November Election

Just received a card for the Rosemary Lamaestra and Alane Falcone. It was disappointing in that there was not one word about improving the education opportunities in this district. I wish they would have said what they are planning to do instead of just bashing what has been. Anybody can complain

All the candidates registered with major parties will make good board members. They are either on the board or have been attending meetings on a regular basis. The less said about some independents the better. So this site will remain relatively neutral.

We do ask that people vote for Mike Sacks on November 8th. Mr. Sacks has fought for four years for both accountability in spending and improving education. Helping to find ways that to better utilize the money available for the students. He had a lonely fight his first two years, anybody remember Gilly and the Great Christmas Card Caper, and should be rewarded (or is this a punishment) for his efforts.

Due to circumstances and this states screwy election laws Mr. Sacks was only able to be on the Republican ticket. This is not about partisan politics but selecting the best people for the four open positions. So even if you are yellow dog Democrat just hold your nose and push one Republican button. It won't hurt that much and you can take a shower afterward.

Reassessment

Since there has been a lot of discussion on the implications of the proposed county reassestment and the effect on the school taxes, a brief overview may be in order.

In a mystical county we will call Berks there are only two houses both identical. One was purchased over 10 years ago and has an asset value of $150,000. The other home was recently purchased and has an asset value of $300,000. So this mythical county has a tax base of $450,00. The little one room school district has a budget of $11,925.

Tax rate is based on a millage rate, with one mill being 1/10 of a penny or 1/1000 of a dollar. So if the property value is $450,000 each mill in taxes will generate $450 in revenue. To raise the necessary funds the tax rate is then calculated to be 26.5 ($11,925/$450). At this tax rate the longtime resident will pay $150*26.5 or $3,975 while the new resident will pay $300*26.5 or $7,950.

The new resident becomes more then a little miffed because he is paying much more then the old timer, so a reassessment is done. After it is completed, both properties are valued at $350,00. This gives the county a tax base of $700,000. The year after the properties were reappraised the new school budget actually came in smaller at $11,900, remember this is a mythical county.

Based on the new budget and the revised property value, to be $11,900/$700 or 17 mills. Now both owners will pay 17 * $350 or $5,950. The new resident is still not happy because he only has two rugrats and the older resident has 4 but that is a whole different ball game.

Privacy Alert

In case you didn't realize Now you can see anyone's Driver's License on theInternet, including your own, pictures and all. Courtesy of Homeland Security and the Patriot Act. One of those provisions where the person has to actively opt-out.

You can remove your D.L. from public viewing (some of you really should) but not from law enforcement.

To verify if your driver license is in the database go to this WEB SITE. There is also information on how you can be removed.

Tea Party

Just got around to reading the story of Brandywine Goes To Harrisburg, featuring Ms Falcone and Ms Duffy. Regardless where you stand on the issue, it is gratifying to see citizens banding together to effect change. Anybody can get mad and go to a meetiong or two but it takes special people to keep it up over a long period of time in face of all the obstacles.

Name Change

Been receiving notes from the peanut gallery about the offhanded proposal to change the field hockey team name to the Silver Bullets. Seems that could be construed as a reference to a certain adult beverage from Colorado. Well we would need new uniforms and it could bring in a corporate sponsor. Is that any worse then the Governor's proposal to support the schools with gambling?

Bullets Misfire Against Ly**

The team that won't be named once again denyed the Brandywine Field Hockey team of ifs rightful county championship 3-2 last night in Exter.

The win was the Ly**'s third without a loss against Brandywine this year and sixth in seven games with the Bullets over the past two years.

“It's very disappointing,” Brandywine coach Donna Hordendorf said. “I'm just tired of losing to this team. We played well; we played with our hearts.”

Since that team seems to have some supernatural powers maybe Brandywine should think about changing its name to the Silver Bullets.

The Kid Should Have Used Buddha

then he would have received extra points for his multiculturalist poster.

