Rachel Loves Freecycle

I love Freecycle. It’s an email list where people can post stuff they want to get rid of and other people can take it off their hands for free. Free stuff gets passed around to others who can use it and none of it ends up taking up space in a landfill. What a great idea!

This afternoon I picked up this great little pink push car for Rachel from a nice lady down the street who posted it on Freecycle. We probably wouldn’t have spent the money to buy her something like this since she will soon be inheriting Nicholas’ tricycle which has a push bar for the child to be pushed around before they can pedal. But this little push car is really perfect for her right now and will make for a nice transition into the tricycle later. Rachel had her first ride in it today when we picked Nicholas up from school.

Nicholas had fun pushing Rachel down the street.

Rachel is just learning how to walk so we don’t bother with shoes for her because we want her to feel what her feet and toes are doing when she stands. However, she also likes to let her feet drop off of the push car as we are going down the road. Each time I saw her do this I would stop the car and put her feet back on the foot rest. But apparently it happened more than I realized. When we got home today from picking Nicholas up at school, I noticed that there was a hole in her sock and her little foot was bleeding!

She never seemed bothered by it and was laughing the whole trip to school and back. I feel terrible about her toe but I know I stopped and picked her feet back up a squillion times during the trip so I don’t understand how it happened. Fortunately we have some like-new pink and white tennis shoes (also acquired from Freecycle) so now she will have to wear those anytime she rides in the push car.

Walking With Dinosaurs

Restless Texas Children Syndrome (RTCS)

I have found the exact half-life of Texas rain tolerance to be 6.3 hours.  During that window my family can enjoy the rain, participate in the rain, and post-pone anything that would include DEALING with the rain.

After that window, it just isn’t pretty.

Push that window 1, 2, 3, 4…and shoot me now…5 days and we have a major problem.

By day 5 we are puppies cooped up in a box biting each others’ ears and howling at the rain.  This is not a situation that normal Texas weather prepares us for.  We are fish out of water.  We are Texans in rain.

It isn’t just that most activities are now inside, I believe the intense humidity penetrates our Texas skulls.

Children seem to be the most susceptible with contributing factors of increased TV ingestion, repetitive play syndrome and a cranky parent environment.  What is the cure?

Recovery is spontaneous with a dose of Texas sun.

Rain or shine, today I am opening up the doors and releasing the hounds…

The Obama Indoctrination Speech to School Children

My five-year-old twins won’t view President Obama’s education address in their kindergarten classroom on September 8 because school administrators in our Texas district have deemed that it would “interrupt instructional time.”

Instead, the district will stream the video online. Families can then opt in–or out–of the national dialogue.

This safe compromise was likely made to soothe conservative voices here who worry the President’s short speech would aim to indoctrinate their youngsters into the Democratic party–or worse–a “socialist way” of thinking.  And while I haven’t yet seen the speech as I write this, I can tell you from my professional experience covering local, state and national education issues as a newspaper reporter for more than 10 years that few presidential addresses of this type given in the classroom release bombshells. My prediction is that Obama’s speech will be fairly neutral in tone and offer nice photo ops for the press corps.

As a parent of three, however, it is greatly refreshing to see the public’s interest in the content our children are exposed to in our nation’s public schools–I only wish we as a group would pay more attention to the subtle types of indoctrination that happens every day.

For example, last week–on the second day of kindergarten–my twins bopped home from our tony community’s premier elementary school with camouflage-colored dog tags hanging around their necks from metal chains.  While my kids thought nothing of this, I brought context to such symbols.  Dog tags, after all, are an indelible symbol of warfare. In fact, such dog tags are manufactured to be thin and small so they can be sewn into the mouths of dead soldiers and thus help those in field mortuaries identify the fallen. By sending home such a symbol, my public school is sending a subtle message that they not only approve of warfare–but wholeheartedly endorse it. Moreover, they’re telling my young children to be proud foot soldiers.

On the fourth day of kindergarten, my children returned home with fliers listing half a dozen fast-food restaurants that will return a portion of our bill to our public school in an effort to raise funds for educational endeavors.  “Mom,” said my daughter Elizabeth, “we have to go eat pizza tonight to help our school!”  As it turns out, we can spend every night this week–and every night for the remaining school year according to these fliers–at fast-food joints raising money for our school.   Of course, nutritionists–many who work for the state’s department of health–would tell us that to take the advice of our premier elementary school would be to risk the health of my family. My children would become obese, contract diabetes and ruin their hearts.  Yet, the subtle message from the public school is ‘Do your duty and help out your school.’

