How fortunate we are to have the Delaware State Fair in Harrington.
It involves so many of our children and their families in positive, productive, constructive activities; not only for that 10-day period, but often for the entire year. Teachers and staff members get involved as well, whether it’s in the Kids Zone or the Needlepoint Show, Pete’s or the sheep barn - Lake Forest Spartans are everywhere.
We are a rural community with strong agricultural roots and you’ll find many of our people in the show barns. You’ll also see them doing public speaking through 4-H, exhibiting their photography or sewing, and helping out at a family exhibit or church-run food venue. You’ll find a lot of Spartans on the ice rink, too.
I first got to know the state fair experience through 4-H forty years ago. Each summer for four years during college, I worked for West Virginia University Extension. I managed 4-H camps all over the state and finished the summer at the state fair in Lewisburg in August. The first summer I worked in the youth exhibit hall and at night I was assigned to sleep in the loft of the sheep barn to keep an eye on the 4-H and FFA boys who would be using those bunks. There was nothing between us and the sheep, and the general public, but chicken wire.
Those folks that live at the fair all week long are a special breed. You have to love it or you wouldn’t be there. I’m not sure what does it for me -the people, the reunions, the smell of the hay, the funnel cake. I always met girls at the fair. Maybe it was the oppressive heat, the dirt rings around my neck, the smell of manure or the limited opportunity to see to personal hygiene.
You can’t spend any time at the fair without developing some lifelong friends and lifetime memories. Back in my day, the favorite grandstand shows were acts like The Beach Boys, The Statler Brothers and Up With People. Some of my most indelible memories involve finding and reuniting families with lost children, getting knocked over (along with a table full of ribbons and trophies) by a couple of fighting boar hogs, showering through a garden hose next to a Holstein steer and being one of the first ones to walk the grounds as the sun came up on a brisk summer morning.
The Delaware State Fair belongs to everyone in Delaware and we are so lucky to have it right here in our front yard. Sure, it is great for the local economy, but, for the children who spend the week, it is even greater. They learn more about their interests and learn more about themselves than they would in any other environment.
They grow. They gain independence. They become leaders. They learn responsibility. They mature. They become better Spartans. They don’t know it, but they become better students because of the fair.
Monday, July 25, 2011
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Guidance Counselors on the Road
We’re trying something new this summer.
The Lake Forest High School guidance department is making itself available to parents and students out there in the community. They especially want to see the incoming 9th graders. Why?
9th grade can be a difficult year. It can make or break a successful high school experience. Many students experience their first failing grade in 9th grade.
There are a variety of theories as to why this happens:
• Parents have a tendency to let go and monitor school less when kids start high school
• It often means moving to a new, larger environment where relationships with peers and teachers have to be rebuilt
• They are not adequately prepared for the greater academic demand
• High school teachers teach subjects not students
These theories all have merit, but none of them represent the issue totally. Perhaps to some degree, struggles in ninth grade may be due to fractions of any and/or all of the above.
We want to be sure that parents of 9th graders in Lake Forest know that we want you to stay involved. We want you to monitor your student’s progress. The best way to get started is to be sure you connect with the guidance department.
They are available at the Felton Fire Hall July 7 from 4-7pm; at the Frederica Fire Hall on July 12 from 8a.m. to 4p.m.; and at the Harrington Parks and Recreation Center on July 13 from 8-12 and 4-7. You don’t need an appointment, you can just drop in. If you have questions, please call the high school guidance office at 284-9291 ext.210.
We hope you’ll take advantage of this unique opportunity.
The Lake Forest High School guidance department is making itself available to parents and students out there in the community. They especially want to see the incoming 9th graders. Why?
9th grade can be a difficult year. It can make or break a successful high school experience. Many students experience their first failing grade in 9th grade.
There are a variety of theories as to why this happens:
• Parents have a tendency to let go and monitor school less when kids start high school
• It often means moving to a new, larger environment where relationships with peers and teachers have to be rebuilt
• They are not adequately prepared for the greater academic demand
• High school teachers teach subjects not students
These theories all have merit, but none of them represent the issue totally. Perhaps to some degree, struggles in ninth grade may be due to fractions of any and/or all of the above.
