• Filter the conversation
 

Dear UrbanBaby community,

Thank you so much for being a valued member of the UrbanBaby community. We wanted to inform you that we are shutting down the site on July 6th. We are grateful for your participation and support that has helped make UrbanBaby such an important resource to parents for many years.

If you have any questions or concerns, you can email us at urbanbaby-support@cbsinteractive.com.

Thanks so much,

UrbanBaby Support

[ - ] I understand that Tim Russert is a major media figure, but an all day coverage is strange to be given to a journalist. It's like the media makes itself a bigger deal. 19 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
 ]
Toddler 06.13.08, 06:29 PM Flag
»
i think it is more about the commentators-he helped a lot of people start their careers, so this is a way to pay tribute and recognize what he did. i was pretty sad when I found out [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 06:30 PM Flag
»
So was I... TR was a true professional. Real journalist. I don't think he'd approve of this... And a little sickening how NBC is making money off of their guy who just passed away today. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 06:37 PM Flag
»
np: making money? I'm watching msnbc and they are not showing any commercials. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 06:37 PM Flag
»
it isn't like msnbc makes money anyways. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 06:38 PM Flag
»
there were almost no commercials on NBC Nightly News tonight either. these guys are in shock and mourning the only way they know how - by talking into a camera. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 06:40 PM Flag
»
ITA. It does seem excessive but it's what they do. He was very well liked by all accounts and he was young. Very sad [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 06:46 PM Flag
»
They did, though. I saw commercials. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 06:40 PM Flag
»
NP: you all understand that these ads are sold weeks and months ahead of time and sometimes they can be moved but sometimes they can't, right? [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 06:45 PM Flag
»
Of course. But all day coverage of one of their employees is just weird and seems wrong to me. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 06:53 PM Flag
»
He was also a major player in American politics. No politician was taken seriously on the national stage until after an appearance on Meet The Press. You could be a mayor or maybe a governor without one, but not President. Even Cheney came to him. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 07:00 PM Flag
»
[ Removed by moderator ] [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 07:03 PM Flag
»
I was watching CBS and they devoted a ton of time too, even though he worked for another network. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 07:18 PM Flag
»
I liked Tim Russert :-( But, yeah, it is strange how it's an all day eulogy. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 06:31 PM Flag
»
poaster below never heard of him before. Are you a cavewoman? [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 06:40 PM Flag
»
I had never heard of him before. not much of a tv watcher. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 06:33 PM Flag
»
[ Removed by moderator ] [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 06:41 PM Flag
»
I really like TR. I have he was one of the few political journalist who was actually not bias. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 06:47 PM Flag
»
He took great care to make sure no one saw any bias. He started his career in politics working for Daniel Moynahan and Mario Cuomo - he was a Democrat. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 06:52 PM Flag
»
Seems logical- things are a bigger deal in their respective fields [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.14.08, 06:43 AM Flag
[ - ] my 5 yo son, finishing k next week is kind of a diffcult kid. Quiet, quirky and behavior that can be unbecoming a nice boy. His good friend's mother has been avoiding playdates with DS and with me. It's very obvious. I feel bad for my DS b/c this is not the first kid to drop DS like a hot potato, and I'm also losing friends. 5 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
 ]
General Topics 06.13.08, 06:26 PM Flag
»
did I write this? except my 5yo ds is in pre-K (just missed the cut-off for K) and his friends just don't get him anymore. they've moved on. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 06:30 PM Flag
»
^^btw, have you tried a social skills class w/ your ds? [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 06:32 PM Flag
»
we are in the suburbs. where would i find a "social skills" class. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 06:36 PM Flag
»
we go to one at a sensory gym, run by an occupational therapist. he has good days and bad days in the class. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 06:39 PM Flag
»
thanks for responding [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 06:44 PM Flag
[ - ] I want to stop ordering take-out for dinner. How do I break this habit? We order about three times /week. 4 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
 ]
General Topics 06.13.08, 06:23 PM Flag
»
Plan dinners you can make at the beginning of the week. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 06:25 PM Flag
»
make big meals and freeze them. have easy meals available at home. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 06:25 PM Flag
»
Start planning dinners on Sunday if you can, and try to stick to preparing your own meals for a couple of weeks, even if it's just sandwiches or salads.It's just a habit, I was doing that for a while too, you end up eating so much more with take out and it's so much better when you know whats in your meal. Good Luck. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 06:28 PM Flag