On the sixth day of school, instructional time in our kindergarten was handed over to two uniform-clad high school football players who signed autographs in promotion of their first big home game. They also read two books to the children, but this last detail was forgotten by my kids who reported only the shimmering uniforms and the deep, impressive voices of the handsome players.  It is likely, too, that they subconsciously picked up on the school’s subtle message that sports are of the utmost importance here in Texas, that male athletes should be revered above others, that strength of body trumps strength of spirit or mind.
This is why, even as a longtime card-carrying member of the Democratic party and big Obama supporter, I’m thrilled to have passionate conversations about indoctrination. But let’s not limit the discussion to the President’s 10-minute speech. As parents, we need to be aware of and address the subtle everyday messages our public schools are giving our kids.

I only wish our school district would give us the option of streaming some of these other messages via video.

Julie Blair is a Dallas-area freelance journalist who graduated from both public and private institutions. She continues to support her local public schools with her most precious commodities–her three children.

Parent Advocates for Argyle Schools

There’s a new web site in Argyle.  It’s called Parent Advocates for Argyle Schools.  It’s run by parents, for parents.  It’s mission is to inform.

The site offers resources [many great sites to keep your kids learning this summer!], tips, advice, and pertinent links to help parents navigate through the Argyle ISD educational system [though the majority of the site’s content is applicable to any school district or system!].   As renaissance philosopher Sir Francis Bacon said, “Knowledge is power”.   The site is run by two educators: a principal, and a former middle/high school teacher.  They value and welcome community input in making this site a valuable resource for our schools, so stop by, visit, pose a question, or leave a comment!

If you have a specific question, need help or an advocate, or simply need to voice a concern  or get advice in a safe environment, visit the Ask An Educator Page and post your question.

Be sure to check back regularly as more and more links and topics will be added.  Current topics include:

Policy Topics:

• What is the role of the Board of Trustees?

• What is the Complaint/Grievance Process?

Argyle ISD Topics:

• How do Argyle schools rank compared to similar schools?

Learning and/or Teaching Topics:

• Inspired Teaching

• Discovery Learning

• Dual Credit vs. AP

• Texting and Cheating in the Classroom

General Education and Hot Button Topics:

• Top Performing Public High Schools: Dallas Ranks with # 1 and # 2

• The Importance of Social Responsibility

• Service Learning vs. Community Service

Upcoming informational blog topics will include:

• How do you address an academic concern with your child’s teacher?

• What are the TEKS and how do you know your children are being taught the TEKS throughout the school year?

• How are teachers and administrators evaluated?

Summer Activities for Kids in Denton County

Burbmom.net has been scouring the Dallas-Fort-Worth Metroplex to find summer activities for children.  Luckily there are TONS of options for summer family fun in DFW.  Here is what we have found for the areas in and around Denton County.  The list is long, but I am sure I missed some of the great things that Denton County has to offer.  If you know of anything I missed, please add it to the comments below or email me the information at holly@burbmom.net and I will continue to update!

*drum roll*

Let’s bring on the summer fun:

Abrakadoodle - Remarkable Art Education – classes and camps – Multiple locations in/close to Denton County including Coppell, Flower Mound, and Lewisville

Argyle Young Writers - Various camps from June 27 to August 14 covering topics:  Villainous Viewpoints, Fairy Tale Plots, and Mythologies – grades 3 through 7 – instructor is author Misa Ramirez

Adventure Kids Playcare – Weekly themed summer camps at all locations – June 8 to August 17 – ages 2 1/2 and up – Monday through Friday 10-2 – drop-in care also available

Actors Conservatory Theatre – productions and ACT Summer Camps – grades 1 through 6 – weekly camps include “Who’s behind the Mask?”, “Party with a Puppet”, “Theatre of Trash” and “Whose Line is it? It’s Mine!” – Summer production of THE KING AND I July 10-19 with auditions on May 23, 2009

