en-us https://www.intensedebate.com/users/662323 Comments by melodies http://www.komonews.com/news/local/129566423.html#IDComment191930652 Had I not moved out of state the bridge toll would have made it impossible for me to make ends-meet. Given that I could only find part time minimum wage employment, I would have lost up to 1/6 of my monthly paycheck on the bridge. I couldn't take the bus because the buses between my home and work either did not run early enough or late enough depending on my schedule that day. Moving to Seattle was too expensive to be considered. I would have gladly paid a more reasonable price to use the bridge- though admittedly, I would have used I-90 whenever possible if I had the extra time. Luckily, I moved and don't have to worry about that anymore. Sat, 10 Sep 2011 14:39:16 +0000 http://www.komonews.com/news/local/129566423.html#IDComment191930652 http://www.komonews.com/news/local/105034934.html#IDComment104188120 I had to go through one of the body scanners in Albuquerque recently; you still have to take off shoes, jackets, etc. But you just go through the scanner instead of the metal detector. Honestly, while I initially was a little upset about having to go through, I've realized how much more I value my safety than a complete stranger who I'll never see again seeing more of me than I want. It was quick and painless. I might not love the idea, but I like it a whole lot more than the thought of some crazy terrorist not getting caught before reeking havoc. We live in troubled times, and unfortunately it's not getting better so tougher measures are needed. 'Tis life. Fri, 15 Oct 2010 17:41:03 +0000 http://www.komonews.com/news/local/105034934.html#IDComment104188120 http://www.komonews.com/opinion/kenschram/102449534.html#IDComment97865415 My study times had nothing to do with College. It was all middle and senior high school. . College is a totally different story; I never stopped studying. That is beside the point. The schools I am talking about ARE local schools. Also, many local high schools offer AP, IB and College in the High School courses right at the high school itself- no need to go to the local CC (though running start is also a great option). I attended public school in a local district- from K-12. I speak from experience within the last 5 years, as a student in a local district and family also working in local districts. During college, I tutored middle school students in the Seattle Public SD, for math every week. They really struggled... a lot.... but I don't attribute that to a lack of effort or good teaching by the teachers. There are a lot of hurdles that those teachers are faced with that make teaching the diverse group of students extraordinarily challenging. Some students need much more individual attention than can be given. I know my experience is just one, and everybody has had their own, but more than anything I think we need to realize that we are way over-simplifying this issue. Unless we put ourselves in the teachers' shoes in the specific district, we will not (and cannot) every hope to understand where they are coming from. I think everybody should take the time to volunteer in a local school- it will greatly improve your understanding of the situation, and your appreciation for the people who dedicate their lives to teaching these children. Thu, 9 Sep 2010 19:16:31 +0000 http://www.komonews.com/opinion/kenschram/102449534.html#IDComment97865415 http://www.komonews.com/opinion/kenschram/102449534.html#IDComment97848499 Cutting edge changes, yes. Most new scientific discoveries would be considered 'cutting edge''- but that isn't exactly what I said. I said that "fundamental concepts" are being refined. In other words, some of the very basics of biology have and are being updated with new information. This shapes what is taught in every way- especially to high school students. Did you know that some high schools are trying to help students get a taste of biological research, and actually incorporate such projects into the classroom on a small scale? This is critically important, and means that our schools are teaching the cutting edge and critical thinking skills. This is increasingly necessary in our society for students to be successful, especially in science. 'Cutting edge' and 'basic' are not antonyms. For example- the field of genetics is constantly growing as we learn more and more about the genome, how genes work and how functioning genes produce the whole organisms we see. You can't get more basic than DNA, the building block of life, and you can bet that high school students learn about DNA. And, I have to disagree with you about homework- as a recent college grad, high school and middle school were not that long ago. I had a ton of homework- often 5 or 6 hours per night in high school, and 4+ in middle school- after spending 8 hours at school (I had a zero period, so 7 classes per day). Teachers had no qualms about assigning work, and the work they assigned was, for the most part, beneficial. Students who struggled would get help with the teacher and also the teachers often worked to set them up with peer tutors to help even more. Thu, 9 Sep 2010 17:34:54 +0000 http://www.komonews.com/opinion/kenschram/102449534.html#IDComment97848499 http://www.komonews.com/opinion/kenschram/102449534.html#IDComment97755434 I was speaking with a friend who lives in another country; where she is from, teaching is one of the most well paid and highly regarded professions. As our discussion progressed, she was shocked at the pay, etc. It saddens me that teachers here do not receive this same respect that this friend spoke of. It is no less deserved. Thu, 9 Sep 2010 05:38:53 +0000 http://www.komonews.com/opinion/kenschram/102449534.html#IDComment97755434 http://www.komonews.com/opinion/kenschram/102449534.html#IDComment97715780 As far as your latte goes- your barista was paid to attend training to learn how to make your latte before you ever saw them behind the bar. So in a sense, YES, even your barista was paid to prepare. Thu, 9 Sep 2010 01:21:15 +0000 http://www.komonews.com/opinion/kenschram/102449534.html#IDComment97715780 http://www.komonews.com/opinion/kenschram/102449534.html#IDComment97713722 Teachers plan classes according to the students, and according to changing requirements by their districts and the states. Some mandates force teachers to change specific material that they cover or methods that they use to teach. Although the basic information may not change, the students sure do. Each group of students is different- different strengths and weaknesses and therefore lesson plans must change to accommodate the needs of each and every class. Some things may be exactly the same from year to year... but not everything. What if a class one year does really well on a topic, but the next year doesn't quite grasp it? This happens, and so lesson plans must be changed to provide extra help on this topic of difficulty. Lastly, some subjects DO change- biology for instance. There are fundamental concepts in biology that are constantly being refined. In fact, as soon as a new biology text comes into print it is already out-of-date information. (One of my best friends is a community college prof- most require a Masters degree or higher, at least when one for the subject is available.) Thu, 9 Sep 2010 01:06:49 +0000 http://www.komonews.com/opinion/kenschram/102449534.html#IDComment97713722 http://www.komonews.com/opinion/kenschram/102449534.html#IDComment97712609 HungerStrike, I take it you are a teacher; Thank you- For everything that you do. Some people DO appreciate what you are doing and understand. Thu, 9 Sep 2010 00:57:12 +0000 http://www.komonews.com/opinion/kenschram/102449534.html#IDComment97712609 http://www.komonews.com/opinion/kenschram/102449534.html#IDComment97711602 My sister used to teach- I've never seen somebody so dedicated and spend so many hours working, for as little compensation as they get. I think until you are around somebody who teaches, it is hard to appreciate the true amount of work required of them. There is so much more than just the time spent teaching in class- every hour of class requires planning, putting together worksheets and handouts, tests, reviewing options for material, grading..... At least for secondary teachers who teach 5 classes a day, this means what, 100+ students? And 2, 3 maybe even 4 different class subjects? Let alone 5 days a week, and tailoring to a different class of students every time... which means nothing ever works exactly the same even from one year to the next. Prepping and grading for this is obviously more than any one person can do in a mere one or two hours. I've watched my sister and other friends who are teachers put in 12, 14, 16+ hour days, including weekends to complete everything. I had teachers in high school who would arrive at school before 7am and not leave until after 7pm (like your wife, My2Centsandmore). Then they would take more grading home. In sending their children to school, parents expect their child to learn well, to be supported by the teachers, to get helpful and timely feedback. The administration expects teachers to give timely feedback as well, and keep current on grades- helping problem students and those who are struggling, and challenging those who are excelling. The expectation society has of teachers is essentially to be super-humans. Many of them are just that, and they have my deepest respect and gratitude. They have to love what they are doing, and it isn't that teachers don't know what they are going up against when they get into the profession, but they also need to be supported- giving teachers what they need to be successful at their job means that the students will be more successful learners. And this is what everybody wants, right? For their children to be given the necessary tools for success? To the teachers- Thank you for all that you do. Thank you for choosing this profession despite the long, grueling hours, low pay, and lack of support from the community at times. I owe my success to you who believed in me and went the extra mile to let me know it. You are truly superheros who take on super-human responsibilities- I hope more people will begin to realize this. Thank you for the inspiration you are in all you do. I am a better person because of it. Thu, 9 Sep 2010 00:51:03 +0000 http://www.komonews.com/opinion/kenschram/102449534.html#IDComment97711602 http://www.komonews.com/news/health/80417542.html#IDComment49856968 It's interesting how simple of a solution there can be to such a deadly disease. Maybe it is also our responsibility to question our doctors about the antibiotics and drugs they want to prescribe us; are they really necessary? I did this once when I had a cough that wouldn't go away. The doctor didn't know what it was but told me "maybe bronchitis- I'll give you an antibiotic just in case"... after asking if it was really necessary, he told me he would write me the prescription but to wait a few days before starting it..... miraculously I got better.... without the drugs.... it turned out to be asthma. Thu, 31 Dec 2009 23:15:40 +0000 http://www.komonews.com/news/health/80417542.html#IDComment49856968 http://www.komonews.com/news/local/80232017.html#IDComment49385283 My heart breaks for Deputy Mundell, his wife, children, friends and colleagues. Yet another life senselessly