Brandywine County Champs

Brandywine 41 - Gov. Mifflin 34

Don't confuse me with the facts

Interesting study at Live Science showing how once we have made up our mind on an issue we actually receive a rush, much like a drug addict when we ignore conflicting information.

Explains why a normally rational person could actually vote for some slime bucket or why an investor sticks with a stock when new information indicates it is a dog.

Even on issues like school sponsored sports or full day kindergarten. If you have an established belief one way or the other your brain actually rewards you for ignoring any other view or evidence to the contrary.

So maybe discussion sites like our own Topic section are addicting because you are receiving a high when confronted with so much opposing opinions. Democrats and Republicans Both Adept at Ignoring Facts, Study Finds

Hard Courses Could Mean Big $$

College Aid Plan Widens U.S. Role in High Schools - New York Times: "When Republican senators quietly tucked a major new student aid program into the 774-page budget bill last month, they not only approved a five-year, $3.75 billion initiative. They also set up what could be an important shift in American education: for the first time the federal government will rate the academic rigor of the nation's 18,000 high schools.
The measure, backed by the Bush administration and expected to pass the House when it returns next month, would provide $750 to $1,300 grants to low-income college freshmen and sophomores who have completed 'a rigorous secondary school program of study' and larger amounts to juniors and seniors majoring in math, science and other critical fields."

Congraulations To Mr. Lovello

Didn't want to say anything before the match hate to jinx it. But Brandywine's Sam Lovello joined a very elite ranks of high school coaches with his 400th victory last night.

There will be a reception for Mr. Lovello after the Wilson match on Saturday night at Brandywine.

Bricks v. Clicks in Pa. funding fight

Finally PA may be reexaming how eSchools are funded. It is not that they shouldn't be funded if they are doing a good job but the funds come from the local districts who have no control and don't even know how many students are enrolled until a bill arrives.

January 3, 2006—Pennsylvania state lawmakers are looking to revise a funding formula that reportedly allows the state's 12 cyber charter schools to pocket more money than their expenses--a formula that has been sore spot with school districts since it was implemented in 2000.

Parents of cyber-school students do not pay tuition. Rather, the public school district where the student lives pays tuition with state and local tax money through a state formula.

The Freedom School District in Beaver County, Pa., pays between $40,000 and $60,000 a year for students to attend various cyber schools, Superintendent Ronald Sofo said.
"Many of us are sending more money to these schools than what it costs to educate the students," he said. "Local taxpayers should be outraged that local tax dollars are flowing between school districts this way."

But the schools are growing in popularity.
In Lancaster County, Pa., the Columbia Borough School District saw cyber school costs increase from $18,000 in 2001-02 to $116,000 last year, said business manager Laura Cowburn.

And in Chester County, Jim Hanak, chief executive officer of the Pennsylvania Leadership Charter School, said he expects enrollment to double next year--to more than 2,400. The school opened in September with 340 students.
"We built the better mousetrap," he said.

eSchool News online - Bricks v. Clicks in Pa. funding fight

Our Nation's Education

In the topic section there is a discussion about the recent ABC 20/20 show exposing problems with public schools in America. One reader summed it up rather nicely. Would have been the post of the month but the author didn't connect the post to sewage in Longswamp.

I'm amazed at the bashing back and forth and the finger pointing. Can anyone say "self responsibility?" If you want to point a finger at failure, turn your little fingers around and point them right back at yourselves, because education begins at home. When a child fails, it's not the school's fault, it's the parent's. A motivated student can achieve success regardless of the school system, and that motivation begins at home. That is why you see great success stories come out of some of the most god-awful schools in the country, and you see failures coming out of some of the best schools. It's not the school, it's the individual.

If you want a terrific school, get involved with your kids and the school. Don't point fingers and make excuses. Learn to work together for the common good of the school. We all should be motivating our kids to achieve their best. And lastly, take a good look in the mirror and take measure of yourself. Lead by example.