Applewood Learning Center – themed summer camps and programs that include story time, games, learning activities, crafts and snacks – ages: infants up to age 10 – morning, afternoon, all day and extended day sessions available

Art House – classes and camps – ages 6 and up – camps include: The Land Before Time, Walk like an Egyptian, Back to the Future, Summer of Love, Oil Painting-Impressionist Landscape, Fly Me to Florence 1455, Passport to Paris 1888, Cartooning-American vs. Japan, Fashion Design-Design and Sew American Girl Clothes, Fashion Design-American Designers, and more – weekly half day camps

Austin Ranch – trail rides – Tuesday through Sunday 10 am to 6 pm – starting at $30 – located near Grapevine Mills Mall – call 817-410-6860 for information

Boomer’s Summer Camp by Boomerangs Party and Play - 3 days a week 9 to 2 pm – ages 5 to 10 – featuring Mad Science – activities include: Unlimited Jump, Mad Science Projects, Arts & Crafts, Magicians, Puppeteers, Police Officers, Fire Department and many more – Multiple in/near Denton County locations including Flower Mound, Plano and Hurst locations

CAC – Flower Mound – aquatic program – ages 6 months through adult – multi-level swimming classes, WSI, Lifeguard, Jr. Lifeguard, Aquatic Boot Camp, Kid’s Night Out, Scuba, Dive-in Movies

CAC – Flower Mound – childcare classes - ages 11 through adult – American Red Cross Kid Care Babysitting Class, VBAC, Baby Care Basics, Lamaze Childbirth Education

CAC – Flower Mound – Martial Arts Programs - ages 3 to adult – Lil’ Red Tiger Pre-School, Red Tiger Karate for Juniors, Red Tiger Karate for Adults

CAC – Flower Mound – Music and Art Classes – ages newborn through adult – Kindermusik, Young Rembrandts, Basic Guitar, Ballet/Tap

Castle Montessori Schools - ages 18 months to 9 years – “Magical School Bus” summer adventures – field trips to: The Fort Worth Museum of Science and History, The Children’s Theater, Elm Fork Nature Preserve and many more

CAC – Flower Mound – Summer Camps - ages 4 to 13 (check sessions) – Summer Adventure Camp, Garden Art Camp, Summer Day Camp with field trips, Rocket Science Camp including Early Learning, Simple Machines, Science & Technology and Beginning Robotics

Children’s Courtyard – summer care and camps – ages 0 through school age – themed activities, events and field trips: Storybook Summer for preschoolers, Rock ‘n Roll Summer for School age children – multiple locations throughout the metroplex including Lewisville and Flower Mound

Color Me Mine – Summer camps and classes – ages 6 and up – each camp is 9 to 4 with provided snack – camps from June through August – themes include: Fun in the Sun, Birthday Plate, Name Plaque, BFF Plate, Texas, Nature, Christmas in July, Movie Day, Princess for a Week, Bible, Alien and Space and Back to School – Flower Mound location

Coppell Montessori Academy – Summer activities – Daily Dose of Montessori, Calisthenics, Water Mania, Art Studio, Greenhouse, Music, Train Ride, Spanish Classes, Tea Time, Wild About Books, Board Game Mania, Puzzle Mania, Magic Shows and Story Telling

Cornerstone Learning Centers – Ultimate Summer Adventure Camp and Vacation Bible Week – care and curriculum for ages 6 weeks to third grade

Dance Reflections – classes and camps – ages 3 to adult – Ballet, Creative Movement, Tap and Ballet w/ Intro to Jazz, Mini Hip Hop, Beginner/Intermediate/Just for Teens Hip Hop, and other teen-only classes

Discover & Share – camps for grades K-5th – Discover: Green thumb gardening, music melodies and art application; Learn: Spanish, Chinese; Share: Interactive Story Time, Dance/Movement and Cooking – Choose your own adventure day camp – call 972-304-1818

Excite Gym – classes and summer day camps – ages 2 and up – Flower Mound and Highland Village locations – flexible times – themed camps include: splash days, Wall-E Week, Olympics Days, Trampoline Camp, Sweet Treats Days, Sweet and Sassy Days or Sports Week, Kung Fu Days, Small Fry Camp, gymnastics and dance camps

Explorations Preparatory School – Summer Science Camps – grades 1 through 5 – Weekly themed camps that include: Solar Science, Diggin’ Dirt, Oozing and Glowing Worlds, Go Green, Getting Physical, World of Ponds – morning, afternoon or both – June 15 to July 30

Faith Lutheran Day School – Let’s Get Buggy summer camp – ages 3 through 2nd grade – June 22 to 26

Flower Mound Library Book Bingo! – ages teen through adults – Choose from a wide variety of listed books and cross off squares as you read them – prizes!

