Showing posts with label central illinois. Show all posts
Showing posts with label central illinois. Show all posts

Wednesday, April 9, 2008

Field Trip With Fourth Graders


I decided about a month ago I was going to take a personal day and go on a field trip with my son and his class. They were going to Springfield, Illinois to visit Lincoln's Tomb, Lincoln's home, the Capitol building, and the Cathedral. I was skeptical in taking the day off from teaching to escort 4th graders on a field trip but my son it worth it. I know his teacher is very organized so that is a big plus for me. The big day was yesterday! There are 21 kids in his class and he goes to a private school in Quincy, IL. We left right on time at 7:15 am. The kids were exceptionally well behaved and thoroughly enjoyed themselves. We were worried about the weather but the rain held off until about our last stop. I took around 80 pictures. It had been an extremely long time since I had visited these places. I think the last time I was there was when I was in about 5th grade...as I said "a long time ago". It is surprising to me what a visit to some our 16th President's haunts will do to the patriotic side of you. It really makes me proud to be an American when you hear stories of what this one U.S. citizen was able to do in a time of great change. To me the Cathedral was the most interesting place. I had not been there and the Priest that gave the tour was young and full of energy. He really knew his stuff! What amazed me the most was that the amount of information the fourth graders knew about the catholic religion and it's symbols. Very impressive! The Cathedral will be being remodeled this time next year so next year's class will not get to visit. They had a spot in the church that they were testing out different things to see how it looked. It is already a beautiful place but when it's remodeling is finished it will be unbelievable!

Monday, October 1, 2007

Bandana Wars


In a small city (Pekin, IL) about 20 minutes from my hometown (San Jose, IL) there is a battle brewing over something that most of you will find unbelievable. The school system has banned the wearing of bandanas due to being a symbol for gangs and gang activity. Twenty four kids have been disciplined for violating anti-gang policy. This policy has been in the school handbook since 1993. It was not challenged until this year. Kids are fighting the policy because "there are no gangs in Pekin". Is the right to wear a bandana worth fighting the school system over?

FOR THE BANDANA WEARERS: Now I know wearing bandanas is not a problem in west central Illinois (at least that I know of) but many kids want to change their appearance to be noticed or to start a trend. Don't all people have the right to be "individuals"? We could all probably come up with something that we have worn that might be against the rules, or at least on the border of inappropriate.

AGAINST THE BANDANA WEARERS: I am a pretty firm believer in "if it is a rule, then follow it". I think this has a lot to do with my coaching background. The bottom line is that the school district is doing what they think is in the best interest of the school district and the kids. Do any of my students (or other readers) disagree with the school district in question? Why do you agree or disagree?