»
i plan four meals for the week -- some of them are very simple -- but it's something... [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 07:33 PM Flag
[ - ] I'm 31 weeks pregnant, gained 27 lbs so far, how much more will I gain, I know it depends on a lot of things, but I want to hear your experiences! 2 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
 ]
General Topics 06.13.08, 06:21 PM Flag
»
I had gained 21 pounds at 33 weeks, then gained 12 more the last 6 weeks! But lost it all 7 weeks pp. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 06:33 PM Flag
»
That's inspiring! Did you breast feed? Or are you naturally skinney and no matter what would have just shrunk down naturally? I'm worried about losing the weight, I was at my thinnest when I got pregnant and felt great, hoping I'll get bacck down in a reaonable healthy time, but I gained too much weight early on so I'm screwed for the 35lb mark, most likely! [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 06:37 PM Flag
[ - ] i have a small apt renovation to do. kitchen, bath and baseboards. can someone recommend an architect or designer or can manage the contrator? i live out of town and cannot be on site. thanks. 1 Reply [ Reply | Watch | More
 ]
General Topics 06.13.08, 06:21 PM Flag
»
Are you still looking for an architect? If so, I would love to speak to you. I am an architect and interior designer. Please e-mail me at laradaniel@nyc.rr.com. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.30.08, 09:17 AM Flag
[ - ] what is the best beach that's a one hour drive from nyc? need a great outdoor restaurant too. thanks! 4 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
 ]
New York City 06.13.08, 06:21 PM Flag
»
Long Beach is ok, not the best, but also close to a lot of other things. Coney Island, Rockaway Park, Bel Harbor, Orchard Beach. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 06:24 PM Flag
»
ther aren't any great rest. in Rockaway and Belle Harbor that would be near the beach [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 07:28 PM Flag
»
Brighton Beach (close to Coney), russian places right on the boardwalk. Fast ferry (or drive) to Sandy Hook in NJ, there's a beach bar/restaurant overlooking the beach, and nice flat bike paths. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 07:26 PM Flag
»
Love Jacob Riis on Far Rockaway -- big beach, boardwalk for walking, playgrounds; never too crowded. On your way back stop at Nick's Lobster on the very end of Flatbush, nr Toys R Us. Reminds me of a New England fish joint, right on the water (inlet). [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.14.08, 04:22 AM Flag
[ - ] Anyone ever give their child prednisone for a severe allergic reaction? How long did it take to work? How bad was the rash? My ds has horrible allergic reaction, have been to the doctor two staright days, and very scared. Advice/Experience? Tia. 1 Reply [ Reply | Watch | More
 ]
General Topics 06.13.08, 06:17 PM Flag
»
once gave my ds prednisone for something (an awful inflammation of his outer ear, doubled his ear size, perhaps due to a bug bite.) worked immediately, maybe within 20 mins. gave one other dose the follwing day and never needed to again. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 06:23 PM Flag
[ - ] piano advice: 5 yo ds has been asking for piano lessons. I used to play piano and would love to have a piano in the house, but I'm nervous about the $$$$ to buy one. Dh suggests a keyboard of some type might do . Any BTDT advice to share? TIA 6 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
 ]
New York City 06.13.08, 06:17 PM Flag
»
pretty sure you can rent them by the month. remember when you had to play an instrument in school (or where I was at least) and you just rented it for the school year, unless you were serious about it, then you bought it. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 06:19 PM Flag
»
look for a used instrument - Craig's List or if you want to spend, but not for a new piano, a lot of the conservatories and recital halls sell their used equiptment periodically - I know Lincoln Center has a huge sale every year. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 06:22 PM Flag
»
We rented-to-buy a used piano from Beethoven Piano, and bought it after a year. A lot of piano teachers, including ours, recommends getting a real piano instead of a keyboard. It feels different when you are playing it. Also, our dd really "bonded" with her piano, which helped her to really get into playing. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.14.08, 08:44 AM Flag
»
For a five year old, a key board is fine. Some are much better than others have more of a piano action. When you interview piano techers ask them what they rec......Mom of a 6 and 9 you who take piano and who has friends whose children started on keyboards [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.14.08, 09:11 AM Flag
»
my 7 y.o. also wants lessons, plus i'd like to learn a little. dh is going to get a keyboard at first, which is probably a good idea considering we don't even know if she'll stick with it. out here in the burbs in nj, every yr. we get letters from the local colleges about sales on their used pianos. i've thought about getting one of these one day. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.14.08, 09:35 AM Flag
»
get a keyboard until she is older [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.14.08, 09:36 AM Flag
[ - ] Any experienced moms on who can answer the $10,000,000 ERB question? How many kids in a preschool class are scoring 95+ and 90+. My dh and I are convinced that most of the kids 90+, and maybe 1/2 are 95+. Which makes this "test" practically moot unless you're a 99 . . . and fluent in 23 languages. 19 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