New York, Oct. 21, 2005 (CNA) - 5-year old Antonio Peck had
no idea when he turned in his homework assignment--a poster about protecting the
environment--that it would land him in federal court.

Peck, then a kindergarten student at Baldwinsville, NY’s Catherine
McNamara Elementary School, originally turned in his poster-assignment to his
teacher in 1999. It featured, among other things, a cut out picture of
Jesus--something he reportedly thought applicable to the environment, and the
assignment.

School officials however, felt otherwise. The rejected a first version of
the poster and folded Antonio’s second attempt in half, in order to obscure the
image of a kneeling Jesus they thought to be too religious in nature.


“To allow a kindergarten poster to be displayed for a few hours on a
cafeteria wall, along with 80 other student posters, is far from an
establishment of religion. To censor the poster solely because some might
perceive a portion of it to be religious is an egregious violation of the
Constitution," said Mathew D. Staver, President and General Counsel for
Florida-based Liberty Counsel. More

The one trouble with this story is who knows if the kids parents didn't help out just a little bit so they could take the school to court and literally make a federal case out of it.

Sam's Plan

According to today's Reading Eagle, (no use linking to it since it won't be there by the time you read this) even some of Sam's allies don't think the bill will ever become law. One of the origninal drafters has even abandoned it and is backing yet another plan. If the history is any guide whatever they come up with will just make matters worse while giving the impression they are doing something to earn their keep.

If you are gong on the bus ride, don't give up hope. You should be encouraged. If the Eagle thinks it is sunk then there is even a better chance it will succeed.

Growing Up Digital

Technological advances have produced generational conflicts before, of course, whether the gadget was a rabbit-ear television set, a transistor radio or a personal computer. The young would find the latest thing exciting and freeing. Parents would worry that it was distracting and cramping academic and social development. So it goes today. Only now it is not a single high-tech wonder that concerns parents but a seemingly constant and ever-more-sophisticated tide of them. Article

Halloween History.

The word Halloween comes from All Hallow Eve, the night before "All Hallows". Hallows being an old English word for sanctify. In modern terms it can be translated into "All Saints" or "All Souls Day" Roman Catholics and Catholic Lite (Episcopalians & Lutherans) observed All Hallows Day to honor all Saints, in heaven known and unknown. It was one of the most significant observations of the Church Year.

This observation probably took the place of the Roman holiday of Feralia intended to give rest to the departed. Participants made sacrifices in honor of the dead, offered up prayers and made oblations to them. The good time rock n roll, lets paint ourselves blue, howl at the moon and make up words nobody else can pronounce Celtics of Scotland, Wales and Ireland had a harvest end of summer festival signifying the start of the winter season. Over time "All Hallows" was moved from Feb. 21st the end of the Roman Calendar to Nov. 1st so "All Hallows Eve" could replace the ancient druid holiday.

So all in all it is a celebration that has something for everyone. Just wish politicans would quit trying to change the date to whenever they see fit. Bad enough they keep messing with the time. How many accidents occur both driving and at work from the time change. just because they seem to think they can control the sun. Worry about roads and bridges and leave the clock and calendar alone.

Instead of Buying Jackets

for winning sports teams, why not supply each student with this book The Pocket Book of Patriotism by Thomas Freeman an editorialist at Pravada or excuse me the NY Times. Even the National Review had a favorable interview with the author. The very liberal NY publishers who think history started and ended with the 1960's were horrified that he might include the battle of Gettysburg at the expense of Woodstock.

This book is a very thorough timeline of world history, not just American history. The American timeline is presented in a side-by-side parallel to the "Abroad" timeline. In addition to all of this valuable information, there is also the history of our flag, important speeches and documents, patriotic songs and poems, lists of American presidents and states- in the order of their joining the Union. Strangely enough it is unbiased basic information that every citizen should know or at least know where to find out easily.

When college students don't know what came first the French-Indian Wars, Italian Renaissance or the Vietnam War, something is wrong with our educationsl system. This pocket book is only 96 pages and cost $8.00 retail at Amazon. The district could give each incoming freshmen a copy for the same amount as 8 or 9 jackets.

