I just have to comment on this -- Lynelle Shire, a social worker who was driven out of 
Seward Montessori, I believe because of her true advocacy for all kids, and who is one 
of the most creative minds in dealing with kids in trouble, told me when we first 
started trying to figure out ways to get African American parents
more involved in our school, that the best thing you can do with any kid is to give 
them the chance to be leaders.  That the kids who are the biggest pain can often be 
turned around by having them work with younger children or giving them the chance to 
be a leader in something.  Some obviously can't handle it, but it is
amazing what happens to many kids who are given responsibility and where the 
expectation is that they can do something important well.  I don't begrudge your 10 
year old being challenged, etc., but we need to find ways to pull in the kids who 
maybe don't come in academically oriented so that they get something out of
the school environment besides a rep for being bad, and then they have an investment 
in the school community. .    diane wiley, powderhorn

[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:

> Greetings, again,
>
> I agree with Mr Schmid that there are alternatives to funding.  No doubt the Federal 
>Government could handle this with no problems.
>
> I do take issue with the glorification of athletes and the derision of the 
>intellectual.
>
> My 10 year old is not much different than most.  He is middle of the road in math, 
>and english, but is accelerated in reading.  Is he being encouraged to read better! 
>YES! Is he reading at a higher level than many other kids?  YES!
>
> He also has been identified as a child with leadership potential.  He has been asked 
>by his teachers to help other kids with their work and to be a leader.  Is that wrong?
>
> As to the private school being a safer haven than the public schools. Let me relate 
>to you the story told to me by a parent of a Catholic grade school student who was 
>beaten up, rather severely, by other students.  Private school is no safer. They just 
>have the option to kick you kid out - the public schools do not.
>
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