cut short- my thoughts, prayers and condolences go out to everybody affected by this terrible situation. I can't even begin to understand how this can happen once, let alone six times. Every one of these men and women, and their families, will forever be remembered for their service and the sacrifice they made. To them we owe a great debt. To the Mundell family- may God comfort you in the days, weeks and months ahead. Deputy Mundell's sacrifice will never be forgotten. I am so sorry for your loss. Tue, 29 Dec 2009 05:45:56 +0000 http://www.komonews.com/news/local/80232017.html#IDComment49385283 http://www.komonews.com/news/local/80232017.html#IDComment49384863 Witness10mm- your cynical comments are unnecessary and disrespectful. This is neither the time nor place to be picking apart the words of others who intend only to show their respect, thoughts and prayers for Deputy Mundell, his family and colleagues. Please take a moment to consider others before you try to start a debate about the existence of God; nobody is asking you to believe in a God, just respect that some of us do, and are in fact praying for this family during their time of great loss. If you have nothing better to say, then please hold your remarks for a less sensitive setting. Tue, 29 Dec 2009 05:38:27 +0000 http://www.komonews.com/news/local/80232017.html#IDComment49384863 http://www.komonews.com/news/offbeat/80114247.html#IDComment49129759 Haha- what about those kindergartners who eat paste? My point- this is pretty ridiculous, and sad. It seems like empty claims (like the 'keep out of reach of children') are their attempts to avoid admitting they are wrong. Too bad nobody is teaching the kids humility and that it's ok to be wrong sometimes. I guess that life lesson will have to wait. Sat, 26 Dec 2009 18:07:39 +0000 http://www.komonews.com/news/offbeat/80114247.html#IDComment49129759 http://www.komonews.com/news/offbeat/80114247.html#IDComment49073068 Purell hand sanitizer has a warning to "Keep out of reach of children" too... so i guess that would violate their policies as well? Sat, 26 Dec 2009 04:39:32 +0000 http://www.komonews.com/news/offbeat/80114247.html#IDComment49073068 http://www.komonews.com/news/79894612.html#IDComment48621478 My heart breaks for everybody involved. To the officers, their families, friends and colleagues; I pray for healing, strength and peace through this difficult time. Thank you for the daily sacrifice made by law enforcement everywhere. Your selfless acts on behalf of others, to protect and defend, go unrecognized far too often. I'm sorry it takes such tragedy for thanks to be given, but Thank you for all you do. To the young lady who just watched her father die; regardless of what he had done, he is still her father and he is gone forever, and that is something no young person should have to ordeal. I hope she and her uncle can find the support they need through this time as well. I pray the community reaches out to this young woman too, and her loss. Tue, 22 Dec 2009 21:01:50 +0000 http://www.komonews.com/news/79894612.html#IDComment48621478 http://www.komonews.com/news/59565897.html#IDComment34857421 I am so glad that you are a voice for your son- I think more parents need to demand excellence from the district. Unfortunately, there are many families who struggle to keep food on the table; their focus can't be on education if they are constantly struggling to provide the basic needs of food and shelter. I hope your voice for your son can resonate to other students who do not have somebody to look out for them in this way. Thu, 17 Sep 2009 06:27:14 +0000 http://www.komonews.com/news/59565897.html#IDComment34857421 http://www.komonews.com/news/59565897.html#IDComment34856949 I am a college student who tutored students in the Seattle School District for a while. I am genuinely sad for these students; it seems that the district is doing them a disservice and sending a message that they don't care. I haven't worked with high-school students, but from what I have seen in the younger kids, their academic problems start long before they reach high-school. While I understand the district's desire to provide more rigorous course work for students, I think it will primarily benefit students who are already excelling. Instead of raising the bar across the board, I fear it would widen the gap between struggling students and those who are on-track academically. Students deserve to have a challenge, but I feel any money available may be better spent on programs to target those "D" average students and raise them to a true passing score. Also; teachers would benefit from more resources to do this as well. I am deeply grateful for the advanced classes I was able to take in high school, but there are also part-time and full-time running start programs available to challenge students, so I don't believe that should be the issue of concern at present. Lastly, I commend the work of all of the teachers. Those for whom I tutored genuinely care about these students and want to see them succeed, but we as a community cannot lay the burden solely on the teachers. We must also volunteer our time and skills to mentor and tutor troubled students. Sometimes, they really just need a friend who cares and is willing to spend time with them to work through subjects that are difficult. This is something we all can do- be it biology for a high school student or basic addition and subtraction for a 2nd grader. By simply condemning the school district for their choices, the students still suffer. By taking action and helping out, they are given another chance. Thu, 17 Sep 2009 06:18:57 +0000 http://www.komonews.com/news/59565897.html#IDComment34856949