Uniquely you!

Tomorrow is a blank page just waiting to be filled with your dreams...all you have to do is be yourself and live the story of your unique life. Be proud. Be confident. Be happy.Be you!

Quote of the day!

Never let anyone's criticism or judgement stop you from becoming who God has created you to be...

Do have a fab weekend!

Be Beautiful,Be you!

The beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears, the figure that she carries, or the way she combs her hair. The beauty of a woman is seen in her eyes, because that is the doorway to her heart, the place where love resides. True beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul. It's the caring that she lovingly gives, the passion that she shows & the beauty of a woman only grows with passing years.
We all have that beauty in us.

Let it shine!

Quote of the day

"The only time you should look back in life, is to see how far you have come" Kevin Hart.

Parent Group Calls for John King’s Resignation as NYS Education Commissioner!

I came across this post by Anthony Picciano a Urban Education Professor and couldn't resist sharing it with you.(I have always being intrigued by policies of the Urban Education especially the new common core standards, standardized testing and all.Well,here it is!

Dear Commons Community,

Amid the controversy of the implementation of the Common Core Curriculum in New York, some parents are calling for the resignation of the Commissioner of Education, John King. After last year’s poorly planned implementation of the Common Core, King was to meet with parent groups around the state to explain the program. As reported in The Huffington Post:

“Many [parents] were enraged last week after King canceled a tour of Common Core town hall meetings — scheduled to take place across the state — after only attending one in Poughkeepsie on Oct. 10.

Videos show the town hall became boisterous, with crowds shouting at and heckling King from the audience.

One parent shouted from the audience that her child was being taught curriculum “like a little Nazi” while King’s children were “prospering in the freedom of a private Montessori school.” When the town hall was cut short, audience members shouted “Where’s our hour?” and “Where’s your representation for parents?”

The next day, the New York State PTA Facebook Page announced that King’s office decided to cancel the remaining four town hall meetings.

“While our goal was to provide an opportunity to learn and share, based on review of the initial October 10 meeting, the Commissioner concluded the outcome was not constructive for those taking the time to attend,” the post read.

On Monday, King said he would work with the Parent Teacher Association to try and plan other forums for parents. However, he said “special interest” groups at the Poughkeepsie meeting made it impossible for a constructive dialogue to take place, according to Capital New York.

Now, parent groups aligned with New York State Allies For Public Education are calling for King’s resignation, saying he “refuses to participate in the democratic process and refuses to hear the concerns of parents.” They’ve also taken issue with his insinuation that parents constitute as “special interests,” according to a press release.

The groups have called on parents, educators and concerned citizens to call and write state politicians to express their lack of confidence in the leader.”

The responsibility does not rest simply with the Commissioner but also with the NYS Board of Regents that oversees King’s department.  The Board approved and defended the implementation of the Common Core even though many if not most school districts including New York City were not ready to handle it.  The result was the majority of students scoring poorly on state standardized assessment tests.

What do you think of this?

Lara Jinadu's Book of the week...

The Apple Tree's Discovery by Peninnah Schram.

You've got a star in you! Believe it!

Quote of the day...

When walking on a thin rope,keep moving forward...keep your eyes on the prize...Do have a blessed day.   Larajinadu.

Special Needs Students elected to Homecoming Court

Lemont High School Elects Special Needs Students to Homecoming Court

 

Everyone has a role to play on planet Earth...

 

Out of the school's eight students elected to Lemont's homecoming court, four of them are special needs students ,this includes queen Becka Konicki, who has Down syndrome.

                

 

Lemont High School's 2013 homecoming queen and king, Becka Konicki and Alex Keating. Photo Credit: Lemont High School                          

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Homecoming is an exciting time of year for many high school students, particularly those who are chosen as king and queen.

This year, homecoming court took on a new meaning at Lemont High School, where students worked to elect students who they thought truly deserved the honor.

During an all-school assembly Sept. 27, four students with special needs were named to this year's homecoming court. Three of the students—senior queen Becka Konicki, sophomore prince Isaac Ziebell and freshman princess Michaela Tauer—have Down syndrome.


"These kids are all great students who contribute a lot to the culture of our school and community, despite the personal obstacles they face every day," said Christi Flores, Director of Special Education Services at Lemont. "They don't always have the opportunity to shine, so I think recognizing them in this way was pretty incredible."

Rounding out the homecoming court was senior king Alex Keating, junior princess Autumn Rita, sophomore princess Annie Ernst and freshman prince Sam Valone.

Every year, the homecoming voting process kicks off with nominations from faculty. After nominations are received, students cast their votes by class.

Student Council sponsor Elizabeth Raimondi said teachers in the Special Education department nominated several of their students this year. Once they made the ballot, the entire school seemed to rally behind them, even creating Facebook groups to get out the vote.

"The students who made homecoming court won with an overwhelming amount of votes," Raimondi said. "I think the school just embraced the idea early on."

Raimondi said this year's court represents what Lemont is all about.

"I've been doing this for a long time and this year was without a doubt one of the most special homecomings we've had," Raimondi said. "These are the moments that really show the character of our students and make Lemont High School a place we can all be proud of."

Flores said this year's homecoming was one teachers and students will never forget.

"These kids are as much a part of this school as anyone else," Flores said. "For them to be recognized by their peers is really touching, and it boosts their self-esteem like you wouldn't believe. They were so proud and so happy, and I think we were all right there with them."

 

Kudos to the team!

Long live the king and queen!

We look forward to Home coming 2014!