The article, “Changing teens inspire separation anxiety”, published in the Times Union on April 23rd is definitely one all middle school administration, faculty staff and parents should read. Having gone through middle school myself, I can attest to the enormous amount of stress and anxiety associated with the new school, changing of classes, different teachers for each subject, class periods and trying to “fit in”. Luckily, I went to rural Tamarac High School (the picture next to this article on the TU website today). The elementary, middle and high schools are located in the same vicinity. The elementary school is just across the parking lot from the connected middle and high school. Our 5th grade teachers were also wonderful and very supportive in during our preparation for the transition to 6th grade in that they brought us to the middle school on several occasions for orientations, tours and friendly visits.

Middle school was a challenge. The students had to become so much more independent and well, some just aren’t ready for that at 11 or 12 years old. The workload increased, tests and quizzes seemed ten times harder and now it was like you had to prove yourself worthy of being someone’s friend. Fortunately I adjusted well to this new environment, but I can remember some of my friends and classmates not being so lucky. Throughout all my years at Tamarac (K-12), I saw many of my past teachers on a regular basis. I guess the close-knit relationship with teachers and other school professionals is one of the advantages of going to a small, country school where you know EVERYONE. I loved it

My sister is now 12 years old and in 6th grade at my alma mater. Even though she is doing phenomenally academic wise, she sometimes comes home in tears saying she’s stressed and overwhelmed. I’m sorry, but 12 years old shouldn’t be having such problems. I think some middle schools, even Tamarac, are forgetting that these students are still children and still need the comfort of family and friends. Yes, education is extremely important, but I don’t think all are taking into consideration the changes adolescents are experiencing at this age. Children shouldn’t be discouraged to go to school everyday because of the amount of work being piled on. Obviously it only gets worse, but take it easy .. slow things down a bit. We only live once.

I think this article expresses many people’s concerns with children growing up too fast and how the schools are(n’t) handling it. Children must receive an education, but is there any way to make them feel more at home or at ease inside the classroom?

*For some reason the hyperlink icon isn’t showing up so here’s the link to the article:http://timesunion.com/AspStories/story.asp?storyID=583139&category=REGIONOTHER&BCCode=HOME&newsdate=4/23/2007

What the hell happened!? Tragedy has once again struck an educational institution. Just yesterday a horrified nation listened intently as the heartbreaking story of a gunman on a killing rampage at Virginia Tech, in the quiet, normally secure town of Blacksburg, Virginia killed 30 people and wounded dozens more. The killer began his terror in a freshman dormitory at approximately 7:15 am, leaving two young women dead. He continued at least two hours later in a classroom building across the campus ending his killing spree by killing himself after he took at least 28 more lives.

This all to common incident must incite college students across the country to action. How effective is campus security? How can a student or students be shot dead at 7:15 am in a dormitory and the shooter allowed to roam the campus for over two hours before striking again over a half mile away? Why wasn’t the campus immediately and permanently locked down? Why were unknowing students allowed to enter classrooms that would later become battle zones? Why were the first email warnings not issued until 9:22 am, after more students and staff were in danger? Most importantly though, why was the gunman allowed to enter the buildings unnoticed and unrestricted?

I understand where people defending the college and its security are coming from, but either way (whether there were one shooters or two), the college should have taken better steps in alerting the students and securing the campus. Clearly, both the college and security personnel failed miserably.

This tragedy should scare college students everywhere, even here at Saint Rose. We are trusting that our own university has developed a strong security system that can protect us and stop such violence. We need to meet with college administers, question safety procedures and protocols and actively get involved to create the security we deserve. Complacency at Virginia Tech killed at least 30 innocent people. We cannot allow any such event to happen here.

Instead of trying to find an article or blog post to write about, I might as well continue on about today’s class discussion concerning the smoking ban. To be honest, I didn’t know issues were still lingering about the law. Since we didn’t hear much after its approval, I figured everything was all fine and dandy. Obviously I was wrong.

Well, as you all know I’m not a smoker, but that doesn’t mean I’m in full support of the law. I am so so so glad they banned smoking from restaurants; however, because I think it’s so disgusting to be trying to eat and have cigarette smoke lingering in the air. There was the smoking and non-smoking sections, but what does that really prevent? It was more of like a “band-aid” (as Aliah would put it *sorry if I spelt your name wrong*). The restaurant was still wide open with no specific room designated for smokers. I am complete for banning smoking from restaurants and food places.