 ]
NY Schools 06.13.08, 06:15 PM Flag
»
EVERY kid at my daycare got at least mid 90's (some are fully bilingual to boot). 95 is a great score but every other kid in Manhattan is going to get that score. You are right. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 06:18 PM Flag
»
btdt former admissions person. the erb essentially gives the school another view of the child...a snapshot that says whether the dc has reached certain developmental milestones, can learn, can sit still and what the personality is like as commented on by a psychologist observing him in the same setting that all te kids experience. so it is not exactly moot. they want kids who can sit and take this test, and who have learned a thing or two during the preschool years. It is not really about assessing IQ for us. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 06:19 PM Flag
»
OR - Thank you for your response. It was a nice insight into a "mystery" test. It makes the ERB report seem more benign and reasonable. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 06:28 PM Flag
»
you're welcome. GL. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 06:34 PM Flag
»
what kind of personalities are they looking for when. What if a child is very spunky? [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 07:21 PM Flag
»
can you decode some of the language for us? What are the telltale negative phrases? [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.14.08, 11:09 AM Flag
»
I'm not OR, but negative phrases include things like: child had to be redirected; child displayed difficulty focusing on the task; child didn't seem to understand what was expected; etc. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.14.08, 11:13 AM Flag
»
Meant for above, but I can't respond. It depends on what you mean by "spunky". THey like a wide variety of personalities though. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.14.08, 11:14 AM Flag
»
np. Right. And spunky is fine as long as it's not a euphemism for "Can not concentrate" or "Ignores directions." [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.14.08, 11:19 AM Flag
»
i think there is a wider spread on scores. what is key in ongoing process though is consistency among diff factors-playdate, ps report need to be consistent with erb score/write up. so erb score is moot if doesn't match other pieces of data [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 06:20 PM Flag
»
not really "experienced" but b/c of PSD's lack of discreteness actually saw ERB scores of a fair number of DC's classmates (PSD took my unscheduled meeting but had ERB scores of many kids on desk). Small subsection - but overall about 1/3 mid to high 90s, 1/3 low 90s - high 80's and 1/3 low 80s to a few high 70s. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 06:21 PM Flag
»
[ Removed by moderator ] [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 06:32 PM Flag
»
No younger DC but I may not have been the only parent who viewed this. From what I understand this was not a one time ocurrence, although does not seem anyone (including me) told PSD to cover her notes/papers. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 06:36 PM Flag
»
so you not only looked, you gossiped about it with other moms? sweet. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 06:58 PM Flag
»
OMG, that is crazy! [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 06:33 PM Flag
»
don't you mean lack of discretion-and I'd say it was on both yours and her parts [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 06:34 PM Flag
»
Are you saying PSD laid out all the reports on her desk? That is impossible to believe. You must have looked inside her folder or whatever. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 06:39 PM Flag
»
Not actual reports - but some handwritten notes with overall score and top schools ranked. And yes, I acknowledge it was totally wrong to look but I must admit curiosity as to how DC fared against classmates. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 06:44 PM Flag
»
>>BTW PSD was in her office with me at time. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 06:46 PM Flag
[ - ] Any experienced moms on who can answer the $10,000,000 ERB question? How many kids in a preschool class are scoring 95+ and 90+. My dh and I are convinced that most of the kids 90+, and maybe 1/2 are 95+. Which makes this "test" practically moot unless you're a 99 . . . and fluent in 23 languages. 2 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
 ]
General Topics 06.13.08, 06:14 PM Flag
»
POST TO SCHOOLS BOARD [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 06:15 PM Flag
»
What is your goal? My ds scored in the lowest stanine he actually received single digit scores in the percentiles. Would you leave your child at the foundling home if that happenned? Probably. Too bad though, because if you had you'd be missing his graduation from Upenn next year you idiot. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 06:43 PM Flag
[ - ] Can you discipline a 2 yr old? For example time outs when he throws food, toys, etc? What is the best way to let them know that is not the right way to act? 8 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
 ]
General Topics 06.13.08, 06:09 PM Flag
»
immediate time out, 2 minutes. no discussion until after when they are told why they are there and must apologize and give a hug. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 06:12 PM Flag
»
time-outs for a lot of things, but also consequences that are related to the behavior - anything that is thrown is taken away, etc. and explain (simply) what is wrong. "We don't throw things inside, so this toy you threw is gone for the rest of the day." and don't give in to tantrums. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 06:13 PM Flag