We want to be sure that parents of 9th graders in Lake Forest know that we want you to stay involved. We want you to monitor your student’s progress. The best way to get started is to be sure you connect with the guidance department.
They are available at the Felton Fire Hall July 7 from 4-7pm; at the Frederica Fire Hall on July 12 from 8a.m. to 4p.m.; and at the Harrington Parks and Recreation Center on July 13 from 8-12 and 4-7. You don’t need an appointment, you can just drop in. If you have questions, please call the high school guidance office at 284-9291 ext.210.
We hope you’ll take advantage of this unique opportunity.
Monday, June 13, 2011
Why So Late?
The last day for students this year is June 16. That’s later than usual for us and later than most of the other school districts around us. Why so late?
Remember we started late this year. The first day was Tuesday after Labor Day, September 6. We had several construction projects going on and wanted to be sure they were done.
Of course if you’ve been to the high school this year you know that remodeling both inside and out has continued. Our appreciation goes to the administration, teachers, staff and students for enduring yet another year of disruptions and occasional classroom relocations.
This summer we’ll be undergoing the last piece of remodeling that began with the referendum voters approved in 2006. The newly enclosed courtyard is being painted this week and a beautiful, long lasting, terrazzo floor will be the final step.
The old office area, including principal’s offices, guidance, wellness, nurse, special education, teacher work room is partially gutted now and will be vacated as soon as the staff is done on Friday of this week. That entire area will be redesigned and rebuilt. Front door access to the guidance area will be from the center of the school.
Many of the hallways will get new tile and the last of the brick will be finished on the outside.
Where other districts have moved to tear down 40 year old schools and build new ones that cost 60-80 million dollars, Lake Forest has conservatively breathed new life into its high school with a redesign and upgrade that should make the whole community proud. We’re making plans to show it off at the next I Love Lake Forest Day on October 8.
Next school year we will return to what is a more normal schedule for us. The first day for students will be Monday, August 29, 2011 and the last day will be Friday, June 8, 2012. That’s more like it.
Remember we started late this year. The first day was Tuesday after Labor Day, September 6. We had several construction projects going on and wanted to be sure they were done.
Of course if you’ve been to the high school this year you know that remodeling both inside and out has continued. Our appreciation goes to the administration, teachers, staff and students for enduring yet another year of disruptions and occasional classroom relocations.
This summer we’ll be undergoing the last piece of remodeling that began with the referendum voters approved in 2006. The newly enclosed courtyard is being painted this week and a beautiful, long lasting, terrazzo floor will be the final step.
The old office area, including principal’s offices, guidance, wellness, nurse, special education, teacher work room is partially gutted now and will be vacated as soon as the staff is done on Friday of this week. That entire area will be redesigned and rebuilt. Front door access to the guidance area will be from the center of the school.
Many of the hallways will get new tile and the last of the brick will be finished on the outside.
Where other districts have moved to tear down 40 year old schools and build new ones that cost 60-80 million dollars, Lake Forest has conservatively breathed new life into its high school with a redesign and upgrade that should make the whole community proud. We’re making plans to show it off at the next I Love Lake Forest Day on October 8.
Next school year we will return to what is a more normal schedule for us. The first day for students will be Monday, August 29, 2011 and the last day will be Friday, June 8, 2012. That’s more like it.
Thursday, June 2, 2011
School Budget Looks Bleak
We’re in the last month for action on the school budget. The Governor presented his budget months ago and it included $36 million in cuts to the public schools. Last September school districts in Delaware received a total of $24 million from the Federal Government aimed at preserving local jobs. It’s called Edjobs money and it can only be used for salaries and fixed costs at the school level. Lake Forest, like most districts, sat on that money to use it to plug holes for next school year – FY12.
As you can see, 24 is significantly smaller than 36, so the hole didn’t get plugged. We have a $12 million dollar hole.