I'm not saying that the school and teachers are off the hook, far from it. A school is a reflection of the community. If the loudest voices are about saving money, that's what you'll get, an administration that is focused on money, not achievement. Where is the outrage over mediocrity?

PA Clean Sweep With Russ Diamond

Mr. Diamond founder of PA Clean Sweep will be speaking about the organization, its goals and what will be happening in 2006. The meeting will be at Bellevue Court Plaza, Bellevue Avenue near the Fairgrounds Square Mall in Muhlenberg Twp. Wednesday, January 25, 2006 at 7PM. Everyone who wants to see a change in the PA legislature, wants to see a revamp of education funding and reduction in property taxes, everyone who opposes the raises voted by congressmen for themselves needs to be there.

Jan Ed. Co/Curriculum Meeting

Foreign Language in the middle school-
45 Day survey courses were presented to us last night as an option for MS. We opted to push for a full year course with meaningful learning instead. The program will start with one language being offered: surprise - Latin. Latin was chosen because it is the foundation of so many languages and students will find it helpful in other pursuits, especially English grammar and vocab. The goal is to grow the program until we have the choices in MS that are followed in HS. This will give our students an opportunity to move through language academics and will challenge rigor in the HS. Just think, we may eventually even offer AP language courses in the HS at some point!

Possible Building Closures-
Dr. Curtin presented us with printouts of options and we are leaning toward closing Rockland, DT K-3, LS 4-5, MS 6-7-8. Admin will research costs involved; we need to remember that first year savings will likely be obliterated by moving costs. By making DT K-3, it becomes a "primary center"ALL K-3 teachers will be sharing the same building/resources/communications. LS library will need updating for grades 4-5, and we will need to make sure that any science facilities would be up to par. On another note, at least
5th graders will now be assured of having recess again - a really important part of any youngster's day.

Also with this plan, busing could be reduced to two runs, but a possible longer ride projected as long as an hour. That's too long for youngsters in primary, but Dr. Curtin and Steve Fischer will continue to pursue bus options.

Another associated option was discussed that was particularly exciting: making the K-3 primary center (almost) grade independent, in that students could proceed to their level without wasting precious time waiting for others to catch up, and the flip side, students could continue remedials without feeling ostracized or discouraged. It's an awesome idea with fantastic possibilities, especially since those early grades are so important for establishing later development and
learning. Giving kids the opportunities to explore their potential keeps the boredom factor at bay, keeps their interest and sets the tone for a whole new positive learning mindset. I am very excited about what a program like this would do for our students.

Full Day K-
We are still on the fence about full day K. Dr. Curtin feels if we offer it, it will be used. I would like to see a "bridge" 1/2 day program offered, but have been assured it would soon become full day. I have a hard time deciding for someone else that his/her child needs all day K. We also need to remember once instated, here forever.

That's all for now. It was an interesting, informative meeting and I truly enjoyed having the time to actually discuss these important issues without getting the 7:30 nudge.

Liz Stehman
Chair Educational Co/Curriculum Committee

Brandywine Announces Adult Courses

The first set of classes for adult educaton will begin this month. Due to the experimental nature the courses will be limited to males in a first time significant relationshipe. Trying to do the most good the quickest.

WINTER CLASSES FOR MEN AT Brandywine Heights Area School District

THE LEARNING CENTER FOR ADULTS REGISTRATION MUST BE COMPLETED BY Monday, Jan . 20, 2006 NOTE: DUE TO THE COMPLEXITY AND DIFFICULTY LEVELOF THEIR CONTENTS, CLASS SIZES WILL BE LIMITED TO 8 PARTICIPANTS MAXIMUM.

Class 1

How To Fill Up ! The Ice Cube Trays

Step by Step, with Slide Presentation.
Meets 4 weeks, Monday and Wednesday for 2 hours beginning at 7:00 PM.

Class 2

The Toilet Paper Roll

Does It Change Itself? Round Table Discussion.