»
yes, not giving in is big. when dd starts the chasing game around bed time i just start taking away stories. she gets it when she goes to bed w/o them and starts fussing [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 06:18 PM Flag
»
tried replying to the comment above, but got stuck - forced appoligies and affection aren't worth the battle necessary to get them - DCs are entitled to their feelings and if they don't want to give you a hug, don't force it. they don't mean anything and just breed resentment. when the time out is over, it's over and everyone moves on. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 06:20 PM Flag
»
where do you give a time out--he would never sit in a corner and I don't want to do time out in the crib b.c I don't want it to be associated with a bad place? [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 06:22 PM Flag
»
time outs were/are in a chair in the dining room. it took some time, she tried getting up a lot at first, but you just put them back in the chair and start the clock over again. they learn quickly. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 06:24 PM Flag
»
Great, thanks for the advice [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 06:33 PM Flag
»
I use time-outs, but reserve them as the "big" punishment for "big" offenses -- hitting, tantrums, repeat offenses. 2 time-outs is about max in a day - most days none. Try smaller punishments -- this toy is gone for day, no Diego after dinner, demand an immediate apology, make child clean-up mess. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 06:58 PM Flag
[ - ] What stores sell Compass booster seat? Don't want to order online. 1 Reply [ Reply | Watch | More
 ]
General Topics 06.13.08, 06:07 PM Flag
»
buy buy baby [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 07:34 PM Flag
[ - ] Just curious, how many of you ranked ps11 first? What was dc's score? 6 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
 ]
NY Schools 06.13.08, 06:05 PM Flag
»
Me, 95th% [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 06:07 PM Flag
»
Wow, surprised at the lack of "you'll be lucky to end up in Chinatown" posts! [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 06:22 PM Flag
»
have a private accept (not TT) - only ranked Anderson. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 06:08 PM Flag
»
bwahaha...cannot see that even the good district G&Ts are far superior to the crappy lower tier privates/ [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 06:10 PM Flag
»
What? [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 06:11 PM Flag
»
2nd R: we really like the private but it might be a better option for MS or HS as outside of Manhattan. Plus, no FA but HHI less than $500K, 2 DC. Did not find LL good match for DC. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 06:15 PM Flag
[ - ] Look, there are good publics and bad publics. the distinguishing feature of good publics is the money supplied by the MC parents and the grants/fundraising/extras they provide. It really is a situation of the city not providing equally for all kids so that MC parents don't have to provide for their kids, and so that the poor who can't don't have to. seems so many UBers feel the parents should send their kids to failing schools and then make them good. I think the govt ought to spend more money to make the schools good. why is it the responsibility of the MC to elevate all the schools? where did this mentality come from. you would not expect to go out and spruce up the police dept or the post office. education is a govt function,period! 26 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
 ]
NY Schools 06.13.08, 06:01 PM Flag
»
^^^sorry about the confusing language. sort of got lost in writing the post. hope you get my drift anyway [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 06:05 PM Flag
»
would you pay higher taxes to make sure the poor kids could get an equivalent educational experience? [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 06:09 PM Flag
»
yes. I just hate all this pressure to make the school better and then everyone trying to make you feel guilty because a school in a bad nabe doesn't have as much. its not our fault. Its the govt's fault. like I said, it is their job to provide education. sick of everyone looking to the MC parents to build the schools and provide the basics. I pay so much in taxes now. would sure like to know why more of it isn't going to the schools. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 06:13 PM Flag
»
ooops. just read your question again. I would pay more so that all schools are provided with the extras. i do not hink I should pay for it at my dc's public, but our taxes pay for it in a poor nabe. everyone should get equal, improved resources. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 06:15 PM Flag
»
We are the government. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 06:19 PM Flag
»
no, we pay into the govt. it is their job to improve the schools...all of them. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 06:21 PM Flag
»
no, we elect them [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 06:22 PM Flag
»
get real. there will always be haves and have nots. Nothing is equal. That is a fantasy. Do what you can in your corner of the world. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 06:22 PM Flag
»
they will not be equal because poverty affects so many factors that enhance education. nonetheless, it is ridiculous that our PTA pays for art supplies and asst teachers and that we could lose all specials rooms at any moment. then everyone screams that its not fair that we have anything because others don't. the govt needs to provide basic good education. that includes adequate adults/teachers, facilities, art and music...you know, the stuff every public school in the developed world provides. nyc is a dinosaur. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 06:37 PM Flag
