While a petition or formal statement at a school board meeting by students may do little good, it would serve as a hands-on civics lesson. We may not always get what we want, but things will not change if we sit around and complain to our small circle of friends.

Ultimately, our success will come in adaptation. Those students who view this (and any) transition as a challenge and learning experience will be better off for it as in the future as they will face many more challenges and transitions. As teachers, we may not favor the change, but we, too, will adapt and do what’s best for our students.

“The most dangerous man in the world or in society is a man that does nothing.”
- Malcolm X (from Spike Lee’s Malcolm X)

I love the way the WWW lets us talk with one another and share insights and strategies. Thank you for including me in this discussion.

I want to point out that in your article you stated that I am an American teacher, actually I’m a Canadian teacher.

Thanks for doing an article on this!

A couple of clarifications- the grant WAS from American Eagle, but it comes specifically from their Foundation, which is geared towards helping communities. The grant applications were available in Pennsylvania and Ottawa, as those are the locations of their two plants.

Thanks again for your hard work and getting the word out!

Mrs. J

I very much like your idea of using Open Lunch as an incentive – or possibly even just for certain classes – like for the Juniors & Seniors. I don’t understand either, why there isn’t a similar incentive program @ the high school like there is in the Middle School. I have also wondered, too, why OHS doesn’t publish their Honor Roll in the paper like the other schools do. The school should be proud of the kids who work so hard to do well and reward them accordingly.

3rd Annual Prom Boutique – Saturday, Feb. 27th – 10am-3pm
Making prom affordable for all youth in our communities is the goal of ECKAN’s Prom Boutique. On Saturday, February 27, 2010, junior and senior girls from Franklin, Anderson, Osage, Miami, and Coffey counties are welcome to experience a fun-filled day of free dresses, door prizes, music, refreshments and more. This year’s event will take place in the education wing of the Methodist Church of Ottawa located at 203 E. 4th Street (North of Post Office) from 10am to 3pm. There are no criteria for participating. All girls are welcome. Questions, call Lisa Rivers, Ottawa Volunteer Center Director, at 242-7450 ext. 205. Dresses are still being collected for this great cause at ECKAN (1320 S. Ash – Ottawa).

Mrs. J

Is this a new fundraiser or is this the same one that took place last fall and ended in October/November? If it is a new one, let me know and I’ll break out the umbrella again!

Mrs. J