Cherie's Random Thoughts

Today I was reading an email I received from ASCD. Within an article listed in the email on "Schools as Guardians of Democracy" the following statistics were given: Less than one-third of our nation's 8th graders can identify the historical purpose of the Declaration of Independence. Fewer than one in five high school students are able to explain how citizen participation benefits democracy. And nearly 100 million U.S. citizens who were eligible to vote didn't exercise that right during the 2008 presidential election. This is extremely alarming to me. How do students go through 8 years of civil/American history and not know this fact. Why do high school students not know why they should vote, advocate for change, etc? What is ever sadder that in a population of 300 million, 100 million decided to say I do not care? Unfortunately, we are learning the hard way that who we vote for makes a difference. That the things we neglect to spend five minutes on to review eac...

Survivors--Found by Joan Murray

Every time I hear Stanley's story, I am reminded of the power of miracles. Listening to his story, makes me wonder are we ever truly aware when danger is near. This man looked at the Grim Reaper (a plane) right in the eye and won. If you don't believe in miracles you should listen to his story, it will make you believe! On this 10 year anniversary of 9-11 we all must take time to reflect and pay tribute to all that were lost that day. http://www.time.com/time/beyond911/#StanleyPraimnath Cherie

O.K. Friends and Family: I am participating in the 3-day walk this year a crew member at Pit 2. Although, I will be working vs. walking, I would still like to raise some funds for the cause. Can we say 1500 or 150 people donate 10 dollars or if you are feeling generous donate more. This will be my 5th, I walked in four 3-day walks (2005, 2008, 2009, 2010). Please spread the word. You can donate at http://www.the3day.org/goto/ch eriecrosbynumber5 Thanks in advance, Cherie :)

Supersized Buyouts for School Chiefs Scrutinized

I just finished Good Neighbors by Ryan David Jahn , which is a fictionalized portrayal of the 1964 death of Kitty Genovese . The book provides you with a unique perspective of what "good neighbors" could possible be doing as a fellow neighbor is stabbed. Each of the neighbors have very different and real problems which prevent them from acting on the screams they hear during the middle of the night. Each neighbor believes someone else will call the police but no one does much like the true story of Genovese . It's sad to think that we would not act upon the screams of another. As a person, who has lived in the same apartment complex (3 different apts ) for the past 14 years, I always notice the in and outs of my neighbors. If I do not here them, I become concern; and will often act upon it. An example of this occurred about seven or eight years ago, when one of my neighbors, who usually made a tremendous amount of noise began to cough violently one night....