Arizona has the distinct honor of being one of the worst states in the country in which to either be a teacher, or a student.
We are frighteningly close to being awarded The Dumbest State Award (2nd in line for those keeping track at home - the only time when being a Runner-Up is good), according to the National Academy on Something That Analyzes Testing. You can argue this is due to our large immigrant as well as migrant population, or the fact that outside of Scottsdale, the predominant language is NOT English, or the fact that our high school graduation rate teeters somewhere near the 60% mark. Whatever the reason, its resulted in an abhorrently intellectually inferior student population. If you require anecdotal evidence to prove my point, our best and brightest kids - you know the ones, the kids with the 4.4 GPAs who volunteer, and lead a gazillion groups on campus - those kids? They are denied access to the 'bigger names' in colleges regularly. While they shine here in the Grand Canyon State, they are barely even visible when compared to the rest of the applicant pool.
We are #49 in "Per Pupil Spending". Translated into normal language: Arizona spends less than 48 other states on each child in the classroom. It is not only that our teachers are underpaid when compared to their colleagues in other states, but we spend less on Educational Assistants, infrastructure, learning materials such as books and necessary equipment such as desks. (Oh, but as an aside, our esteemed Co-Interim-Superintendents asked for, and received, a $750 a week stipend, retroactive to October 31st of 2008, for 'all their hard work' as well as a $600 a month car allowance.) If we could avoid problem #1, then problem #2 would be something to shout from the rooftops, but clearly, Arizona has not figured a way to do more with less.
Yet, that is exactly what we are going to have to do. Our Legislature, in their infinite wisdom, has decided to cut over 190 million dollars from the education budget.
I understand that times are tough. Believe me.. I get it. Cuts have to be made everywhere. But these elected officials, who, by the way, mostly either send their kids to private school or home school their children, have cut a greater percentage of its own education budget than any other state in the union.
Let me rephrase that: The state that spends less than 48 states on education cut more than any other state from their education budget.
In my district alone, we will lose 220 teachers for the 09/10 school year. If you were a first or a second year teacher in my district, you were unilaterally RIF'd. (Reduction In Force).
Other districts are taking similar drastic measures: cutting out librarians, art, music and other "specials", going to 4-day school weeks, increasing class sizes beyond mandated numbers.
The teachers stand up. We yell, we scream, we beg to be heard.
But our pleas fall on deaf ears.
Arizona's leaders have proven once again that Arizona is a state that does not respect, understand nor value its children.
Shame on them.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
A meme of Firsts
Firsts...
Once you've been tagged, you are supposed to write a note with these “firsts” about you. At the end, choose 25 people to be tagged. You have to tag the person who tagged you. If I tagged you, it's because I want to know more about you, YOU DON'T HAVE TO BE TAGGED TO DO THE LIST.
1. Who was your FIRST prom date?
Hmm... all-girls school. No prom...
2. Do you still talk to your FIRST love?
I'm still on contact with my first love. Does that count??
3. What was your 1st alcoholic drink?
Intentionally? A screwdriver. Unintentionally? Gulping down my mother's gin & tonic thinking it was my 7-up. THAT was a surprise!!
4. What was your FIRST job?
Retail; stock girl. Worked at my dad's store. Overworked and underpaid!!
5. What was your FIRST car?
Volkswagon Jetta in Arrest Me Red!
6. Who was the FIRST person to text you today?
Facebook texted me with an update.
7. Who is the FIRST person you thought of this morning?
Person? Don't remember. First thought? "Is it Saturday yet?"
8. Who was your FIRST grade teacher?
Ms. Peters at Renbrook School.
9. Where did you go on your FIRST ride on an airplane?
I believe it was from CT to San Francisco
10. Who was your FIRST best friend & do you still talk?
My first best friend (I was 2) was Lara Chin, and no we do not still talk. My oldest childhood (Met at 4 1/2) friend is Elizabeth and YES, we do still talk!
