Washington Post: Prince George’s schools make steady progress but continue to face challenges (Columbia: appointed, renting)

[JosephineBeth]

In regards to the concept of athletics and music and the parents - These are conversations on reality I have with my daughter. My 10th grader loves to write and draw. While I don't want to "harsh on her mallow" I am a realist. So I constantly strive for a balance. She loves theater so I've made sure she has some exposure to the concept you can be involved in theater for your whole life regardless if it is a vocation. There are plenty of opportunities out there. Same with writing and art. However you still have to put food on the table. That's the fact. Encouragement and realism and belief all have to meld into something that shows you really believe in the talents but that life sometimes means you have to find ways to incorporate what you are good at in a way you don't necessarily expect.

She and I went to the National Book Festival last weekend and had the privilege of hearing Stephen Carter speak. Wonderful speaker and he spoke eloquently about the way he writes, when he writes, how he writes. He said he was so passionate about writing fiction that it often drained him - enough so when his wife came to ask him if he was going to bed he first asked "when's lunch?"..and he contrasted that with his non fiction writing which he has a different sort of passion for - but it is more regimented to him. He doesn't get lost in it - and it generally is related to his work as a Professor. There are often times you can do many things you like - it just might not look the way you expect. I want her to have the realistic view that (for example) being a writer means more than just writing what you like when you want to write it. Deadlines come, pressure is on, and you have to write when you don't want too. As Spike from BTVS would often say "It's not moonbeams and pennywhistle's" all around :-)

[UrbanScholar]

Originally Posted by JosephineBeth

In regards to the concept of athletics and music and the parents - These are conversations on reality I have with my daughter. My 10th grader loves to write and draw. While I don't want to "harsh on her mallow" I am a realist. So I constantly strive for a balance. She loves theater so I've made sure she has some exposure to the concept you can be involved in theater for your whole life regardless if it is a vocation. There are plenty of opportunities out there. Same with writing and art. However you still have to put food on the table. That's the fact. Encouragement and realism and belief all have to meld into something that shows you really believe in the talents but that life sometimes means you have to find ways to incorporate what you are good at in a way you don't necessarily expect.

She and I went to the National Book Festival last weekend and had the privilege of hearing Stephen Carter speak. Wonderful speaker and he spoke eloquently about the way he writes, when he writes, how he writes. He said he was so passionate about writing fiction that it often drained him - enough so when his wife came to ask him if he was going to bed he first asked "when's lunch?"..and he contrasted that with his non fiction writing which he has a different sort of passion for - but it is more regimented to him. He doesn't get lost in it - and it generally is related to his work as a Professor. There are often times you can do many things you like - it just might not look the way you expect. I want her to have the realistic view that (for example) being a writer means more than just writing what you like when you want to write it. Deadlines come, pressure is on, and you have to write when you don't want too. As Spike from BTVS would often say "It's not moonbeams and pennywhistle's" all around :-)

You're right on point. There is nothing wrong with supporting you're child's interests but as a parent you need to promote a well rounded life. I grew up in a predominately black and poor community but my parent were committed to exposing us to all aspects of life, supported our interests but always underlined that a proper education is needed for everything and you need to have the flexibility to change be it by desire or necessity. An education allows you to do so.

[justtitans]

Prince George’s officials lose jobs after internal investigation - The Washington Post

Right on cue....

[UrbanScholar]

Originally Posted by pgtitans

Prince George’s officials lose jobs after internal investigation - The Washington Post

Right on cue....

Cudos on taking action but I am confused as to why they would take the risk. What was in it for them?

[CommonsenseDMV]

Looks like they are still trying to root out Jack Johnson's cronies and it will take some time dear.

[North Beach Person]

Originally Posted by CommonsenseDMV

Looks like they are still trying to root out Jack Johnson's cronies and it will take some time dear.

Nothing to do with Jack Johnson. These folks were Hite's and Deasy's.

[Zimar]

Was Hite good or bad? And why did Philadelphia want him?

[justtitans]

Originally Posted by Zimar

Was Hite good or bad? And why did Philadelphia want him?

He was bad. There have been a lot of rumors of corruption, and some tangible evidence of it as well. He also, in my opinion, did a poor job managing the system and improving it. As far as Philly wanting him, it probably had a lot to do with the fact that he has the credentials of running such a large school system, but honestly given the track record that I have heard of Philly's schools, I would imagine that they would be happy that anyone like Hite would take the job because Philly's schools aren't even on the same level as PG and that's not saying much at all.

[justtitans]

Originally Posted by UrbanScholar

Cudos on taking action but I am confused as to why they would take the risk. What was in it for them?

Doesn't seem to make sense, but I'm guessing they probably thought they would get away with it, which is silly. I mean for people to be representing students and to misuse this type of money just flies in the face of this system being "Children First". It's complete nonsense to think that anyone should take that slogan serious. I'm really hoping that they begin to clean house. It would be amazing to see what this school system can do with people who actually care about the education of these young minds.

[Zimar]

Originally Posted by pgtitans

Doesn't seem to make sense, but I'm guessing they probably thought they would get away with it, which is silly. I mean for people to be representing students and to misuse this type of money just flies in the face of this system being "Children First". It's complete nonsense to think that anyone should take that slogan serious. I'm really hoping that they begin to clean house. It would be amazing to see what this school system can do with people who actually care about the education of these young minds.

I wonder if the new guy (forgot his name) will be any good, since he comes from the land of sugar and lollipops and sunshine and happiness.*






*Also known as Northern Virginia