Now they just need to place an order with Amazon from the link here on the home page. A self-serving shameless plug.

Hope Nobody Has Reservations In Cancun

How Can They Say This With A Straight Face?

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Anheuser-Busch Cos. Inc. on Tuesday dropped a popular drinking game promotion, saying under-age drinkers were imbibing beer during the interactive game instead of water as originally intended.

The No. 1 U.S. brewer has been promoting Bud Pong competitions since July, supplying tables, balls and glasses to wholesalers across the United States.

Players on one team try to sink a ball into another team's liquid-filled cups. If successful, the opposing team must drink. Promotion guidelines specify the use of water in the cups, not beer, Anheuser-Busch said.

Upcoming Elections

Four positions on the school board will be decided in the November election. If any of the candidates wish to have their qualifications and positions known send an email to Admin@brandywineparents.com and it will be posted here.

Also if any candidate needs a PAID advertisement sure something can be worked out for a nominal fee, have to keep Ms Emily in movie money. You would think the theaters would give a critic of her stature and influence a fee pass.<

What A Waste Of Money

To improve student health and enhance parent understanding, the Carrollton-Farmers Branch Independent School District (ISD) in Carrollton, Texas, has put $95,000 into developing a program to give parents, students, and other community stakeholders a new way to learn about the foods offered in its schools: a virtual cafeteria. Article

New Principal at District-Topton Elem

Lawrence Rossi was approved last night as the new elementary principal. Mr. Rossi is currently a teacher at Pottsgrove Elementary. He started his college career while working at Deka. Rossi replaces Ms Sharon Kuznick who recently accepted a position closer to her home. His starting date is not yet known.

In other developments the Rockland Elementary water surpasses all the EPA limits for lead. The current water and pipe treatment has brought the content down to near undetectable amounts.

To make up for the Columbus Day post.

"Education is much more than a matter of imparting the knowledge and skills
by which narrow goals areachieved. It is also about opening the child's
eyes to the needs and rights of others."
- Dalai Lama

Whether it be for education, enjoyment, or comfort, there are millions of children around the world who would love to own a book. The Memory Project is therefore pleased to offer an opportunity for art students to use their talents and creativity to make that wish come true. To do this, students work together to create colorful picture books containing uplifting stories and beautiful artwork. Once finished, the books are sent to children living in orphanages, refugee camps, and areas of war. Thanks to Web English Teacher which has links to several other interesting educational sites

Happy Columbus Day

Thank you for joining us again this year, the 100th anniversary of the "celebration" of genocide and colonialism, to build a better future for all of our children.

By saying NO to Columbus and his day we are saying YES to a new future of mutual respect, collaboration, and equality, transform columbus day alliance: transform columbus day

Emily Goes To The Movies

Into The Blue

Review by Emily Trosprel 8th Grade BHMS

Into the Blue is anything but boring, but it is, ultimately, forgettable. Paul Walker stars as Jared, a treasure hunter who has yet to find any treasure. He and his girlfriend Samantha (Jessica Alba) live in a trailer on the idyllic beaches of the Bahamas. Things get complicated however when Jared's friend Bryce (Scott Caan) turns up, and they come across a shipwreck full of gold which happens to be right next to a sunken plane full of cocaine. The owners of the illicit cargo will stop at nothing to find and recover it.

The acting is, well, bad by nearly all of the cast members. However, by the end, there is far to much action to care. Of course, the script isn't terrific, and at 110 minutes, it is just a bit too long. On a positive note, the scenery is gorgeous, but that is hardly enough reason to see a film. Into the Blue is entertaining and does what is expected, just don't expect too much.

Into The Blue receives two stars out of four.