11. Where was your FIRST sleep over?
Non-family?? Most likely at Elizabeth's house.
12. Who was the FIRST person you talked to today?
Parker
13. Whose wedding did you go to the FIRST time?
hmmm.. Ann Cosby's wedding was the first one I went to. I was 3.5 and a flower girl. The first of my friends to get married was Kellee, and I was IN that one.
14. What was the FIRST thing you did this morning?
Switched computer on...
15. What was the FIRST concert you ever went to?
Hmmm... I think it was YES with Alan P.
16. FIRST tattoo?
None.
17. First piercing?
ears at 14. Done the old fashioned way - with needles and ice!
18. First foreign country you've been to?
Canada does not count to a New Englander, so China.
19. FIRST movie you remember seeing?
Lassy Come Home.
20. When was your FIRST detention?
Hmmm... don't think I ever had one...
21. What was the first state you lived in?
California
22. First Pet?
Born into a house with dogs. My OWN first pet? A parakeet
23. If you had one wish?
To win the lottery... a big one.. not a "WOW - you won 472$" lottery...
24. What is something you would learn if you had the chance?
Speak another foreign language. German perhaps...
25. Who do you think will be the next person to post this?
Good question. Stacey perhaps?
26. Who was the first person you really kissed?
Alan P.
27. Who was your first sexual experience with?
See #26
28. What was the first occupation you aspired to be growing up?
I wanted to be a ballerina.. until I took ballet and realized I have 2 left feet
29. Who was your first heartbreak?
There was a guy in middle school who I secretly pined for who never returned my affections. His name escapes me..
30. Who was the first person to tell you they loved you?
Alan
31. If you won 25 million dollars, what would be the first thing you would buy?
a plane ticket to somewhere far away
32. If you won 25 million dollars, who would be the first person you'd tell?
Whoever was closest at the time.
33. What was the first book you ever read?
no idea... but I remember trying to re-write James & the Giant Peach in 2nd grade.
Once you've been tagged, you are supposed to write a note with these “firsts” about you. At the end, choose 25 people to be tagged. You have to tag the person who tagged you. If I tagged you, it's because I want to know more about you, YOU DON'T HAVE TO BE TAGGED TO DO THE LIST.
1. Who was your FIRST prom date?
Hmm... all-girls school. No prom...
2. Do you still talk to your FIRST love?
I'm still on contact with my first love. Does that count??
3. What was your 1st alcoholic drink?
Intentionally? A screwdriver. Unintentionally? Gulping down my mother's gin & tonic thinking it was my 7-up. THAT was a surprise!!
4. What was your FIRST job?
Retail; stock girl. Worked at my dad's store. Overworked and underpaid!!
5. What was your FIRST car?
Volkswagon Jetta in Arrest Me Red!
6. Who was the FIRST person to text you today?
Facebook texted me with an update.
7. Who is the FIRST person you thought of this morning?
Person? Don't remember. First thought? "Is it Saturday yet?"
8. Who was your FIRST grade teacher?
Ms. Peters at Renbrook School.
9. Where did you go on your FIRST ride on an airplane?
I believe it was from CT to San Francisco
10. Who was your FIRST best friend & do you still talk?
My first best friend (I was 2) was Lara Chin, and no we do not still talk. My oldest childhood (Met at 4 1/2) friend is Elizabeth and YES, we do still talk!
11. Where was your FIRST sleep over?
Non-family?? Most likely at Elizabeth's house.
12. Who was the FIRST person you talked to today?
Parker
13. Whose wedding did you go to the FIRST time?
hmmm.. Ann Cosby's wedding was the first one I went to. I was 3.5 and a flower girl. The first of my friends to get married was Kellee, and I was IN that one.
14. What was the FIRST thing you did this morning?
Switched computer on...
15. What was the FIRST concert you ever went to?
Hmmm... I think it was YES with Alan P.
16. FIRST tattoo?
None.
17. First piercing?
ears at 14. Done the old fashioned way - with needles and ice!
