$160 Million??

Firefighters, cops and teachers. These three professions make up the back bone of civilization. No police, anarchy. No firefighters, no protection from fires. No teachers, ignorance. But if there was no football, would society fall apart? Would anarchy reign supreme? I think no.

Now do not misunderstand, I do not begrudge that cornerback from the Jets for making his money. I have an issue with those making it possible....us. We watch the news where a QB from the Steelers is accused of sexual misconduct but we buy his jersey. A Ravens LB allegedly murders two people in Fla and the case gets tossed out but we buy the jersey. We say they are overpaid but we buy tickets, jerseys and pay to see the games on TV. But let a politician raise a tax to pay cops or firefighters more...or to hire more teachers and watch the sparks fly.

Is is possible that we need to rethink our priorities as a nation? Unemployment and crime are up, and graduation rates are down. But try to get a ticket for a Redskins, Steelers or Ravens game and they are sold out.

When did you actually eat dinner as a family that was prepared at home? When did you ask your child how school was and really listen to their answer? But I'll bet you know the pre-season record of the NFL team that you follow!

I guess that shows were our priorities as a nation are.

Stay tuned

Just got moved semi-out of the classroom into a tech support teacher role. Any cool tools that you have discovered that I can explore and share with others at my school? Especially those that have to do with collaboration and/or portfolios.

Wimpy Kid?

Check out this pic! I "wimped" myself! Cool mini-ap that fans of the Wimpy Kid books might enjoy!

Wireless is coming!

It appears that my school is going to finally become wireless. We appear to also be getting additional computers. We have many teachers in this building who at tech-no-phobes. Just the idea of using a computer for grading scares them. As a result, they do not have kids using them either. Now I realize that technology is not always the best way to go...hands-on science/math is often a better choice...but what suggestions do you have for getting the resisters on board with technology?

NOVA 5000

I finally found someone here who can get the NOVA's to go live! Cannot wait to use them. Fourier has a great website for such things. Once the kids get a chance to play with, I mean use them, I'll post again about how they did it!

Low Tech question

Got these really old microscopes at my school. The stage keeps moving after the kids take their hands off of the adjustment knobs. Can it be tightened?

Teaching Grown-ups

Taught my first ever class to adults on Friday. I have given workshops and have presented at state and local conferences, but this teaching of a hybrid course is a first for me. Any one have any suggestions?