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TEXAS EDUCATION ON DEMONIC PATH

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Social Emotional Learning or SEL for short was passed in Texas in 2021 (87R) with SB 123. The bill was authored by Dallas Democrat, Nathan Johnson (SD 16) and co-authored by Laredo Democrat, Judith Zaffirini (SD21) and Burleson Democrat, Beverly Powell (SD10). Shockingly the so called “conservative republicans” in the Texas senate and house voted in favor implementing Social Emotional Learning into the Texas Teks under the guise of character trait instruction. (Texas Republicans and Democrats have contributed to the demise of the Texas Education System)

It is apparent that anything nefarious related to America’s education system has has ties to the agenda of the United Nation Education Scientific Cultural Organization, UNESCO. UNESCO promoted the idea of using SEL in promoting the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals. SEL is about breaking down a students values, attitude’s beliefs and behavior. The values and beliefs that have made America great must be upended through collaboration and group think with the use of SEL.

SEL has it’s rooted in the occult as laid out in the video below by international journalist, Alex Newman.

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Magnolia ISD spends $907,000.00 on CRT and more.

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Magnolia ISD’s school board supposedly signed a resolution against implementing CRT in the district. The resolution does not appear anywhere on the district’s website for public viewing so it will not be presented here.

A public information request was filed with Magnolia ISD asking for the contract that the district has with Imagine Learning. Imagine Learning is an educational program steeped in Critical Race Theory (CRT), it was discovered the district agreed to spend $907,000.00 to implement CRT in the district’s elementary and intermediate schools. So much for the resolution the board supposedly signed.

If you go to Imagine Learning’s website it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to discover the company’s goal is to change a student’s attitude, values, beliefs and behavior with their Social Emotional Learning program. Social Emotional Learning incorporates CRT in it’s teaching pedagogy.

There are various buzz words that validate the incorporation of CRT in an educational program, such as Social Emotional Learning (SEL), Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Culturally Responsive Teaching, etc. CRT came straight out of Critical Legal Theory of Germany’s Frankfurt School. CRT is Marxist to the core.

Check out Imagine Learning Diversity page….

Sadly, our supposedly Magnolia ISD’s Conservative, Christian school board has bowed to the Marxist agenda, once again. In 2016 they implemented the United Nation’s International Baccalaureate (IB) program costing taxpayers thousands. The International Baccalaureate Program was modeled around IB’s first director general, Alec Peterson’s secular humanist (anti- God) beliefs. IB promotes the UN’s Agenda 2030 plan, diversity, equity ad inclusion.

Sadly, we American’s are ultimately funding our own demise through our public schools.

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Magnolia ISD violates Texas Education Code 28.004

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Common Florida Traffic Law Violations to Avoid

By law every Texas School District is required to form a School Health Advisory Committee (SHAC). This SHAC Committee is made up of a minimum of 5 members. The majority have to be parents/community members not employed by the district. The Committee is responsible for assisting the district in ensuring that local community values are reflected in the district’s health education instruction.

During the 2021/2022 school year Magnolia ISD Magnolia ISD’s Science Director, Sheri Gallemore has served as chairperson of the Magnolia ISD’s SHAC Committee. This is in violation of Texas Education Code 28.004 calling for a chairperson to be a parent of a student in the district and not employed by the district.

According to all Magnolia’s SHAC meeting minutes for the 2021/2022 school years Ms. Gallemore has served as the chairperson.

The question remains is the chairperson chosen within the committee or by the school board? You will find all minutes and audio of Magnolia ISD’s SHAC Committee minutes HERE.

The SHAC

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Texas IB Schools partner with Communist, Howard Zinn

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Texas IB World School Districts have partnered with one time card-carrying member of the Communist Party USA, Howard Zinn. Zinn advocated for a Communist Revolution in order to deal with America’s racist issues. Linked to the Texas IB Website is the Zinn Project which advocates for students to design a “Reparations Bill”. YIKES!!

Why would Texas public school districts allow an Anti-God, Anti-American College Preparatory United Nations Program filled with Communist propaganda ?

Every Texas School district that has implemented this program pay dues to the Texas IB Schools (TIBS) Association. On TIBS website at the top is a link titled IB At-a-Glance any American loving citizen should be outraged at the communist propaganda listed for Texas IB teachers to utilize students.