Evolution VS Intelligent Design

Great debate today on Evolution Vs Intelligent Design in The Corner

EVOLUTION -- THE PROOF Billions of years of Natural
Selection have culminated in... the Guinness
drinker

OR NOT Couldn't one also interpret that as an intelligent
design of a sort? All of life pushing forward according to an exorable Will
toward one great goal: Guiness? For the record, I think Guiness is the juice
made from whipped pumpernickle bread.

THINGS I LEARN FROM READERS: In reference to my comment that Guiness tastes like whipped pumpernickel juice, a reader informs me that etymologically pumpernickel means Devil fart. This is the sort of information you can never forget once it has hit your brain cells.

Hey its Friday afternoon can't be entirely serious about education, taxes and who goes on what field trip all the time.

Trust And The Internet

There has been some discussion in the topic section about trust in people you meet on the internet. In general DON'T.

But what about the spam mail with the hot new stock unknown to the Wall Street people and only known to a few select million people that received the message. One person has tracked several of the hot tips he received and surprise, surprise you can lose a lot of money following their advice.

Total Cash Outlay: $17,405.00
Total Current Value:
$9,346.00
Net Profit: - ($8,059.00)
Update: The test is officially over!
I have many more stocks to add but I think the point is proven by the many stocks
emailed to me through spam that I added in a short few weeks I did this. I am
keeping this site up for reference to those who may be so interested in just
what would happen if you invest in the stocks mentioned in junk email. The
prices are current and the running loss is also current, I am just not adding
more penny stocks to the test.

One thing to note: I thought that I would realize temporary windfalls
on all penny stocks, but then see big losses. Instead almost ALL of those stocks
I added went up a few cents max, then dropped like flies the next day. So much
for short term gains.

Blogging And Writing Across The Curriculum

A previous entry was on the topic of how actually writing down thoughts increases the likelihood that the thought was valid. An Australian professor has done work in using web logs (Blogs) to encourage her students to participate in their studies not just listen and regurgitate. Looking at other county web sites even the good ones are still just brochureware. Why can't every teacher should have their own Blog with the ability for students and parents to question and add other information they have found in their own independent studies.

Blogging is helping students to think and write more critically, says an
Australian researcher, and can help draw out people who would otherwise not
engage in debate.These are the preliminary findings of PhD research by Anne
Bartlett-Bragg, a lecturer at the University of Technology, Sydney, who has been using weblogs
or blogs in her own teaching since 2001."[The students] are thinking more
critically," she says. "They are learning to be responsible and they're
communicating outside the boundaries of the classroom and the institution, and
they like that."

"I'm a bit over listening to my students giving me back in an essay what
I've told them in class," she says. "I want them to think for themselves and get
different perspectives."What makes blogs useful is their interactive nature, she
says.These web-based forums for discussing ideas, experiences or opinions allow
students to discuss publicly what they are studying with other students and
experts outside their own university. Article

Whatever Happen To

The New Ice Age:
Newsweek-
There are ominous signs that the Earth’s weather patterns have begun to change
dramatically and that these changes may portend a drastic decline in food
production– with serious political implications for just about every nation on
Earth. The drop in food output could begin quite soon, perhaps only 10 years
from now. The regions destined to feel its impact are the great wheat-producing
lands of Canada and the U.S.S.R. in the North, along with a number of marginally
self-sufficient tropical areas – parts of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Indochina
and Indonesia – where the growing season is dependent upon the rains brought by
the monsoon.

The evidence in support of these predictions has now begun to accumulate so massively that meteorologists are hard-pressed to keep up with it. In England, farmers have seen their growing season decline by about two weeks since 1950, with a resultant overall loss in grain production estimated at up to 100,000 tons annually. During the same time, the average temperature around the equator has risen by a fraction of a degree – a fraction that in some areas can mean drought and desolation. Last April, in the most devastating outbreak of tornadoes ever recorded, 148 twisters killed more than 300 people and caused half a billion dollars' worth of damage in 13 U.S. states.

This was back in 1975 when scienctist and the popular press said we were all going to wake up one morning frozen. Just a little historical perspective to all you younsters worried about global warming.