Here’s how this plays out for Lake Forest:
The proposed budget reduces support for school transportation by 10% across the board. For Lake Forest that amounts to $231,200. We have no local control over the actual costs of buses and bus runs because it is all determined by state formula. And the number of buses allowed in the district has always been in the hands of the state transportation office. Edjobs money cannot be used for this. So, our only options are to reduce the number of buses or use $231K of local money to maintain services. Fewer buses on the road mean longer runs and more students on each bus.
The proposed budget cuts $635,000 from Lake Forest by not replacing the loss of federal dollars (Stimulus and stabilization money) that have been used to pay for Education Tax Relief and other former state budgeted initiatives. In Lake Forest we have used this money for a variety of things including School Resource Officers, tutoring and summer school.
Finally, the proposed budget eliminates something called the flexibility block grant which used to be around $350,000 and was slashed last year down to $163,500.
So, Lake Forest is facing a possible loss of $1+ million in a variety of areas and we have $800,000, our share of Edjobs money for this one year. There is no more discretionary money.
All districts have been reducing positions and programs over the last couple of years. Even though we have the same number of students and Race to the Top has added to the work load. Next year will be tough and FY13 will be really ugly.
To add insult to injury, there appears to be a surplus of around $320 million in the Delaware budget right now. The Governor has proposed and the General Assembly seems poised in support to spend it on a lot of 1 shot allocations – roads, buildings, etc. Pretty smart, huh?
I don’t know. I have a prediction. You will soon see a referendum to increase the local school tax to replace the loss of state dollars, not only in Lake Forest but in other districts around the state. We are apparently awash in money with $320 million surplus and $100 million in Race to the Top Funds and districts will be reducing services and slashing more jobs than ever in FY13.
"Water, water everywhere,
And all the boards did shrink
Water, water everywhere
Nor any drop to drink."
from *The Rime of the Ancient Mariner* by Samuel Taylor Coleridge
As you can see, 24 is significantly smaller than 36, so the hole didn’t get plugged. We have a $12 million dollar hole.
Here’s how this plays out for Lake Forest:
The proposed budget reduces support for school transportation by 10% across the board. For Lake Forest that amounts to $231,200. We have no local control over the actual costs of buses and bus runs because it is all determined by state formula. And the number of buses allowed in the district has always been in the hands of the state transportation office. Edjobs money cannot be used for this. So, our only options are to reduce the number of buses or use $231K of local money to maintain services. Fewer buses on the road mean longer runs and more students on each bus.
The proposed budget cuts $635,000 from Lake Forest by not replacing the loss of federal dollars (Stimulus and stabilization money) that have been used to pay for Education Tax Relief and other former state budgeted initiatives. In Lake Forest we have used this money for a variety of things including School Resource Officers, tutoring and summer school.
Finally, the proposed budget eliminates something called the flexibility block grant which used to be around $350,000 and was slashed last year down to $163,500.
So, Lake Forest is facing a possible loss of $1+ million in a variety of areas and we have $800,000, our share of Edjobs money for this one year. There is no more discretionary money.
All districts have been reducing positions and programs over the last couple of years. Even though we have the same number of students and Race to the Top has added to the work load. Next year will be tough and FY13 will be really ugly.
To add insult to injury, there appears to be a surplus of around $320 million in the Delaware budget right now. The Governor has proposed and the General Assembly seems poised in support to spend it on a lot of 1 shot allocations – roads, buildings, etc. Pretty smart, huh?
I don’t know. I have a prediction. You will soon see a referendum to increase the local school tax to replace the loss of state dollars, not only in Lake Forest but in other districts around the state. We are apparently awash in money with $320 million surplus and $100 million in Race to the Top Funds and districts will be reducing services and slashing more jobs than ever in FY13.
"Water, water everywhere,
And all the boards did shrink
Water, water everywhere
Nor any drop to drink."
from *The Rime of the Ancient Mariner* by Samuel Taylor Coleridge
Friday, May 20, 2011
What do you do when you're mad?
Perhaps it’s the stress of the economy or simply the pressures of the closing of the year. I’ve been getting a few more calls from parents than usual. That’s what I get for being accessible I guess.
I try to return all calls within 24 hours and sometimes, if you catch me in, I am available for those who just drop in.