Is your local school an IB World School? Check here.

The International Baccalaureate has operated under the radar over a decade. Most parents and taxpayers are unaware of the progressive ideology behind it’s founding. One of the first General Director is George Walker who states in a paper titled East is East and West is West the following…..

“Empathy and scientific understanding create a set of moral values that confer dignity upon human beings who have the capacity—though not the necessity—to “say no to God”.

Seriously? Is that what our public Texas High Schools students are supposed to be learning?

“Humankind must now learn to take responsibility for its own behaviour, without necessary appeal to some higher religious authority.”

And we the taxpayers should fund this? Walker is clearly an atheist seeking to influence children to reject any religious upbringing by making them think they are smarter, wiser and more dignified if they reject religious authority.

International Baccalaureate is a non-governmental agency in official partnership with of the United Nations Scientific Cultural Organization (UNESCO). UNESCO is no friend of America and is working through various avenues to undermine America’s founding.

http://www.unesco.org/new/fileadmin/MULTIMEDIA/HQ/BSP/pdf/IBO.pdf

Other resources regarding this Communist IB Program.

One of my favorite resources is Truth About IB.

http://www.showandtellforparents.com/wfdata/frame161-1017/pressrel45.asp

https://www.usnews.com/opinion/articles/2011/05/26/international-baccalaureate-undermines-us-founding-principles

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Judge Wayne Mack featured in Islamic Mosque Promotion Video

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Texas’ Montgomery County’s Pct 1, Justice of the Peace, Judge Wayne Mack, unfortunately is showing an interest and fondness towards the Islamic faith. Just last week Judge Mack posted on facebook he was “Honored to observe Ramadan”. Ramadan is the 4th pillar of the Islamic Faith. During Ramadan Muslims desire to grow closer to Allah and in doing so fast from sun up to sun down, read the Quran and say their daily prayers more often.

Judge Mack’s Facebook Post

This Ramadan observance took place at the Al=Ansaar Islamic Center, a mosque in Montgomery County off of FM 1488. The Al-Ansaar Islamic Center has put out a promo video (see below) for the mosque which also features Judge Mack who has worked with them on “bridge building” relationships.

I find it extremely concerning that a professed Christian would willing enter a Mosque to observe Ramadan but that they would be honored by it. Also concerning is, this Mosque, Al-Ansaar is owned by the North American Islamic Trust (NAIT). As stated in a document by the Clarion Project “NAIT is the bank for the Muslim Brotherhood which directly funds the terrorist group Hamas. A declassified FBI report dated 12/15/87 states: “The leadership of NAIT, MSA, and other Muslim groups are inter-related, with many leaders and members of NAIT having been identified as supporters of the Islamic Revolution as advocated by the Government of Iran (GOI). Their support of JIHAD (a holy war) in the U.S. has been evidenced by the financial and organizational support provided through NAIT.” which was labeled an unindicted co-conspirator in the Hamas-fundraising trial of the Holy Land Foundation. The U.S. government listed it among “individuals/entities that are and/or were members of the U.S. Muslim Brotherhood.”

The Center for Security Policy based in Washington DC has published a booklet for download titled “Bridge Building to Nowhere” highlighting the dangers of Interfaith Dialogue.

Montgomery County Appraisal District
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Why Governor Abbott?

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Why would Gov Abbott and Lt Gov Patrick relinquish our state sovereignty when it comes to the education of our children in public school? The progressive agenda of common core has been implemented in every school district in the state of Texas. Aka College and Career Readiness Standards. #ESSA #EDUCATION #STOPFEDED

If we do not remove the federal law of the EVERY STUDENT SUCCEEDS ACT out of our state and move our school districts back to a classical education. An education based on academics and not Social, Emotional, Learning (SEL) implemented in order to change our children’s attitudes, values, beliefs and behavior we are done as a country.

Our American Constitution is being undermined at every turn. American History is no longer being taught. Students are not taught to cherish and value American Exceptionalism.

This needs to stop. We need a legislator with some cojones a statesman that gives a an ounce of care about our kids and our country. #childabuse

If there is one out there we have not found them yet. Disturbing.

NOTE: To make things worse these same people want to promote school choice by doling our subsidies bring our homeschool kids under the same federal standards.

 

 

Texas Homeschoolers can join Texans for Homeschool Freedom   as we work in preserving our Freedoms.