»
I totally disagree. I think NYC does a good job. It is the largest school system in the country. Schools in Omaha don't have the projects/ or non enligsh speakers. Besides, I suspect your child attends a school like 41. Your principal and pta decide how to spend the money you raise. I see nothing ridiculous about spending the money on art supplies and asst teachers (btw, you don't actually spend any of the money raised by the pta on assistants. DOE does not allow that. You simply free up some other money and the principal uses THAT for assistants). You many lose some "special" rooms because the middle and upper middle class are now flocking to public school. That is not a bad thing. It is a good thing. You have to look at the big picture. Yes, I realize there is a huge population in nyc that does not graduate from high school. Yes, we need to try and serve that population. We need to think out of the box and try new things (Klien and Bloomie do both). Be part of the solution. Give your money to your childs pta - but go into the school in the next zone that sucks and help a child develop a love for reading. And nyc schools are far from dinosaurs. Look at the incredibly variety of programs from elementary thru high school. Surburbia (with its wealthy, white families) can't hold a candle. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.14.08, 05:46 AM Flag
»
you can disagree all you want, but assts and art and music and other things like field trips etc are part of the educational curriculum in this country, and they should not be put at risk, or paid for by grassroots fundraising. the govt needs to build more schools if there are more kids. it is ridiculous what we accept, and frankly blaming the MC for getting too much of very little is stupid at best [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.14.08, 05:53 AM Flag
»
I can't reply properly, but who is blaming the middle class? That seems to be an argument that you want to have even if no one else is having it?? I simply don't understand the thinking "the government" should do such and such. YOU are the government. The middle class is the backbone of this country. If you don't want to give extra money to the PTA, don't. That is far better than giving and resenting. If you want to give, give. You seem to just want to complain (about some really odd topics). Are you just letting off some steam while you wait for a g&t letter? Is your child in school? Which one? What are you problems with your childs education? [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.14.08, 06:45 AM Flag
»
I am saying that education is a govt function, and our govt is failing miserably. the only reason that schools in good nabes are good is because the parents pay out of pocket for basics. the govt should be paying for these things, and fundraising should go to extras like sports teams and the like. or an ice cream social. DOE should be paying for art supplies and assistants in classrooms with 28 kids, not the PTA. We are the govt in that we elect them to spend our tax dollars, and frankly they are not spending enough on education if I have to buy paper towels for my dc's K classroom. as for the issue of pitting the MC against the poor, it comes up here all the time. people think G&T should not exist as its for MC, or that G&T programs should be used (ie the parents' money) to improve failing schools. I say let the doe improve the schools by bringing sufficient resources to them, not by putting my kid there and making me pay extra for everyone. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.14.08, 07:21 AM Flag
»
should be used (ie use the kids and their parents to raise money) to improve failing schools. the doe should improve these schools by spending sufficient funds on them to help them improve [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.14.08, 07:23 AM Flag
»
I agree, in part. However, an active & educated parent body is essential to a school's success -- more than money. A parent who is a nurse, secretary, accountant, lawyer, banker etc will almost always give their children an advantage. Chances are that a 20-yr-old mom, a high school drop-out, a Walgreens clerk, an illegal immigrant will lack the skills to fight for the kids' education. Sad but true. Don't blame middle class for knowing how to fight for their kids. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 06:24 PM Flag
»
not blaming MC, just the opposite. people here keep going against their MC peers for having a decent option, or not wanting to be pioneers to improve a local school, etc. I think nyc ought to provide the basics and not rely on MC parents to pay for everything. this makes people say they should now go to bad schools to improve them. it is the doe's job to do this. why are we paying so much in taxes if it is not to educate our children? [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 06:42 PM Flag
»
NP: almost true, but not always. Check out the forum at Insideschools.org and you'll see posts from some parents (and grandparents, and the students themselves) who do not have MC advantages but care deeply about education and are fighting for the best for their kids. Look at the charter school lotteries, and at parents who scrape to pay for parochial school, many of whom aren't even catholic. There are a lot of non MC people out there fighting for their kids every damn day. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 07:33 PM Flag
»