Why do they come to the superintendent? They're mad. Mad at their child’s teacher. Mad at the coach. Mad at the bus driver. Mad at the principal. Usually their madness is based upon something their child has told them. They presume that their child was 100% accurate in his/her retelling of an event at school in which they believe they were treated unfairly.
It is amazing how many believe going to the top will get the action they need. What I usually end up doing is counseling the parent to return to the chain of command and discuss what happened with the adult who was there. So, based upon more than 30 years of helping people in my community resolve their problems with the local school I offer these tips.
• When your child comes home from school crying or complaining about an incident in which they believe they were not treated with fairness, take what they say with a grain of salt. I’m not suggesting that your child is lying. I’m just suggesting that he is telling of the event from his perspective.
• Ask your child the name of the adult who made the decision that presently upsets them. (Bus Driver Bob, teacher Mrs. Cadaver, Coach Dragon) Contact the school and ask for an appointment to meet with that person. You would be surprised how clearer the picture gets when you hear another point of view. We all see better when we use both eyes.
• Don’t go to the appointment mad. Wait a day or two and cool down. If you are angry when you meet, things will not go well. What does the fact that you are angry have to do with the truth? Stay calm, tell the individual what your child has told you and indicate you want to hear his/her perspective before you jump to judgment.
• If, after hearing the other point of view, you are convinced the matter was poorly handled and you were unable to reach some reasonable resolution then you move up the change to the supervisor.
• For most issues, that would be the principal. Make an appointment to see the principal
• If there is no satisfaction from meeting with the principal, then contact me.
Years ago a parent called me to complain about a poor teacher. I asked her what she thought of the principal of the school. She loved him – thought he was a great principal. I told her that from what she was telling me, I would have to fire the principal because he was allowing a poor teacher to continue in the profession. Doing something with an ineffective teacher was not my job, but his. It was my job to deal with ineffective principals.
Jumping to the superintendent over something that could well be a misunderstanding and easily resolved with a little conversation in the classroom is like reaching for the shotgun when all you need is a flyswatter. Make that call. 99% of the issues get resolved at that level. Believe me. You’ll be glad you did and your child will learn how to resolve problems by your example.
I try to return all calls within 24 hours and sometimes, if you catch me in, I am available for those who just drop in.
Why do they come to the superintendent? They're mad. Mad at their child’s teacher. Mad at the coach. Mad at the bus driver. Mad at the principal. Usually their madness is based upon something their child has told them. They presume that their child was 100% accurate in his/her retelling of an event at school in which they believe they were treated unfairly.
It is amazing how many believe going to the top will get the action they need. What I usually end up doing is counseling the parent to return to the chain of command and discuss what happened with the adult who was there. So, based upon more than 30 years of helping people in my community resolve their problems with the local school I offer these tips.
• When your child comes home from school crying or complaining about an incident in which they believe they were not treated with fairness, take what they say with a grain of salt. I’m not suggesting that your child is lying. I’m just suggesting that he is telling of the event from his perspective.
• Ask your child the name of the adult who made the decision that presently upsets them. (Bus Driver Bob, teacher Mrs. Cadaver, Coach Dragon) Contact the school and ask for an appointment to meet with that person. You would be surprised how clearer the picture gets when you hear another point of view. We all see better when we use both eyes.
• Don’t go to the appointment mad. Wait a day or two and cool down. If you are angry when you meet, things will not go well. What does the fact that you are angry have to do with the truth? Stay calm, tell the individual what your child has told you and indicate you want to hear his/her perspective before you jump to judgment.
• If, after hearing the other point of view, you are convinced the matter was poorly handled and you were unable to reach some reasonable resolution then you move up the change to the supervisor.
• For most issues, that would be the principal. Make an appointment to see the principal
• If there is no satisfaction from meeting with the principal, then contact me.
Years ago a parent called me to complain about a poor teacher. I asked her what she thought of the principal of the school. She loved him – thought he was a great principal. I told her that from what she was telling me, I would have to fire the principal because he was allowing a poor teacher to continue in the profession. Doing something with an ineffective teacher was not my job, but his. It was my job to deal with ineffective principals.