Meets 2 weeks, Saturday 12:00 for 2 hours.

Class 3

Is It Possible To Urinate Using The Technique Of Lifting The Seat andAvoid ing The Floor, Walls and Nearby Bathtub?

Group Practice.

Meets 4 weeks, Saturday 10:00 PM for 2 hours.

Class 4

Fundamental Differences Between The Laundry Hamper and The Floor

Pictures and Explanatory Graphics.

Meets Saturdays at! 2:00 PM for 3 weeks.

Class 5

After Dinner Dishes

Can They Levitate and Fly Into The Kitchen Sink? Examples on Video.

Meets 4 weeks, Tuesday and Thursday for 2 hours beginningat 7:00 PM

Class 6

Loss Of Identity

Losing The Remote To Your Significant Other.Help Line Support and Support Groups.

Meets 4 Weeks, Friday and Sunday 7:00 PM

Class 7

Learning How To Find Things

Starting With Looking In The Right Places And Not Turning The House Upside Down While Screaming.Open Forum .

Monday at 8:00 PM, 2 hours.

Class 8

Health Watch

Bringing Her Flowers Is Not Harmful To Your Health.Graphics and Audio Tapes.

Three nights; Monday, Wednesday, Friday at 7:00 PM for 2 hours.

Class 9

Real Men Ask For Directions When Lost

Real Life Testimonials.

Tuesdays at 6:00 PM Location to be determined.

Class 10

Is It Genetically Impossible To Sit Quietly While She Parallel Parks?

Driving Simulations.

4 weeks, Saturday's noon, 2 hours.

Class 11

Learning to Live

Basic Differences Between Mother and Wife. Online Classes and role-playing .

Tuesdays at 7:00 PM, location to be determined

Class 12

How to be the Ideal Shopping Companion

Relaxation Exercises, Meditation and Breathing Techniques.

Meets 4 weeks, Tuesday and Thursday for 2 hours beginning at 7:00 PM.

Class 13

How to Fight Cerebral Atrophy

Remembering Birthdays, Anniversaries and Other Important Dates and Calling When You're Going To Be Late.Cerebral Shock Therapy Sessions and Full Lobotomies Offered.

Three nights; Monday, Wednesday, Friday at 7:00 PM for 2 hours.

Class 14

The Stove/Oven

What It Is and How It Is Used.

Live Demonstration.Tuesdays at 6:00 PM, location to be determined.

Ms Emily Goes To The Movies

Pride & Prejudice

Review by Emily Trosprel 8th Grade BHMS

Senior Entertainment Editor

You may have to look around to find the latest adaptation of Jane Austen’s novel in theaters, but this is one gem of a romance that, for fans of the genre, shouldn’t be missed. The tale begins in the late 1700’s with the lively Bennet family. With five unmarried sisters, there is great excitement when wealthy, single Mr. Bingley (Simon Woods) moves in nearby. Along with him comes also single and also wealthy Fitzwilliam Darcy (Matthew MacFadyen) whom the second eldest Bennet daughter, spirited Elizabeth (Keira Knightley), takes a great dislike due to his seeming arrogance and pretentiousness. However, inevitably, Darcy becomes smitten with her even if it takes a while for Elizabeth to realize it.

In the lead, Keira Knightley is a perfect choice for strong-willed and opinionated Elizabeth and gives a most layered performance. The same is to be said for MacFadyen. The rest of the roles are cast flawlessly as well, from Tom Hollander as the laughably self-satisfied Mr. Collins to Judi Dench as the menacing aunt of Darcy, Lady Catherine de Bourg. In addition to the acting, the film is heightened by breathtaking shots of English countryside, masterfully choreographed balls, and a score that is most passionate. The classic romantic story is given a new, fresh look in Pride & Prejudice and is quite a joy to watch

Three and a half stars out of four for Pride & Prejudice.

For P & P and other fine movies try the Strand Theaters of Kutztown.