Money is a big part but it's not 100%. It's not all about the school being able to teach. School cannot make home stuff go away if the kids' parents are abusive, if legal guardians are not providing minimum care for the child at home, if kids are sick and have to miss many days, etc., etc. that affect disproportionately bigger % of poor kids. School is only one piece of the puzzle but if you want all kids to do better at school and test better, learn more, it's going to take other big stuff like reducing pollution (that disproportinately affects the poor), providing health care (to reduce # of days missed), improving substandard housing, living wage for parents, education on domestic abuse, etc., etc. You make it sound so simple. MC families bringing their money - is not enough for some of the most challenged schools in NYC> [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 06:59 PM Flag
»
>I mean there are a lot of parents/legal guardians at my school who have no phone and can't be reached for any issues that arise. Who don't respond to letters mailed to them about meetings. There are parents in jail and kids are in constant chaos... [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 07:02 PM Flag
»
which is why it makes no sense to bitch about the G&T families that they are getting too much. actual expenditure for G&T is less than gen ed and so why blame MC for the situation in these families/schools. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 07:14 PM Flag
»
I hear you, but I think there's a lot that can and should be done to address the needs of kids when they are in school, regardless of their parents' level of involvement. There are some schools that have had remarkable success teaching students from disadvantaged backgrounds. It pisses me off that the DOE spends tons of our tax dollars getting outside consultants to crunch numbers, when what they should really be doing is sitting down and talking with the principals, parents and TEACHERS at the schools that are making progress, so they can learn about best practices and try to spread best practices to other schools. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 07:57 PM Flag
»
It should not be an either or situation. the doe needs to provide gifted education, as well, and it is cheaper to pay consultants than to hire more govt employees with benefits. you seem childish. one group of kids should not be sacrificed because another is in trouble. both needs should be addressed. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.14.08, 04:09 AM Flag
»
yes, childish. You make it sound like people already hired have loads of extra time to do this. obviously they would need to hire people to run a project like that. and the cheapest way is to hire consultants. washington dc is full of consultants because the us govt does not want more permanant employess to pay and give retirement and other benefits to. I think it would be good to work more hands on with programs, but putting the consultants in, and talking about crunching numbers (?gifted program numbers) is just creating a divide. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.14.08, 05:47 AM Flag
»
it just sounds so idealistic and childish. to say they should listen, and then what? who is listening and then disseminating this info? who is putting new practices into place? You need people to do this work. the people already in place have so much to do. you could not be sending them out to schools to learn and then going to other schools to give lessons in how to do it. who will do their jobs while they are out canvassing and teaching? get real. to do what you are saying would require hiring consultants and others. but spending money on G&T education, hiring consultants to score tests, input data, etc is what people are complaining about here. They feel doe should put efforts only into improving failing schools and leave the rest behind since its "unnecessary, and just a MC retention program anyway." I am sick of hearing it. I think all kids should be educated at the necessary level, and that includes wealthier kids. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.14.08, 07:16 AM Flag
»
"Childish?" I didn't even say anything about G&T (DC is in G&T). I'm just saying DOE should LISTEN to the schools that are making progress with difficult populations rather than spend extra $$$ hiring outside consultants. I wasn't talking about hiring more govt employees, I was just saying DOE should listen to the ones they've already hired who are making progress, so they can share those best practices (whether they are in G&T or gen ed, rich or poor student body... it's just common sense to seek out the employees who are making progress and find out what methods they are using and try to replicate their successes in other schools). [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.14.08, 05:22 AM Flag
»
You should come to the Keep the Promises Coalition rally at city hall Monday. Klein and Bloomberg are trying to drive a wedge between classes, but it's not working, we all want and need good schools for all of our city's children. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 07:37 PM Flag
[ - ] At what age does the CIO method not work any longer? 3 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
 ]
General Topics 06.13.08, 06:00 PM Flag
»
I think once they are out of the crib. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 06:01 PM Flag
»
But when they are in the crib still at age 2, and could cry for like 4 hours, how else can you solve a sleep issue of them wanting to come out of the crib and into your bed in the middle of the night [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 06:07 PM Flag
»
Where are you located? Recently someone posted on here about a service in the NYC area where these women will give you sleep consultations and even come to your house and sleep train (for enough money I suppose). I wish I'd known about it earlier and I've bookmarked the page in case I need it for my next baby! The website is www.dreamteambaby.com. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 06:13 PM Flag