18. First foreign country you've been to?
Canada does not count to a New Englander, so China.
19. FIRST movie you remember seeing?
Lassy Come Home.
20. When was your FIRST detention?
Hmmm... don't think I ever had one...
21. What was the first state you lived in?
California
22. First Pet?
Born into a house with dogs. My OWN first pet? A parakeet
23. If you had one wish?
To win the lottery... a big one.. not a "WOW - you won 472$" lottery...
24. What is something you would learn if you had the chance?
Speak another foreign language. German perhaps...
25. Who do you think will be the next person to post this?
Good question. Stacey perhaps?
26. Who was the first person you really kissed?
Alan P.
27. Who was your first sexual experience with?
See #26
28. What was the first occupation you aspired to be growing up?
I wanted to be a ballerina.. until I took ballet and realized I have 2 left feet
29. Who was your first heartbreak?
There was a guy in middle school who I secretly pined for who never returned my affections. His name escapes me..
30. Who was the first person to tell you they loved you?
Alan
31. If you won 25 million dollars, what would be the first thing you would buy?
a plane ticket to somewhere far away
32. If you won 25 million dollars, who would be the first person you'd tell?
Whoever was closest at the time.
33. What was the first book you ever read?
no idea... but I remember trying to re-write James & the Giant Peach in 2nd grade.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
3's about me.. by Samantha Jensen
Three Names I have been called
1. Sam
2. Sammi
3. Mrs. Jensen
Three Jobs I have had in my life
1. Retail sales at the Narraganset in Connecticut
2. Co-leader for a therapy group for juvenile sex offenders
3. Counselor who worked with welfare moms as mandated by the State of Massachusetts
Places I have lived
1. Avon, Connecticut
2. Mountain View, California
3. Scottsdale, Arizona
Three TV Shows that I watch
1. Grey's Anatomy
2. Brothers & Sisters
3. Private Practice
Three places I have been
1. Hawaii
2. Italy
3. China
People that e-mail me regularly
1. Angie
2. Terri
3. my FF July 99 group
Three of my favorite foods
1. Pasta
2. Pizza - good NY Pizza
3. Really good Chinese
Three friends I think will respond
1. Angie
2. Stacy
3. Terri
Three things I am looking forward to
1. An economic up-wing
2. Spring Break (tho we have no plans...)
3. Someday, moving back to Connecticut
1. Sam
2. Sammi
3. Mrs. Jensen
Three Jobs I have had in my life
1. Retail sales at the Narraganset in Connecticut
2. Co-leader for a therapy group for juvenile sex offenders
3. Counselor who worked with welfare moms as mandated by the State of Massachusetts
Places I have lived
1. Avon, Connecticut
2. Mountain View, California
3. Scottsdale, Arizona
Three TV Shows that I watch
1. Grey's Anatomy
2. Brothers & Sisters
3. Private Practice
Three places I have been
1. Hawaii
2. Italy
3. China
People that e-mail me regularly
1. Angie
2. Terri
3. my FF July 99 group
Three of my favorite foods
1. Pasta
2. Pizza - good NY Pizza
3. Really good Chinese
Three friends I think will respond
1. Angie
2. Stacy
3. Terri
Three things I am looking forward to
1. An economic up-wing
2. Spring Break (tho we have no plans...)
3. Someday, moving back to Connecticut
Sunday, February 15, 2009
A Delicate Balance
They are growing up. All of them. Despite my best efforts to find a way to thwart the process and keep them young forever, my boys are growing up. And with age, comes an ever decreasing need for Mom. Me. I'm slowly but surely becoming less and less needed. This is how things are supposed to be, but it is odd, and at times, just a bit painful.
Parker is starting to enter 'that world'. Moms of older boys know the world I speak of; the one where they begin to gravitate toward the "men". It is already a fine line to walk; when do I play Mom, and when do I let him figure it out for himself, resisting with every cell in my body the urge to rescue him?
