WINTER 2012
Edition
Next
Civic Meeting
TO BE ANNOUNCED IN SPRING-
AT WOODS ROAD SCHOOL CAFETERIA - ALL WELCOME!!
THANKS TO WILLIAM OF SUNSET LIQUORS FOR DONATING A
CASE OF WINE (Don't forget he offers a 10% discount on everything except sale items).
YOU MUST SHOW MEMBERSHIP CARD AT TIME OF PURCHASE!!
DON'T FORGET TO SHOP AT ALL OUR -
LOCAL
CIVIC ADVERTISERS
WE APPRECIATE THEIR SUPPORT!!
Email: vsciacca1@optonline.net
Website: scca.homestead.com
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE: Vincent Sciacca
242-2443
SUPPORT OUR BRAVE MEN AND
WOMEN IN UNIFORM. THEY DESERVE IT.
SUNSET
CITY MEMBERSHIP DUES: Remember to support the many advertisers that offer us
discounts. Check out some of the new advertisers in our newsletter.
Send $5.00 for your new membership (2012 thru June 2013) if you haven't already,
to Sunset City Civic Association 630 Interlaken Lane, North Babylon NY 11703 and make
check payable to Sunset City Civic Association. I want to thank those of you who
remembered to send in your dues, this was our best year.
GARAGE SALE: We are planning a garage sale on Saturday June 9th and
Sunday June 10th 2012 - 10Am to 3pm. Anyone interested in participating contact me by phone
631-242-2443 or better yet, e-mail me at vsciacca1@optonline.net
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THE CHALLENGE OF AMERICAN EDUCATION TODAY: BY VINCENT SCIACCA
The crisis in American education is due, in part, to the notion that
all students need to be prepared for a academic degree oriented university education. The
fact of the matter is, not all students are geared for a rigorous academic curriculum.
This is not to say that those students should not be encouraged to pursue academic
excellence. However, there is a need in society for other fields of endeavor and students
should be given the opportunity to explore careers that will maximize their full potential
and interests.
There is a need to elevate vocational educational opportunities to a
level which rivals that of the current focus on an academic based career only. Our society
needs to de-stigmatize hands-on creativity, craftsmanship and gold old fashioned American
ingenuity. After all, America's economic and innovative greatness is based upon the credo
"necessity is the mother of invention".
Other industrialized nations have followed Americas previous
focus of steering qualified students into vocational education. As a result, they have
produced some of the world's greatest craft persons in all fields. In these countries, the
skilled worker is as respected and in demand as all others.
Some states, like Massachusetts, have made forward strides in
addressing the solution. They have what is called "Regional High Schools" which
are supported by surrounding districts. They offer "Vocational Training" to
students which offer a wide variety of courses ranging from computer technology and
repairs to carpentry. Students are also given the core curriculum of English, math,
science etc., with special emphasis on those topics related to their specific need. For
example, if a student is studying auto mechanics, the math he/she learns is related to
that field. Advanced calculus might be useless and soon forgotten by that student. These
schools have their own athletic teams, administrative staff, etc.
Unlike today's Boces here, where students attend part-time regional
high schools and spend much time traveling back and forth, these schools are self
contained and are maximizing their student's abilities, while maintaining their interest
in career oriented education. Self contained focus schools also stop the "musical
chair" disruptive syndrome of transporting students back and forth between schools.
Boces could easily be re-tooled to handle this innovative, (but not new) learning
direction. Years ago, in New York, it worked well. As has happened many times, the
advice.. "If it ain't broke don't fix it", fell on deaf ears.
Today's students need more options. We still need the proverbial rocket
scientists, but, we also need someone to build and fix the rocket when it breaks! As
commissioner of education Mills said, "All students can learn". No one can
dispute that. However, WHAT WE TEACH THEM AND HOW WE MAKE WHAT WE TEACH THEM RELEVANT TO
THEIR LIVES IS THE CHALLENGE OF AMERICAN EDUCATION TODAY!
SCHOOL UNIFORMS: BY VINCENT SCIACCA
Most administrators agree that uniforms aren't a cure-all, but in most
cities that have tried a uniform dress code, the results are very impressive. Before
implementing uniforms, Whittier Elementary in Long Beach, CA., had one of the lowest
attendance records in the district. After three (3) years of uniforms, its record is among
the highest. In Kansas City, MO., the reputation of Martin Luther King Middle School was
among the lowest in the city. After four (4) years of required uniforms as part of its
Latin Grammar Magnet Program, the twenty (20) year old school had shown a dramatic
turn-around in attendance, test scores and school pride.
Schools using uniforms to address chronic problem. Most students agree
with the notion that wearing uniforms to school solves many problems. As one 11 year old
student at Cherry Hill Elementary in Baltimore explained, "When you wear street
clothes, you can get in fights about what you are wearing."
Avoiding fights, easing peer pressure, whatever the hoped for outcome,
many districts around the country are trying school uniforms as a way of avoiding
disciplinary problems. Wearing uniforms is voluntary at some schools. They encourage, but
don't require, students to dress the same. Other schools mandate uniforms.
Today students, in an effort to "not be different" pressure
their parents into buying expensive designer clothing so that they can be "like
everyone els". Instituting a dress code has been a way that some parents have reacted
to the above mentioned situation. In essence parents have said, "Enough, let's bring
some sanity to this situation".
Unwelcomed guests can be easily identified by their lack of a uniform.
The common thread that seems to be apparent in most academically successful schools, such
as Charter schools, Catholic schools, and private non-denominational schools is wearing of
school uniforms.
It is my sincere hope that the P.T.A., School Board Trustees and
Administration will consider the adoption of a district wide uniform dress code.
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©
2012 Sunset City Civic Association North Babylon New York.
Regular and On line edition published Sept-June
Contact President Vincent Sciacca at 631-242-2443
email sunsetcitycivic@hotmail.com
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