Park Elementary School. I had my son there and we were playing in the sandbox early in the day. A younger boy (about 2nd grade) was swinging on the swings and waiting for school to start. Two 5th grade boys approached the boy, yelled at him, swore and used horrible language. They got up in his face and looked as though they may punch him. I immediately intervened and the older boys laughed and walked off. I grabbed my son, walked the younger boy to class and went to the office to report what I'd seen.
The school secretary refused to talk to me. She said that incidents in the park are not their problem. I showed my district ID, identified myself again as a district employee and asked to speak to the principal. No luck. I got a counselor who asked me to look through a yearbook and identify the kids but too no notes, made no attempt at doing ANYTHING. Great no bullying policy...
Absurd. Those two boys are probably now, or will be soon, perpetrating these crimes. No adult had ever held them accountable and their school didn't seen to care either.
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