I dropped him off at baseball practice this morning. He needed me to bring in some forms, and to meet the coach, and then he was ready for me to go. In fact, in some ways, I think he needed me to go. He's too old now for his mom to stick around and watch. He needs to be with the other boys, listening to the Coach. He needs to figure it all out for himself.
And this is good. This is how it is supposed to go in life; you give your child roots so that you can also give them wings.
I am just thankful I have 2 left at home who are willing to snuggle and cuddle, and not go join the man-pack just yet...
Parker is starting to enter 'that world'. Moms of older boys know the world I speak of; the one where they begin to gravitate toward the "men". It is already a fine line to walk; when do I play Mom, and when do I let him figure it out for himself, resisting with every cell in my body the urge to rescue him?
I dropped him off at baseball practice this morning. He needed me to bring in some forms, and to meet the coach, and then he was ready for me to go. In fact, in some ways, I think he needed me to go. He's too old now for his mom to stick around and watch. He needs to be with the other boys, listening to the Coach. He needs to figure it all out for himself.
And this is good. This is how it is supposed to go in life; you give your child roots so that you can also give them wings.
I am just thankful I have 2 left at home who are willing to snuggle and cuddle, and not go join the man-pack just yet...
Thursday, February 05, 2009
A strange and amazing thing just happened...
All thanks to Facebook.
And USC
And the J.E.P... (which stands for Joint Educational Program {or is it Project??})
And for those unaware of what JEP does - it is a volunteer program put on by USC in conjunction with Los Angeles Unified School District for students of Psychology and Education or any other kind souls who want to volunteer, to go into these socio-economically poor schools and work with kids considered to be "at risk". We acted as mentors or tutors, or both, for the course of the school year. It was fun and with my hope to become a counselor or therapist as an adult, I thought it was good practice as well!
While I was at work today, I used my cell phone to check my inbox on Facebook. Ok, yes, the fact that I am a Facebook addict has already been clearly established! Shushh to all you poo-poo-ers out there...
There was a message from a person who's name I did not recognize. I was hesitant, but I opened the message. Inside said "Were you a part of the JEP at USC from 1989 - 1990?"
I replied to him that I was but that his name did not sound familiar to me. To which he responded... he was not a student at USC - he was a student at the school around the corner and he had a counselor named Samantha. He wondered if I were she.... He mentioned that his JEP counselor had brought back a piece of the Berlin Wall for him (as it had just 'come down' a couple of years before) and had taken him one day to DisneyLand.
Oh. My. God.
YES - It took these pieces of information for the puzzle to begin to take form. I had a picture of this little boy on that day at DisneyLand and I could still see it clear as day! I remember giving him the piece of the wall. It took a bit of jarring of my poor old memory, but yes - I did in fact remember this person!!!
Then I asked - How on earth did you find me???
Evidently, according to him, he has been looking for me forever but never could remember my last name. He knew I went to USC, and when I graduated. A friend suggested that he check Facebook so he searched for me and found me!!
He wanted to tell me that our time together had changed his life; that I had showed him there were alternatives open to him. He thanked me for our time together.
In fact.. this is what he wrote...
"I've been trying to find you forever. I could only remember your first name and my best friend told me to try facebook. I just wanted to thank you for coming into my life and showing something different. You just don't know how you could change some one's life for the better. I live in Dallas, Texas now; I have three children. I'm a music promoter. Oh, I still have that piece of the Berlin Wall and, guess what, I take my kids to Disney world every spring. Thank you so much."
And I.. for once.. am rendered utterly speechless.
And USC
And the J.E.P... (which stands for Joint Educational Program {or is it Project??})
And for those unaware of what JEP does - it is a volunteer program put on by USC in conjunction with Los Angeles Unified School District for students of Psychology and Education or any other kind souls who want to volunteer, to go into these socio-economically poor schools and work with kids considered to be "at risk". We acted as mentors or tutors, or both, for the course of the school year. It was fun and with my hope to become a counselor or therapist as an adult, I thought it was good practice as well!
