Have time for a lecture?

Hello,

I did some work this weekend on getting our classroom economy moving forward.  Jobs were more clearly defined.  Some positions are getting bumps in pay with the added responsibilities.  I started working a bit with the bankers today to set up their portfolios.  They should be open for business soon.  There were a lot of great questions from the class: Can we raise the rent when we buy someone's desk?  Can we go in together with a friend to buy a desk?  Can you buy someone's desk who doesn't want to sell it?  All of my answers were based on the real world. 

We had our first visit from a volunteer from Bowdoin College this morning.  She will be coming in during math class every Monday.  I was a little disappointed during introductions when the first five kids in our class said, "My name is _____________, and I love video games."  This brings me to a yearly lecture that I like to give regarding video games, television, and our youth.  Before I start that, I need to thank Bowdoin and their fantastic volunteers.  Many of these students have never stepped foot into a public school.  I commend them for giving some of their valuable time, and while I'd like to think that it is a win-win situation, I can't thank them enough for what they are able to do for our kids.

Onto the lecture part...  I'll keep it short and sweet this year.  If your child has a television in their room, please take it out.  If you can't, I will gladly do it.  Just let me know a good time to come over.  And I am being totally serious.  If you think your child is doing fine with it, they could do much better without it.  There, I'm done.  I'm sorry if I offended anyone.  I know that parenting is the toughest job in the world and I don't want to pretend to know more than any of you in that area.  But as far as video games and televisions in kid's bedrooms, I speak from a lot of experience when I say, "Please, no."  Usually I site research and personal stories.  Nope.  Short and sweet.  Maybe not sweet.  But do what you will with the info. 

For those of you still reading... we have our Reading NWEA testing tomorrow afternoon.  Please give your child a healthy breakfast and snack. 

Have a great night.  Thanks for doing all you do, including tolerating your child's rambling teacher.

Mr. Shea