Flower Mound Library Story Time - continues through the summer with programs for ages 0 through family – check out schedule for details

Flower Mound Library Summer Reading Program – pick up a reading log beginning June 4 and keep track of your reading time. Receive rewards for every 7 days that you read at least 20 minutes a day!

Flower Mound Library Theater on Thursdays - afternoon events for readers – ages 4 (FIRM) and up – shows are at 2 pm and 3:15 pm – tickets are required for admission – FREE – tickets are first come/first serve starting at 9 am the day of the show – there will be activities in the library for kids under 4 to do with their parents during the show

Flower Mound Library Wild About Wednesdays – Wednesday night at 7 pm family story time – check the schedule for age recommendations and program announcements

FM Boys and Girls Soccer Camp – grades 1 to 8 – located at Flower Mound High School – three weekly morning camps – for information email doyled@lisd.net or jacobsonl@lisd.net

FMHS Drill Team Rosettes Mini Dance Camp – K through 8th grade – June 15 through June 19th – Contact Michelle Adams for more information: (972) 724-7808

FM Jaguars Baseball Camp – ages 6 to 14 – weekly camps for different age groups – June 15 to 19

Footlights Dance Studio – summer classes and camps – Flower Mound location

Lewisville YMCA – Camp Yipiyuk & Camp Tikihama – weekly themed day camps – ages 4 to 16 – games, swimming, crafts, indoor and outdoor activities, archery, bb guns, field trips and competitions – June 8 through August 17 – contact Greater Lewisville Family YMCA at 972-539-9622

Flower Mound Taekwondo - classes – ages 4 to adult – Flower Mound location

Hilton DFW Lakes Summer Camps - ages 5-18 – Tennis and weekly themed camps: extreme sports, splash, western, creature feature – swimming, horseback riding, karate, arts and crafts, team building, sports and general recreation games – for registration and information call 817-410-6828 or email Jonathan Shaw at jonathan.shaw@hilton.com

Kidz Art - summer art classes – ages 6 through 12- located in Highland Village – Certified Art Instructor/Small Classes – Contact Cindy Hodge: 972-317-2080 or 214-636-5833

Kindermusik - summer classes – ages newborn to 7 – Flower Mound and Bartonville locations – classes include: busy days, Marvelous Me, Let’s Play, Jazz Kitchen and Giggles

Lewisville Parks and Recreation Summer Tennis – day camps – Jr. Beginner Tennis & Swim Camp, Advanced Beginner/Intermediate Tennis Camp, Advanced Beginner/Intermediate Tennis & Swim Camp, Pee Wee Tennis Camp, Adult Beginner & Advanced Beginner Tennis Clinics

Lewisville YMCA - Summer Aquatics & Sports – swimming lessons, teams and Lifeguard Classes – ages 6 months through adult – baseball, basketball, soccer, flag football, mini-multi sports, lacrosse, FIT girls, volleyball, small fry and buddy sports – ages 3 through 8th grade – Contact Greater Lewisville Family YMCA at 972-539-9622

Liberty Christian School – Summertime at Liberty – ages 4 to 13 – June 8 through July 31st – full-scale summer program:  preschool and lower school camps available – sports, physical fitness, computer, arts and crafts, and other activities to fit the emotional, physical, spiritual and mental needs of your child – Argyle location

LISD – Science Camps – ages 5 to 12 (depending on session) – Weekly themed camps morning or afternoon sessions – Themes include: Rocket Ride to Space, Earth, bubbles, Super Sleuth, Oceans Away 1 and 2, Metamorphosis, Going Buggy, Fun Fossils, Science in the Forest, Robot Mania and Welcome to the Garden

LISD – Music Camps – ages 4 to 12 – Weekly themed camps morning or afternoon sessions – Dough-Re-Mi and Boomwackers