While I was at work today, I used my cell phone to check my inbox on Facebook. Ok, yes, the fact that I am a Facebook addict has already been clearly established! Shushh to all you poo-poo-ers out there...
There was a message from a person who's name I did not recognize. I was hesitant, but I opened the message. Inside said "Were you a part of the JEP at USC from 1989 - 1990?"
I replied to him that I was but that his name did not sound familiar to me. To which he responded... he was not a student at USC - he was a student at the school around the corner and he had a counselor named Samantha. He wondered if I were she.... He mentioned that his JEP counselor had brought back a piece of the Berlin Wall for him (as it had just 'come down' a couple of years before) and had taken him one day to DisneyLand.
Oh. My. God.
YES - It took these pieces of information for the puzzle to begin to take form. I had a picture of this little boy on that day at DisneyLand and I could still see it clear as day! I remember giving him the piece of the wall. It took a bit of jarring of my poor old memory, but yes - I did in fact remember this person!!!
Then I asked - How on earth did you find me???
Evidently, according to him, he has been looking for me forever but never could remember my last name. He knew I went to USC, and when I graduated. A friend suggested that he check Facebook so he searched for me and found me!!
He wanted to tell me that our time together had changed his life; that I had showed him there were alternatives open to him. He thanked me for our time together.
In fact.. this is what he wrote...
"I've been trying to find you forever. I could only remember your first name and my best friend told me to try facebook. I just wanted to thank you for coming into my life and showing something different. You just don't know how you could change some one's life for the better. I live in Dallas, Texas now; I have three children. I'm a music promoter. Oh, I still have that piece of the Berlin Wall and, guess what, I take my kids to Disney world every spring. Thank you so much."
And I.. for once.. am rendered utterly speechless.
Wednesday, February 04, 2009
The iPod Shuffle Post - I want you back.
1. Put your iTunes, Windows Media Player, etc. on shuffle.
2. For each question, press the next button to get your answer.
3. YOU MUST WRITE THAT SONG NAME DOWN NO MATTER HOW SILLY IT SOUNDS.
4. Tag 10 friends.
5. Everyone tagged has to do the same thing.
6. Have Fun!
IF SOMEONE SAYS 'ARE YOU OKAY' YOU SAY?
God put a smile upon your face (coldplay)
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOURSELF?
What were we thinking? (Joss Stone)
WHAT DO YOU LIKE IN A GUY/GIRL?
Just another name (Lifehouse)
HOW DO YOU FEEL TODAY?
Crash the Party (OK GO)
WHAT IS YOUR LIFE'S PURPOSE?
Playing in the Band (Grateful Dead)
WHAT'S YOUR MOTTO?
Bedshaped (Keane)
WHAT DO YOUR FRIENDS THINK OF YOU?
This Love (Maroon 5)
WHAT DO YOUR PARENTS THINK OF YOU?
Hit the Floor (Linkin Park)
WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT VERY OFTEN?
Whole Day Off (Oingo Boingo - and ain't that the truth??!!)
WHAT IS 2 + 2?
Subdivisions (Rush)
WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR BEST FRIEND?
Mr. Brightside (The Killers)
WHAT IS YOUR LIFE STORY?
Don't Stay (Linkin Park)
WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP?
Dangerous Type (Cars)
WHAT DO YOU THINK WHEN YOU SEE THE PERSON YOU LIKE?
Can't Stop (Maroon 5)
WHAT WILL YOU DANCE TO AT YOUR WEDDING?
Limelight (Rush)
WHAT WILL THEY PLAY AT YOUR FUNERAL?
Synchronicity 1 (Police)
WHAT IS YOUR HOBBY/INTEREST?
Secret Separation (The Fixx)
WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST FEAR?
Lying from You (Linkin Park)
WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST SECRET?
Lovers in Japan (Coldplay)
WHAT DO YOU WANT RIGHT NOW?
Walking on the Moon (Police)
WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR FRIENDS?
