GoBigEd

Wednesday, March 15, 2006


NEW! Evidence against all-day kindergarten on
www.GoBigEd.com/Public_Policy_Briefs

--------------


News Briefs: Fort Calhoun Voters Override Lid;
Ed-Related Events Coming Up in Omaha

Though Fort Calhoun voters Tuesday approved an override to the legislatively-imposed lid on the property tax levy, it was not without spirited opposition.

The vote was 597 in favor and 331 against, according to preliminary results in The World-Herald.

There was a strong op-ed from the opposing point of view in the local Fort Calhoun paper, The Enterprise, on March 10 from Herschel W. Nelson, who wrote in part:

“Crocodile tears are now flowing; Chicken Little is running around hollering, ‘The sky is going to fall, the schools are going to close, the little town of Fort Calhoun is going to collapse!’ Great scare tactics; don’t believe it, folks!”

He called for an end to district funding of nonacademic pursuits, including sports, and for more attention to classes to prepare students for technical and trade jobs. The preoccupation with what Nelson called “fun and games” has resulted in this disparity: the United States produces about 60,000 new engineers per year, but China and Japan each produce 500,000, Nelson said.

Used Book Sale in Omaha This Weekend
Could Set You Up for Summer Reading

There’s a used book sale with books for all ages coming up at St. Timothy’s Lutheran Church, 93rd and Dodge Streets. The sale will go on from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, March 17, and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday. Books were collected by children who attend Trinity Christian School. Proceeds will be donated to Heifer International, which works to end world hunger.

Henry Doorly Zoo
Plans ‘Read Around the World’

Here’s a neat example of a community event focused on reading. Kudos to the Henry Doorly Zoo in Omaha for planning “Read Around the World” from 10 a.m. to 2 p.. Saturday. There will be reading stations throughout the zoo, arts and crafts, a bird show at 1:30, and it’s all free with a regular zoo admission or membership.

Omaha Learning Disabilities Group
To Meet March 21

Self-esteem of students, teachers and parents will be the topic as the Omaha Learning Disabilities Association meets Tuesday, March 21, for a presentation by Joan Johnson of PTI Nebraska.

The group will meet at 7 p.m. at First Christian Church, 6630 Dodge St. For information, see
www.hometown.aol.com/omahaLDA

Comments: Post a Comment

Home