My first response didn't come through, so I'll try again.

I agree, kids are not created from a cookie cutter pattern. In fact, kids are very diverse. Gifted children are one group. But to say that charter schools are a special needs model is a farce. So where will their program be for kids with speech/language delays, IEPs, congenital cognitive/physical delays? It won't be there. Oh sure, maybe on a case by case basis, but in public schools we educate ALL students, and I'm proud of that.

As for gifted children, we use a "push in" model, and although we just started, it seems to be working well. You should research it and ask if your school is using that model for your child.

But to say that gifted children should have the option to expand their minds...ALL students need that option! In my class they do. But to say that we should support charter schools is not the way to do it because it will truly take away from other children in public schools who need special services. If people can support that, I think that is not valuing diversity and shows a very elitist attitude. Many children don't have parents that provide support and meaningful experiences. In public school, that is what we do. We educate every student who comes through our doors. Charter schools can choose who they educate, and that isn't something I will ever support.

Then you didn't push hard enough. People do it where I live all the time. Yes, the principals/superintendents have to sign off on it, and the form does ask for the reason. For us it has to do with where we work and our daycare, so it hasn't been a problem. It's not illegal, but you do have to get signatures. In my area we honor choice, provided there is space. As an example, last year my grade level was full. We still had to admit any new students who moved into our school area, but out of area kids were denied. We deal with it as our kids attend out of area, so we get nervous each summer, but so far it has worked out fine.

How much do those of you on here really know about charter schools? Do you realize that they do not have to follow standard rules that public schools do, and that they do not have to accept kids with special needs? How is that equal? Yes, I'm a teacher, and I'm a parent of a child with special needs. By siphoning money from public schools, that is less money for kids with special needs in public schools. If charter schools had the same rules and guidelines, then I'd have no problem with them. In fact, I think it might be fun to teach at one. But I will not support a system that takes away from public schools. I don't think charter schools will improve anything. In fact, I believe the education system will get worse. I have heard from a lot of parents in other states whose kids don't get into a charter that their public school has become worse, and then they are upset over that (after they supported charter schools!). Bottom line: Charter schools are not the solution.

You have a choice. Generally, yes your kids are supposed to attend their neighborhood school or assigned school. However, you can take your kids where ever you want, as long the school has space. My children both attend out of area schools. We fill out one piece of paper each year. That's it.

Adoption isn't for everyone though, and people should respect that. I am not sure how I feel about embryo adoption, but if you've ever had issues with infertility, you know how desperate you become to have a child. I am an adoptive mother of a toddler, and it has been rough, but we are making strides. To adopt, especially out foster care, you have to be comfortable with attachment issues and the possibility of Reactive Attachment Disorder, or RAD.

It's easy to say others should do as we do being adoptive parents, but I also know not everyone is cut out for it, and push people into adoption who aren't prepared....who is that good for? Certainly not the child!

And for the record, my son is my son, and I love him, and honestly, I forget he's adopted because he's just our son. I have one bio daughter too, and they are siblings through and through. But I know it's been a tough journey.

And in that, you assume that all liquor stores are near a Costco, so those employees can just easily go apply. That is not the case. There are many small towns where the liquor store is run by hardworking people, and now those people are out of a job, and in most rural areas, jobs are hard to come by.

I do feel bad for those losing their jobs, union or not; it's a job loss.

Small town between Hoquiam and Lake Quinault. Not much there, very rural. I studied some of the Indian names of cities. I grew up learning Humptulips meant "hard to pole" meaning the river was difficult to pole upstream.

"The name comes from the Humptulips Indians, part of the Chehalis tribe. Some sources say the word "humptulips" means "hard to pole" while others say it means "chilly region".[1]" From Wikipedia.

The house is right next to highway 101, so it does make you think.

Humptulips was actually used in a SNL skit years ago, but that's another story.

I know this area well. There are a lot of drug addicts and thieves that live in Humptulips because they can hide from the law. The entire county is shocked over this. Well, DOC keeps getting cut, and it's only going to get worse as the low lives have no supervision or accountability. I'm not saying it could have been prevented, but I'm saying expect more of it. Sad...my heart goes out to this family.

I already bank with a local CU. Love it! Great loan rates too.