On the other hand though I don’t think smoking should be outlawed at bars. As many of us agreed in class today, when going to a bar you automatically (or should) assume some of the people in there will be smoking. Like I said in class, most of the bars are independently owned and thus can’t afford to go out of business. We also have to keep in mind that bar owners and employees are very well aware that people smoke at bars. Thus, if you don’t want to be around it – DON’T GO THERE! Therefore, I think the optional smoking license is definitely a great idea. Not only would it allow bars to stay in business, but it would also guarantee there would be smoking inside and outside the location. I just think it’s ridiculous to go to a bar and expect people not to smoke. I’m obviously not a huge fan of smoking since it is very bad for your health, but I can’t tell someone they can or can’t smoke while they’re out having a good time. I’m not trying to promote smoking in any way, but sometimes these bars are all people have.

I don’t know, I could go on forever but I don’t want to ramble .. so that’s all for now J I agree with banning smoking from restaurants, but not bars – either get over it or go somewhere else!

After watching the “Concrete Angel” video again, I’ve realized that something needs to be done for these children. Yes, it is a huge issue affecting our society and we are all one person individually, but if we were to come together and fight for better protection of our children – perhaps something could change. I think the video says it all. I couldn’t tell you how many times I’ve seen the video and I still get tears in my eyes. It sends such a powerful message. The video can definitely make someone feel a great amount of sympathy or remorse for these children who are in fact experiencing this horrible lifestyle but also an even bigger amount of anger towards these parents doing this!

Today’s class discussion was extremely depressing, but well worth it. I had no idea Jose only received 17 years in prison for pouring bleach into Xctasy’s eyes, abusing her and Delia’s 9-year-old boy as well. It’s ridiculous. I’m glad the little girl is doing so well, but I don’t think Jose’s punishment should be lessened because of her astonishing recovery. He deserves to sit in the worst possible prison and rot. However, I also think jail time isn’t enough. Like Shannon said in class today, Jose needs something more. Perhaps he should be enrolled in a rehab program or psych ward. There’s clearly something wrong with him – what would ever lead an ADULT to do something like this to an innocent CHILD? There’s no explanation or justification for his actions. They were barbaric and completely uncalled for. It’s disgusts me to know that they are actually people in this world who thinks this type of behavior is okay. What does this say about our society? What are we doing wrong? Why are things like this happening, how are they happening?I am by NO MEANS justifying what Jose did to Xctasy, but what the hell was Delia thinking!? She said she was too afraid of her boyfriend to do anything – well that’s not excuse. She brought her children into this situation and she should have taken a stand even if it meant him beating on her – at least he wouldn’t have been after the children. How can a mother sit back and watch someone (their boyfriend) abuse their children and almost kill one? I just don’t get it. It baffles my mind! What is wrong with these people? If I ever saw anyone lay one hand on my child, I’d have to kill them. No one, especially a boyfriend, would ever get away with doing horrible acts onto my children. Ugh! It’s so frustrating to me that things were able to escalate this far.

Every Irish person’s favorite holiday is quickly approaching – Saint Patrick’s Day!  Saturday will be filled with parties, Irish music, Irish dancing, celebration and of course, drinking.  This is usually the day when you’ll find a great majority of the population in green, but how exactly did this tradition come about?  Well, according to Butcher Man, the tradition began in Ireland (obviously) many years ago.  In his blog entry, he claims that St. Patrick declared all Irishmen to wear green to keep them separate from the crowd of monkeys running around.  Personally, I think the post was hilarious.  Does this myth really exist?  Do we all dress up in green clothes and accessories because St. Patrick wanted to keep the Irishmen in the olden days apart from the monkeys that came to chase away the snakes?  I know it’s only a myth, but how funny!  I definitely got a kick out of it.  I’m sure there are several myths similar to this one explaining our greenery, but where did Butcher Man get this one from?  It’s creative, but crazy – as most myths are. 

I’m not all that Irish, so I don’t know much about the history, but I wear green and participate in St. Patrick’s Day activities because it’s the thing to do.  Obviously I don’t go out to drink and party, but I do dress up in green and get together with everyone (haha!).  Anyway, I think you should all read the blog post as it’s very funny.  Enjoy your St. Patty’s Day!  J