LISD – Drama Camps - ages 6 to 14 – Weekly themed camps – Wizard of Oz, Cinderella, Blame it on the Wolf, Kids Komedy Show and Merely Monologues

LISD – Art Camps – ages 5 to 13 – Weekly themed camps – Adventures in Art, Masters Pastel Art Workshop, Drawing and Reading with Eric Carle, Discover Polymer Clay, Austrailian Summer Art Workshop, Mastering Multimedia Workshop, Junior Monster Cartoon Workshop, Cub Scouts Art Badge, Junior Girl Scouts Art Badge

LISD – Lego Camps - ages 5 to 14 – Weekly sessions – Lego Mania, Lego Logo, Lego Science Explorers, Lego Robotics

LISD – Game Camps – ages 5-16 – Game Builder video Game Creation Camp, USA Chess Camp, TGA Golf Camp

LISD – Cooking Camp – ages 4-7 – Camp Kids Cook – morning or afternoon sessions

LISD – Photography Camp – ages 6 to 8 – Fred’s Photo Camp

LISD – School help – Kindergarten Prep, Reading and Writing Skills, Me, My Friends, Munchie Math Time and Read NOW!

LISD – Charm School – ages 4 to 11 – Twi-lite Retreats, Charming Children, Model Bootcamp, Manners Bootcamp

LISD – Fashion Camps – ages 5 and up – Model Makeover, Summer Camp with Barbie, Fashion Designer

Mad Science – hands-on Science Summer Camps – ages 3 to 12 – weekly themed camps: Earth, Bubbles, Super Sleuth, Rocket Ride to Space, Robot Mania – 12 locations in Denton, Collin and Dallas Counties

Marcus Marauder Tennis Camp - ages 6 to 17 – 1/2 day camps with coaches from Marcus – for more information call Coach Langdon at 817-481-2726

Marcus Marquettes Summer Dance Camp – hosted by Alice Dack – grades 1 through 8 – check out website for details and dates

Reading Friends – Summer Enrichment Day Camps – ages 2 through 8 – Lewisville location – camps include: developmental camp, primary and preK camp, Elementary Camp, with weekly themes such as Bugs, Fun with Bubbles, Let’s Cook, Summer is here, Under the Sea, Flowers and Feathers, Bats, Recycling, On the Farm and many more

Soccer Camps by Bobby Moffat – Denton County locations in Lewisville and The Colony for boys and girls 4-16 years old.

Sharkarosa Wildlife Ranch -exotic animal care, outdoor survival, games, art projects, restraint and handling, first aid, conservation and more.  Summer Safari (June 8-12 with optional overnight on the 11th) for ages 8-10 and Wild Encounters (June 15-19 with optional overnight on the 18th) for ages 11-13.

Skyhawks Camps - Sports day camps – ages 3 to 15 – basketball, flag football, baseball, mini hawk, beginning golf, volleyball – Flower Mound location: Community Activity Center (CAC)

SoccerTots – summer classes – ages 18 months to 10 years – Child Physical Development Program – Over 80 fun games and activities – 19 indoor facilities

Spanish Schoolhouse – multiple locations in/near Denton County including the NEW Flower Mound location – summer Spanish immersion summer camps – ages 3 to 10 – art, music, games, science, cooking all in Spanish

Studio B Performing Arts Center - classes, workshops, performance opportunities and camps – ages 4 and up – located in Highland Village – Upcoming shows: Alice in Wonderland, Pirates!, Sweeney Todd, The Wizard of Oz, High School Musical 2 – Summer camps: E-I-E-I-Opps!, Sweeney Todd, 101 Dalmations, Pirates!