[ - ] Something more important to think about?WASHINGTON — If Johnny can't read and Sally can't add, it's often because of the color of their skin and their ZIP code, educators and activists said Wednesday. The heads of the New York City and Washington, D.C., school systems joined with civil rights activist Rev. Al Sharpton and others to press for a shake-up of public schools from coast to coast to narrow the achievement gap between white students and black and Hispanic students. The group called the gap the nation's most pressing civil rights issue. By the time they near high school graduation, black and Hispanic teenagers on average have math and reading skills no higher than that of white middle-school students four years younger. Nationally, 55 percent of black males graduate high school on time, compared to about 78 percent for whites, according to recent data released by Education Week with support from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. "All the numbers, no matter how you look at it, are shocking," said Joel Klein, chancellor of the New York City school system, the nation's largest. Klein, Sharpton and D.C. Schools Chancellor Michelle Rhee appeared together to announce the creation of the Education Equality Project, an advocacy group to reform a public education system they say has been paralyzed by special interests like teachers unions as well as political and parental indifference. The group has yet to advocate any specific policies it wants to see enacted, but in general its leading members said they want to see greater accountability from teachers, more incentives to reward success, and greater parental responsibility for educating children. "We are in an age where we are trying to move beyond race, but achievement in education is not beyond race," said Sharpton. "Our children are drowning in the waters of indifference and old coalitions that no longer work and no longer care." The problem is not being fully addressed by the presidential candidates, the group said, because voters don't want to hear about national government plans to impose new standards on local school boards. Rhee noted that in her city, children who go to public schools in an affluent neighborhood get a "wildly different" education than students in the same school system who live in a poorer neighborhood. She also voiced concern that some of her fellow Democrats are so critical of the federal No Child Left Behind law that emphasized standardized testing that they have lost sight of the point of the legislation. "For too many years, we were not holding people accountable," Rhee said. Copyright 2008 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. 7 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
 ]
NY Schools 06.13.08, 06:00 PM Flag
»
Oops! Sorry for the multiple posts [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 06:02 PM Flag
»
more-"All the numbers, no matter how you look at it, are shocking," said Joel Klein, chancellor of the New York City school system, the nation's largest. Klein, Sharpton and D.C. Schools Chancellor Michelle Rhee appeared together to announce the creation of the Education Equality Project, an advocacy group to reform a public education system they say has been paralyzed by special interests like teachers unions as well as political and parental indifference. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 06:04 PM Flag
»
still more-The group has yet to advocate any specific policies it wants to see enacted, but in general its leading members said they want to see greater accountability from teachers, more incentives to reward success, and greater parental responsibility for educating children. "We are in an age where we are trying to move beyond race, but achievement in education is not beyond race," said Sharpton. "Our children are drowning in the waters of indifference and old coalitions that no longer work and no longer care." The problem is not being fully addressed by the presidential candidates, the group said, because voters don't want to hear about national government plans to impose new standards on local school boards. Rhee noted that in her city, children who go to public schools in an affluent neighborhood get a "wildly different" education than students in the same school system who live in a poorer neighborhood. She also voiced concern that some of her fellow Democrats are so critical of the federal No Child Left Behind law that emphasized standardized testing that they have lost sight of the point of the legislation. "For too many years, we were not holding people accountable," Rhee said. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 06:04 PM Flag
»
Rhee noted that in her city, children who go to public schools in an affluent neighborhood get a "wildly different" education than students in the same school system who live in a poorer neighborhood. She also voiced concern that some of her fellow Democrats are so critical of the federal No Child Left Behind law that emphasized standardized testing that they have lost sight of the point of the legislation. "For too many years, we were not holding people accountable," Rhee said. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 06:06 PM Flag
»
who is Rhee and can you please post a link? [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 08:28 PM Flag
»
stop posting so much here. just put the link and give people the choice of reading it if they like. you have completely clogged the board. its annoying. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 06:11 PM Flag
»
It's all up to the families. How can you change families? [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 08:47 PM Flag
Refresh » New Post »
Select Category
close [X]

close [X]

Select a Category (only 1)

category
Stages
Regions