Mississippi ranks right up there in obesity. Some reports say we’re number one, others have us right behind Alabama. Not something to be proud of. Childhood obesity is a serious problem that needs to be addressed. Children do not get out and play like we used to. These days my kids are on tv restriction and it has been the BEST thing for them. There have been a few more scrapes and bruises, but they are finding ways to entertain themselves outside. This hasn’t really been an issue with our youngest, but the oldest would rather watch Hannah Montana reruns. I’m liking the increased outdoor play. I do not stock up on junk food either. The girls are not allowed a constant stream of cookies, chocolate, ice cream, or any other junk foods. It’s just not healthy. I’m not saying we are on top of the game here, but we try. This brings me to another point…would it hurt kids to be dropped off at a bus stop and be required to walk to their house. This may be the norm where you are, but in my neighborhood if you are behind the bus you will stop a minimum of 10 times before reaching my driveway. Here is my drive home if I am unfortunate enough to find myself behind the bus. I usually meet the bus on the main road where it will make three stops before turning onto our drive. Stop at house one on the corner. Let one child out. Close the door and drive to house two, which is the next driveway only about fifteen steps away, let out two kids. House three is even closer, but the bus door will close and the bus will move to the driveway. House four and five are a little further, but not a block. Four children are let out at the new stop sign. House six is two driveways up. House seven is the very next driveway on the opposite side of the road. Then house eight, the next drive which is maybe a whopping 30 steps away. Next two families are let out at the circle. Then the bus has to back up to turn around and leave the neighborhood. In my opinion, it wouldn’t hurt any of these kids (age 6-14) to be let out at the first drive. The neighborhood has only neighborhood traffic and is safe. They could use the walk! Wouldn’t it save the school gas too? It would certainly enhance my sanity. I could understand doing the door to door drop off when it’s raining.

Next on the list…how much homework should a first grader have?!?! AR reader, phonics sheet, handwriting sheet,and two math sheets. Must we? Any idea how long it takes a chatty perfectionist to complete this much work each night? Geegads!

I’m also pretty irritated by the number of fundraisers we have been asked to participate in. Every week we have been asked to send money or ask our closest friends to donate (buy junk). This week is the “turkey trot”. Sponsor the child with a pledge per lap they walk. At least there is exercise involved. A few weeks ago we were asked to send the amount of money we would spend on baked goods so they could have a bakeless bake sale…a few days ago we were asked to bake goods for a bake sale. ?!?!?!? We’re pretty tired of it. Sad part is I’m a teacher and should probably be defending all this, but I just can’t find it in me to do so.

Lastly…I despise homecoming week. The students will act up to their dress. Yesterday was dress up day, nice clothes and presentation of homecoming court. Wonderful behavior. Today was costume day…and behavior to match. Tomorrow is tacky day. Oh joy. Thursday- Senior citizen day and Friday- spirit day. Why do we have homecoming anyway? Sorry to be a fuddy-dud but I would really like to have a week without uninterrupted instruction. Hasn’t happened yet.

To end on a bright note…instead of having to teach a whole new prep next semester I was allowed to swap with someone that mirrors my schedule! I have MS and he has World Geo…we were going to flip next semester…now no. As much as I want to teach geography I have to say Woohoo! Recycle plans!

Have a great day.

This was a bright start to my day…beautiful isn’t it:

This entry was posted on Tuesday, October 10th, 2006 at 8:21 PM and is filed under Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.