Jumping to the superintendent over something that could well be a misunderstanding and easily resolved with a little conversation in the classroom is like reaching for the shotgun when all you need is a flyswatter. Make that call. 99% of the issues get resolved at that level. Believe me. You’ll be glad you did and your child will learn how to resolve problems by your example.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
The Cost of Gas and Education
A few weeks ago I was traveling back from West Virginia and I decided to check the accuracy of the gas gauge in my car. On the control panel is a button to push that tells me how many more miles I can travel before I run out of fuel. I was on that long stretch of I-68, East of Cumberland, Maryland , where there were no gas stations. So, I pushed beyond my comfort level.
Finally, with only 20 miles of gas left, I pulled off the highway in search of petrol.
I drive a late model Jeep Wrangler with a six cylinder engine. Filling it up that day with a near empty tank cost around $74. Shocking! I was unprepared for my first experience of $70+ for a tank of gas.
As gas approaches $4 per gallon in Delaware, it helps to keep our costs in perspective. At least we’re not Dutch. According to GTZ, The German Technical Cooperation, gasoline in the Netherlands costs $9.54 a gallon this April. In the UK, if you were renting a car while waiting for the royal wedding this week, you’d pay the equivalent of $8.29.
You want cheap gas? Go to Venezuela for $.09 a gallon. In Nigeria it’s $1.67 and in Saudi Arabia it’s only $.67 a gallon.
No thanks. I’ll pay whatever the cost, right here in the USA.
We all know that while gas prices go up, stressing the family budget, many other things we need begin to cost more as a result. Unless we grew it in our yard or built it from home grown products, there is nothing we buy that isn’t affected by the cost of gas. Most everything is trucked into our area and petroleum was likely used in some step of its construction. As we prepare to pay more for food and consumer goods, we have to be prepared to pay more for the education of our children as well.
We begin each day by bringing them to school in the big yellow taxi. Those who can’t walk to school and choose not to ride the bus, often are brought by family members in petroleum dependent vehicles. Once they get to school, they may have a nutritious breakfast, which will no doubt cost more. In class they’ll need books and paper and pencils and markers and computers and lights and heat and air conditioning and all the usual things. Most, I expect will be costing more due to some connection to oil.
So, expect it.
Finally, with only 20 miles of gas left, I pulled off the highway in search of petrol.
I drive a late model Jeep Wrangler with a six cylinder engine. Filling it up that day with a near empty tank cost around $74. Shocking! I was unprepared for my first experience of $70+ for a tank of gas.
As gas approaches $4 per gallon in Delaware, it helps to keep our costs in perspective. At least we’re not Dutch. According to GTZ, The German Technical Cooperation, gasoline in the Netherlands costs $9.54 a gallon this April. In the UK, if you were renting a car while waiting for the royal wedding this week, you’d pay the equivalent of $8.29.
You want cheap gas? Go to Venezuela for $.09 a gallon. In Nigeria it’s $1.67 and in Saudi Arabia it’s only $.67 a gallon.
No thanks. I’ll pay whatever the cost, right here in the USA.
We all know that while gas prices go up, stressing the family budget, many other things we need begin to cost more as a result. Unless we grew it in our yard or built it from home grown products, there is nothing we buy that isn’t affected by the cost of gas. Most everything is trucked into our area and petroleum was likely used in some step of its construction. As we prepare to pay more for food and consumer goods, we have to be prepared to pay more for the education of our children as well.
We begin each day by bringing them to school in the big yellow taxi. Those who can’t walk to school and choose not to ride the bus, often are brought by family members in petroleum dependent vehicles. Once they get to school, they may have a nutritious breakfast, which will no doubt cost more. In class they’ll need books and paper and pencils and markers and computers and lights and heat and air conditioning and all the usual things. Most, I expect will be costing more due to some connection to oil.
So, expect it.
Monday, April 4, 2011
Screen Free Week
“Turn that thing off and go outside!” I seem to remember my mother barking at me.
