After the horrific shootings at a Florida high school earlier this year, a hue and cry arose demanding that public schools in Santa Fe be made as safe as possible.Possible improvements to security in public schools included the hiring of armed guards — something that likely is too expensive for a district already facing a $1.6 million budget squeeze. Last week, Superintendent Veronica García said the district probably can’t afford to hire guards, and the city of Santa Fe has said it doesn’t have the resources right now to place armed police officers on campus.Adding armed guards, to be honest, never was our favorite solution. Even if help from the city had emerged, the district likely would have been able to hire only three armed guards or officers. Two would have assigned to the high schools, with the third rotating at middle schools; considering the layout of our schools, such limited staffing did not seem to be enough coverage to actually make a difference. It … [Read more...] about A community goal: Keep kids safe
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Going to a white school with white classes and white teachers didn’t make me feel included | Opinion
Diversity is beautiful. Everyone you meet will have their own, unique backstory. They will have their own experiences, their own memories, their own struggles and their own successes. Diversity is important because, although we have our own background and our own story, we all have a background and we all have a story. We are all human.Diversity in education is extremely important. Unfortunately, residential segregation is still prevalent in America, especially in Jefferson County. I grew up in neighborhoods where more than 90 percent of my neighbors are black, like me. These neighborhoods are poor, black and disinvested, but that’s all I knew.However, I had the opportunity to go to elementary schools such as Fern Creek and Norton (which was very far from my home) where not only was the majority of the school white, but I was usually one of the few black students in my advanced classes.Despite being integrated into a suburban school in a predominantly white … [Read more...] about Going to a white school with white classes and white teachers didn’t make me feel included | Opinion
Smart (and Safe) Phones
When I ask friends with tween children about their biggest parenting concerns, the answer—without hesitation—is safe smartphone use.For parents of much younger or older children, the first question might be, “Why does a tween have a smartphone?” You might be surprised to know that 60 percent of tweens own a cell phone, according to the Center on Media and Child Health. An astounding 22 percent of kids aged 6 to 9 own cell phones too! Age 10-11 is the most popular age for receiving a first cell phone.The main reason for giving a tween a cell phone, not surprisingly, is for emergencies or to stay in touch after school hours. So many of today’s families have abandoned their landlines—nearly half of all households are mobile only—that it’s essential for each family member to have his or her own device.Whether a child spends some time alone at home after school or is involved in after-school activities, a cell phone is crucial for many busy … [Read more...] about Smart (and Safe) Phones
How to deal with the police; Is kratom safe to use for pain?; DREAMers need permanent status; Government’s main purposes.
How to deal with the police So we have another video of a woman being “taken to the ground” and arrested. The video cams makes clear that the woman flunked or never attended “How To Deal With Police Officers.” ▪ Rule No. 1 — Follow instructions. Refusing to drop your gun, knife, club, or whatever will not have a happy ending. ▪ Rule No. 2 — Be respectful. If you want respect you have to give it. Screaming at or cursing the officer is never good policy. ▪ Rule No. 3 — Don’t make any sudden moves that could be misinterpreted by the officer. Officers know that domestic disturbance events are the most dangerous parts of a policeman’s job. You can always appeal to higher authority if you feel you have been treated unfairly. James R. Anderson, North Richland Hills Is kratom safe to use for pain? I have asked my representatives to support the freedom of consumers to use kratom as a part of their health … [Read more...] about How to deal with the police; Is kratom safe to use for pain?; DREAMers need permanent status; Government’s main purposes.
Ventless Gas Fireplace: Is It Safe? Read This Before You Buy
Is a ventless gas fireplace safe, given it has no chimney or vent? Here's what you'll want to know before you buy one for your home. Audrey Ference, provided by Published 2:30 pm, Tuesday, January 16, 2018 Photo: Dvoinik/iStock Image 1of/1 CaptionClose Image 1 of 1 Photo: Dvoinik/iStock Ventless Gas Fireplace: Is It Safe? Read This Before You Buy 1 / 1 Back to Gallery A ventless gas fireplace is one without a chimney or vent—and it's an increasingly popular option for cash-strapped homeowners, since installing a fireplace vent can cost up to $3,000. But is a ventless gas fireplace safe and effective? Here's what you'll want to know before you buy one for your home. How a ventless gas fireplace works In theory, a ventless gas fireplace should be safe … [Read more...] about Ventless Gas Fireplace: Is It Safe? Read This Before You Buy