Get Over It (OK GO)
WHAT WILL YOU POST THIS AS?
I Want You Back (hoodoo Gurus)
2. For each question, press the next button to get your answer.
3. YOU MUST WRITE THAT SONG NAME DOWN NO MATTER HOW SILLY IT SOUNDS.
4. Tag 10 friends.
5. Everyone tagged has to do the same thing.
6. Have Fun!
IF SOMEONE SAYS 'ARE YOU OKAY' YOU SAY?
God put a smile upon your face (coldplay)
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOURSELF?
What were we thinking? (Joss Stone)
WHAT DO YOU LIKE IN A GUY/GIRL?
Just another name (Lifehouse)
HOW DO YOU FEEL TODAY?
Crash the Party (OK GO)
WHAT IS YOUR LIFE'S PURPOSE?
Playing in the Band (Grateful Dead)
WHAT'S YOUR MOTTO?
Bedshaped (Keane)
WHAT DO YOUR FRIENDS THINK OF YOU?
This Love (Maroon 5)
WHAT DO YOUR PARENTS THINK OF YOU?
Hit the Floor (Linkin Park)
WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT VERY OFTEN?
Whole Day Off (Oingo Boingo - and ain't that the truth??!!)
WHAT IS 2 + 2?
Subdivisions (Rush)
WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR BEST FRIEND?
Mr. Brightside (The Killers)
WHAT IS YOUR LIFE STORY?
Don't Stay (Linkin Park)
WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP?
Dangerous Type (Cars)
WHAT DO YOU THINK WHEN YOU SEE THE PERSON YOU LIKE?
Can't Stop (Maroon 5)
WHAT WILL YOU DANCE TO AT YOUR WEDDING?
Limelight (Rush)
WHAT WILL THEY PLAY AT YOUR FUNERAL?
Synchronicity 1 (Police)
WHAT IS YOUR HOBBY/INTEREST?
Secret Separation (The Fixx)
WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST FEAR?
Lying from You (Linkin Park)
WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST SECRET?
Lovers in Japan (Coldplay)
WHAT DO YOU WANT RIGHT NOW?
Walking on the Moon (Police)
WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR FRIENDS?
Get Over It (OK GO)
WHAT WILL YOU POST THIS AS?
I Want You Back (hoodoo Gurus)
Sunday, February 01, 2009
I am avoiding the Super Bowl and have a MEME instead..
Rules: It's harder than it looks! Copy to your own note, erase my answers, enter yours, and tag 10 people. Use the first letter of your name to answer each of the following questions. They have to be real ... nothing made up! If the person before you had the same first initial, you must use different answers. You cannot use any word twice and you can't use your name for the boy/girl name question.
1. What is your name: Samamtha
2. A four letter word: shit
3. A boy's name: Scott
4. A girl's name: Susan
5. An occupation: Sales
6. A color: Sienna
7. Something you wear: shoes
8. A food: spaghetti
9. Something found in the bathroom: soap
10. A place: Sydney
11. A reason for being late: slept in
12. Something you shout: STOP!!!!
13. A movie title: Somewhere in Time
14. Something you drink: Soda
15. A musical group: Steely Dan
16. An animal: Squirrel
17. A street name: South
18. A type of car: Sequoia
19. A song title: Somewhere over the Rainbow
20. A verb: sit
1. What is your name: Samamtha
2. A four letter word: shit
3. A boy's name: Scott
4. A girl's name: Susan
5. An occupation: Sales
6. A color: Sienna
7. Something you wear: shoes
8. A food: spaghetti
9. Something found in the bathroom: soap
10. A place: Sydney
11. A reason for being late: slept in
12. Something you shout: STOP!!!!
13. A movie title: Somewhere in Time
14. Something you drink: Soda
15. A musical group: Steely Dan
16. An animal: Squirrel
17. A street name: South
18. A type of car: Sequoia
19. A song title: Somewhere over the Rainbow
20. A verb: sit
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