We had just one black and white TV and 3 channels that came to us via the antenna strapped to our chimney. Back in the 60s the “boob tube” could mesmerize us and turn us into carpet spuds in spite of the limited shows and 1st generation special effects. Is it any wonder that now, with all the channels and variety of programming, not to mention video games, computers and even cell phones that will show videos, that we have a childhood obesity problem?
On April 18-24, children around the world will be asked to celebrate Screen-Free Week (formerly TV-Turnoff) by turning off televisions, computers, and video games and turning on the world around them. Given the links between screen time and childhood obesity, as well as other health and social problems I’m asking parents and grandparents and guardians of all kinds to get on board.
According to Susan Linn, Ed.D., Director of the Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood and Instructor in Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School preschool children, on average, spend over four and a half hours a day consuming screen media, while older children spend over 7 hours a day. Excessive screen time is linked to a number of problems for children, including childhood obesity, poor school performance, attention span issues and psychological difficulties. And it’s primarily through screens that children are exposed to harmful marketing. That’s why interventions like Screen-Free Week – which get children actively playing with peers and spending quality time with their families – are more important than ever. Reduced screen time can help prevent childhood obesity and lead to better school and health outcomes.
At the risk of stating the obvious, parents need to model for their children just how to do this. Don’t announce from on high that there will be no TV, video games or computer games; then proceed with your own routines. Give them some options and join in with them if you’re fit enough.
Just what do you do? First, make sure homework is done and if the computer is necessary for doing homework, it should be allowed. But only for completing assignments.
Then consider going low tech. Do you have some old board games? Scrabble? Checkers? Chess? Parcheesi?
Teach them a game from your childhood – does anyone play jacks anymore? It’s great for eye-hand coordination.
Go outside. Bird watch. Throw a Frisbee. Play kickball. Take a walk. Ride bikes. Plant a garden.
Oh, here’s a good one – read! Set aside a time for everyone in the house to read. It doesn’t matter what – magazine or novel, comic book or cookbook. Just read.
Screen Free Week starts April 18. Get to know your family again.
We had just one black and white TV and 3 channels that came to us via the antenna strapped to our chimney. Back in the 60s the “boob tube” could mesmerize us and turn us into carpet spuds in spite of the limited shows and 1st generation special effects. Is it any wonder that now, with all the channels and variety of programming, not to mention video games, computers and even cell phones that will show videos, that we have a childhood obesity problem?
On April 18-24, children around the world will be asked to celebrate Screen-Free Week (formerly TV-Turnoff) by turning off televisions, computers, and video games and turning on the world around them. Given the links between screen time and childhood obesity, as well as other health and social problems I’m asking parents and grandparents and guardians of all kinds to get on board.
According to Susan Linn, Ed.D., Director of the Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood and Instructor in Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School preschool children, on average, spend over four and a half hours a day consuming screen media, while older children spend over 7 hours a day. Excessive screen time is linked to a number of problems for children, including childhood obesity, poor school performance, attention span issues and psychological difficulties. And it’s primarily through screens that children are exposed to harmful marketing. That’s why interventions like Screen-Free Week – which get children actively playing with peers and spending quality time with their families – are more important than ever. Reduced screen time can help prevent childhood obesity and lead to better school and health outcomes.
At the risk of stating the obvious, parents need to model for their children just how to do this. Don’t announce from on high that there will be no TV, video games or computer games; then proceed with your own routines. Give them some options and join in with them if you’re fit enough.
Just what do you do? First, make sure homework is done and if the computer is necessary for doing homework, it should be allowed. But only for completing assignments.
Then consider going low tech. Do you have some old board games? Scrabble? Checkers? Chess? Parcheesi?
Teach them a game from your childhood – does anyone play jacks anymore? It’s great for eye-hand coordination.
Go outside. Bird watch. Throw a Frisbee. Play kickball. Take a walk. Ride bikes. Plant a garden.
Oh, here’s a good one – read! Set aside a time for everyone in the house to read. It doesn’t matter what – magazine or novel, comic book or cookbook. Just read.
Screen Free Week starts April 18. Get to know your family again.
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