Summer Art Classes

So there's been some interest in the art classes, which is great. Basically, we'll have either six long classes or twelve shorter classes on six topics, depending on the ages/attention span of the kids who sign up. The classes will take place during the day at the downtown branch of the Lawton Public Library. They will be free of charge, but each student will need to bring their own items*. The days and times will be determined once parents have responded.

Overall, they'll need a notebook/binder/art journal and a pencil so they can make their notes and sketches in one place, and an easel for most of the classes. That should all run about $15 or less. They will need a few items for each class, which generally cost $5.00 or less, without coupons.

The class overview is below. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions. :)

~Rose

My Letter to the Editor

Mike hides his face, but not his
fish. Angel does the opposite.

To Whom It May Concern,

I am writing to bring attention to a community program in which our family was able to part. In case you’re not immediately familiar with the biyearly Children’s Art Studio, it consists of a series of art classes about art vocabulary and techniques and usually covers a variety of art media, followed by an art showcase and reception. This program is organized by Ms. Sharon Cheatwood, the Arts Coordinator for the City of Lawton's Arts and Humanities Division, and is taught by local certified teachers.

My older two children, Angel and Micheal, participated in the 2012 Spring Children’s Art Studio, and had a wonderful and memorable experience. These types of classes are very important to my children, especially my son, who has special needs. They were able to participate because of grants that help fund the program as a whole, and that help fund a limited number of scholarships for lower-income families. This program was funded by the City of Lawton, the Lawton Arts & Humanities Council, the McMahon Auditorium Authority, the Oklahoma Arts Council, and the National Endowment for the Arts.

Angel stands by her gold-and-silver fish.

As you may know, art education is closely linked to academic achievement, social development, and civic engagement. Involvement in the arts is also associated with gains in education, critical thinking, confidence, and teamwork. Their contributions to this program helped to extend these benefits to a large number of children in our community, and are to be commended.

Myth: Charter schools take money from traditional schools.

So this is how it works.

Schools have two sources for funds. The first is local, which means a portion of your property taxes, any bond issues or sales taxes that you vote to go to schools, and any local fundraising efforts. (Think Box Tops for Kids and similar programs.) The second is state, which means both state and federal funds. These funds go through the State Department of Education and are dispensed to schools based on a complicated bit of math called ‘State Aid’ formula. In a nutshell, each student has x amount of money attached to them. X is determined by taking a base amount and ‘weighting’ those funds for students whom are lower-income, have disabilities, or a variety of other needs-based factors.

Charter schools don’t get to dip from both funds. Charter schools only receive state funds, meaning no local taxes, no bond issues, etc. For instance, we live in Lawton, so our property taxes go to Lawton Public Schools. Our children attend Epic Charter School, so our State Aid funds go to Epic Charter School. The take-away is that our charter schools receive less money than our traditional brick-and-mortar schools, not more, as some critics would have you believe.

Do charter schools take money from traditional schools? Yes, when they take students. However, the traditional school no longer has to pay for that child, and gets to keep the local funds. So not only do they not lose money on state funds, but they are able to spread those local funds among fewer students. A win-win for traditional schools, which is why almost all Oklahoma charter schools are run by traditional school districts. You might notice that these districts are happy with their own schools. It’s the other schools that are villainous.

Banned Book Week

Remember, folks, read a banned book for Banned Book Week! We picked up And Tango Makes Three, with no problems. Also, here's a funny article about a few banned books.

Random Thoughts

"The Fukushima situation has exposed a grave danger to our world. But the danger isn't radiation, it's the poor state of science education."

and

An Austrian atheist will be allowed to wear a colander on his head in his driver's license photo after successfully arguing that it counts as "religious headgear" for Pastafarians.

As a contrast, more people are upset about the Austrian atheist than the sad state of American education.

About the Pledge of Allegience

I originally wrote this on Friday, October 15, 2010.  I am posting it here with minor edits, mainly for grammar.

Kevin is publicly shamed for his refusal to take an oath.

Yeah, that cartoon is cute. It shows someone who simply doesn't care in contrast to someone who cares so much that they gave their health, and was willing to give their life. It makes a point, and makes us feel good about being better than the lazy guy. It makes us feel proud of our veterans. (Although that pride doesn't seem to extend to caring for them, but that's a an entirely different post...) and it makes us feel patriotic. Yay!