And, I have to ask, what are they doing on the computers that can't be done without one? If learning how to use a computer is part of the curriculum, then they damn well ought to provide the computers or not have the class.

Also, a pet peeve of mine, students shouldn't be using advanced technology in school until they have mastered the basics. Which, sorry, a fifth grader has not. I got really pissed off when my daughter's sixth grade math class insisted on everyone having a calculator for class. BS. If a student doesn't know how to do the math without using a calculator you're not doing them any favors. If they're using one to save time, then you're trying to teach them more information than they can retain, which is counterproductive. Ghod knows, being able to do all my own math saved me on any number of exams where my calculator was deemed illegal for having forbidden functions on it.

Cute! Kinda disturbing, but cute animation. Death Kitty and Fatman [link]

And, I have to ask, what are they doing on the computers that can't be done without one? If learning how to use a computer is part of the curriculum, then they damn well ought to provide the computers or not have the class.

Agreed, sail, but you have to keep in mind-- upper middle class 'burb and a gifted class to boot. There's a lot these parents expect in the name of getting the "best" education for their students. There were parents who were offended that the kids didn't use the computers that much last year in fourth grade. @@

At least they're learning some useful things with respect to research and organizing notes and creating presentations for projects. The research, in particular, I think is extremely valuable, since it would appear that the "searching the stacks" method of research is quickly going the way of the dodo bird.

(Although I had the highly satisfying experience of being able to present Nate with his choice of three world atlases from our home library after the child had forgotten to bring home his social studies textbook.)

And I hope to hell she doesn't penalize Abby for not being there that fifteen minutes early. It's bound to get ugly then.

Oh hell no. Yeah, that's when I'd get ugly. The bus takes my kid to school. You want my kid there earlier, you can come get her. Otherwise, fuck off. Does she think all families have a parent who is able and eager to adapt their schedule to whatever the teacher wants?? Lordy.

Then the teacher tried to tell Abby she thought it would be quite the hardship for Abby to tote her laptop to and from school each day.

Insane! Then again, I would not let my HS son take his laptop to school. I'm not going to be repairing the thing every other week. (also, he would never get off WoW if he had it with him)

In not news, Owen going off to school on the bus is insanely cute.

I became a great aunt again this morning at 5:40am. Savannah was a healthy 8lb. 5oz. No pictures yet. My brother needs to get with the uploading.

That is insane. Both the computers and the time.

I became a great aunt again this morning at 5:40am. Savannah was a healthy 8lb. 5oz.

Yay, Laura! Healthy girl and beautiful name. Poke your brother, wouldja?

Oh, and pic from Disney this week

Wish I could've gotten the entire billboard in the shot, but it was taken in a hurry with the iPhone, since I was about to get rained on... again.

Bwah, the expressions in that shot are priceless.

Can I be excited for you and totally jealous of you at the same time?

Sure. Why not. It's a fun show and it's sounding good, so I'm happy with it. It's also a theatre I enjoy working for.

Done! I'm excited for you about the show. At the same time I'm totally jealous of the time you are having. Enjoy the job and the theatre.

Barb, Abby's teacher is nuts. I'm so sorry you are having to put up with this.