The Observation Deck

I'm afraid I have a different view of homework than Ivor's ... when I was in elementary, I had several teachers that REFUSED to give homework, because they thought it was important we still had time to be kids, that we didn't need to grow up too fast. My fifth grade teacher was especially touting this ... he suggested that we spend a bit more time reading, especially books that appealed to us, because he said school was only going to get harder as we went along, and there would be intense pressure on us to grow up quicker ... we should enjoy our childhoods while we still could!

Must've worked ... I've got advanced degrees, I'm getting my first book published, I've contributed to historical documentaries and exhibits ... and to this day, I don't regret not having too much homework. Perhaps it's different today, but I don't think so ... in fact, as I observe the children of my friends, I see the pressure to grow up and learn more and more getting even more intense, and I don't see kids being kids as much as they used to. That's just as important as math or science (and as much as my algebra teacher would hate to hear me say this, I've NEVER used algebra a day in my life after his class was over ... it proved utterly useless and a waste of time).

I dunno, maybe I'm turning into a fuddy-duddy already ...

Suzie Dean wrote: Richard,

How can you say that some teachers may have a better handle on the use of technology when a majority of the teachers haven't even had the chance to even use their board because....IT DOES NOT WORK!!!

Most of the classrooms I visited had fully functioning technology - some nifty use of websites and powerpoint presentations. Some teachers commented that they are still getting use to the technology.

One classroom did have an overhead projecter.

I am only commenting on my personal experience, not the school as awhole.

Katrina Holmes wrote:Diane - that is funny you should say that because according to my daughter (who is at Garfield) all of the "bad" kids from her elementary school where going to Harding. I think sometimes, what is the saying "Perception is reality." Maybe that is the perception of some parents, but reality is it really isn't a "rougher crowd" from what I have seen.

Katrina, I agree with you. That's why when the parents were so worried I just said, well, I'm sending my child to Garfield (which is where he was slated to go). Frankly, I think the mix in the schools is probably the same citywide. Kids are kids - good and bad. I just didn't worry about what was ahead.

Sometimes we can 'borrow trouble' by having expectations instead of waiting to see what happens and trying to be positive. I choose the positive route.

So, onward and upward. I feel it's going to be a good year for both of my kids.

c. dawson wrote:I'm afraid I have a different view of homework than Ivor's ... when I was in elementary, I had several teachers that REFUSED to give homework, because they thought it was important we still had time to be kids, that we didn't need to grow up too fast. My fifth grade teacher was especially touting this ... he suggested that we spend a bit more time reading, especially books that appealed to us, because he said school was only going to get harder as we went along, and there would be intense pressure on us to grow up quicker ... we should enjoy our childhoods while we still could!

Must've worked ... I've got advanced degrees, I'm getting my first book published, I've contributed to historical documentaries and exhibits ... and to this day, I don't regret not having too much homework. Perhaps it's different today, but I don't think so ... in fact, as I observe the children of my friends, I see the pressure to grow up and learn more and more getting even more intense, and I don't see kids being kids as much as they used to. That's just as important as math or science (and as much as my algebra teacher would hate to hear me say this, I've NEVER used algebra a day in my life after his class was over ... it proved utterly useless and a waste of time).

I dunno, maybe I'm turning into a fuddy-duddy already ...

I agree. Six hours of schooling for young kids is enough that they don't need hours of homework. I know there was a recent study published (sorry don't know the details) quoting the benefits of not having homework. I think at the high school level there should be more for sure! And parents can always include their own activities to supplement what is going on with the schools. But at the high school level, I could barely lift my son's backpack, let alone carry it around, and it always rips before the year ends!

For kids to enjoy learning they need a balance but that is just my opinion. All through the college level we have to take classes we will never use, much like algebra so we are "well rounded"!

I have read through all the posts about both Middle Schools.

I am 40 years old and I went to Harding many moons ago. And even back then it was Emerson had the bad kids or nope Harding did so that has gone on and on is what my point is there.

Next I understand that all the technology wasn't working at open house but hey our kids have a building to go to. SO the tech stuff doesn't work right away HEY GUESS WHAT they didn't have that stuff last year. I am sure your child learned something anyway.

As far as the numbers that I do not know about. But I will look into.

But as far as the "overcrowding" I have a child in 8th and 6th and the classrooms were full of parents. So I don't get the overcrowding thing either.

For the record I am the PTSA PRESIDENT AT HARDING. I say stop the *itching and GET INVOLVED IN SCHOOL parents can make a difference.