The Peanut Gallery – summer camps – infants through school age – Programs include:  Baby Signs, Zoo-phonics, Math their Way, Fun with Fitness, Gymnastics, Kindergarten Club, Computers, Spanish, and music

Turning Pointe Dance Studio – classes and camps – located across from Lantana in Bartonville Town Center – ages 3 to 12 – themed camps: Disney, Pop Star, Music Video, Create your own, Hip Hop, Ballet, Jazz, Tap and Modern

WinKids – summer classes and camps – themed camps, martial arts, swimming, dance, gymnastics, sports and music

Young Rembrandts - summer classes and workshops – ages 3 1/2 to 13 – classes: preschool drawing, elementary drawing, cartooning – workshops: Art and Reading with Eric Carle, Australian Summer Art, Junior Under the Sea, Masters Pastel – Lewisville and Flower Mound locations

Kindergarten Debacle

All of the end of the year activities are in play.  Today, we are going to Chase’s Kindergarten awards program & picnic!  It is very exciting.  Not as exciting as next year’s Kindergarten awards program & picnic will be when we are actually celebrating his conclusion of Kindergarten.

Oh the joys of repeating Kindergarten.

Have I mentioned that I am not thrilled fully convinced that this is best for my boy?  I don’t think I have.  I have mentioned it to some of my loved-ones but not to you, some of my dearest imaginary , invisible, Internet friends in the world!  I am sure many of you will have a contrary opinion to mine but I am going to go ahead and put mine out there…because, well, its my blog.

Chase is very young.  His birthday is July 24.  He has struggled a bit through Kindergarten.  BUT.  He is a very sharp kid who has achieved a “Satisfactory” rating on his report card in almost every subject throughout the majority of the year. Over the past few months, he has blossomed in maturity & retention of reading/writing concepts in leaps and bounds.

NOTE: Shauna has no problem holding kids back a year for growth.  Shauna does not necessarily believe that Kindergarten is the most beneficial year for that to be done for Chase.

I think that the basic concepts covered in Kindergarten are going to be quite boring for my boy next year.  I am afraid that my obedient, well behaved child might fill his boredom with silliness & acting out.  He may not, but time will only tell.    The teachers & staff are recommending another year for Chase because they feel like he “just isn’t ready” for First Grade. Our school has an amazing reading recovery program for first graders (that Mackenzie participated in this year) – I know that if he moves on to 1st grade, he is likely to be involved in that program and it did wonders for Mackenzie!  I feel a little irresponsible wanting my child in that program but I can see Chase quickly getting right where he needs to be.

When I signed the letter that was written up for me requesting for Chase to re-do Kindergarten, I asked if I could re-evaluate the situation at the end of the summer. I don’t think it is fair to measure his maturity 5 months before it is even time to start 1st grade. I do have that option so we will just see where he is in a few months.

I honestly feel like I am up against an educational regime on this though. I feel like if I decide to put him in 1st grade – I have this huge group of people looking down on my parenting skills.  Which isn’t really fair.  I want to do what’s best for my boy & I just have this gut feeling that this is not it. (NOTE: I absolutely adore Chase’s teachers/administrators and know that they are trying to do what they think is best for him as well, we just differ in opinion.)

OK – well thanks for listening to my rant.  Again, I am sure there are some adverse opinions on this.  Feel free to put it out there but be nice.

Shauna rambles and rants over at Blah Blah Blog when she isn’t keeping your favorite website up and running!

Spice Up Staycation with Cheap, Creative Thrills

You aimed to rent a beach house the Big Island this summer for your family, but alas, the economy has downsized your plans to include only cold showers at home.

That said, you and your kids can substitute a costly vacation with a smashing “staycation” here in Texas. All it takes is a little imagination and perhaps some phone calls. And just think: You’ll have the luxury of your own washing machine, which, when enjoyed with a frosty margarita, is a beautiful thing.

Mom: Aspirations

I still sometimes feel like I don’t really know what I want to be when I grow up.

But I do know this:

I want to be more like my daughter.

I want to find joy in everything.

I want to bust a gut laughing at bubbles.

I want to be so comfortable being me that I am totally me, all the time.

I want others to look at me and think, “now there’s a person who loves life!”

Oh yeah, and I wouldn’t mind some of that natural, fresh faced beauty too. )

Christina is a DFW mom.  She writes Momology and takes breath-taking pictures.

Mom: Legacy

Being right is not as important as asking for forgiveness when you’re wrong

This is certainly not an exhaustive list, but it’s what I’ve got today. I’m sure as I get more “experienced” as a mother, I’ll add to this list or change some things. But it will be neat to look back 10 years from now and think about this list.

Texan Mama is a DFW mom.  She writes Who Put Me in Charge of These People because she is in charge of a bunch of people…

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