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MAGNOLIA ISD ABOVE THE LAW?

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by Kelli Cook

Taxpayers UNOFFICIALLY won!

The overburdened Magnolia tax payers beat the educrats that wanted to permanently hike up property taxes in a summer time election. They were hoping to ambush the tax payers with an August election no one was aware of but them. But they didn’t get their way, tax payers showed up and fought back.

But we have a problem….Magnolia ISD is in denial about the election results.

Even though the vote tallies are in and the tax payers won by 88 votes, the votes do not count and the election is not complete until the votes are canvassed. State law REQUIRES Magnolia ISD to canvass the votes no later than the 11th day after the election. That day is SATURDAY, August 25th.

There were many things to be concerned about during this election, getting the word out, the school district putting the ballot box in the teachers lounge, the mandatory staff meetings about the election, and the shortened early voting hours. But this is the worst by far, an UNDENIABLE VIOLATION of state election law.

Magnolia ISD officials are going to have to face the facts, the voters didn’t want to give them any more of their hard earned money. They were so stunned by this fact that they also didn’t show up for the advertised budget hearing on August 20th.

I have made several attempts to pry the canvass date from them. They refuse to set a date to make their election results officials, the deadline is fast approaching. Please contact them today, before it’s too late for them to comply with the law.

Contact the Magnolia ISD board members and demand officials do their mandatory duty. Canvassing the votes is unavoidable.
By not complying with state election law, they are setting a bad example for the children that have been entrusted to their care.

Magnolia ISD Administration Office: 281-356-3571

School Board Members:
Kelly McDonald
Sonja Ebel
Gary Blizzard
Kristi Baker
Joe Duncan
Travis Moffat
Chuck Addox

You can also email the superintendent’s secretary, Mrs. Hinkelman, and ask her to forward your email to all seven school board members chinkelman@magnoliaisd.org

Until the votes are canvassed, the results are unofficial. Magnolia Independent School District needs to obey the law. The denial process must end. We need your help to make that happen. There is still time for them to the right thing, but the clock is ticking….

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MAGNOLIA ISD’S “HIRED BULLY”, MONA JOHNSTON

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Due to school bullying we have seen a large number of students across the country taking medication for depression with many committing suicide or carrying it the extremes with school shootings. The constant barrage of bullying tactics by classmates is a sad issue and should never be allowed. Another alarming situation is the growing number of adult bullies. I was never more aware of this until I got involved as a taxpayer in fighting my government and their abuse of “WE THE PEOPLE” and their non-stop theft of our money through taxes.  In our world today taxpayers and citizens can’t fight government encroachment and their policies without their hired employees (teachers & staff)  behaving like high school bullies on social media, The constant berating and bullying of those who have chosen to fight government taxation and encroachment has skyrocketed.

They have taken their hatefulness and vengeance onto the social media platform for the world to see with no concern of their immaturity or who views it. What is even sadder our school district allow such behavior from their employees.

I am a taxpayer and a political activist I have a huge disdain regarding the abuse of government including the massive political machine of Texas School Districts. They have seem to acquired a large amount of power and are not accountable to anyone. This abuse of power must be reigned in.

Magnolia ISD held a clandestine” public hearing at 7:30 am May 21st, on a school morning regarding a Tax Ratification Election (TRE) a financial maneuver the district refers to as a “penny swap”. There was not one individual from the public in attendance. As as a taxpayer I pay 67.3% of my property taxes to the school district and I am not amused with this TAX scam Magnolia ISD is pulling over the taxpayers eyes. I have seen the frivolous wasteful spending on behalf of this school district and I am working to educate voters about this TAX HIKE SCAM ELECTION. With that said many of the teachers who have been promised a 4% raise if this passes could careless how this will effect the taxpayers as a whole. They want their raise and they want it NOW!

The rest of the post I will will just post some of the comments by many of the Magnolia ISD Staff and their display of childish bullying tactics and let them speak for themselves.

First we have Magnolia ISD’s Digital Learning Coordinator, Mona Johnston and friends, many being teachers. Mona also called in her mommy for assistance, Rhonda Young Pavlock. NOTE: These are in no particular order just random barrage of harassing posts.

Trust me when I tell you this is not an exhaustive list of posts where Mona, her mom and friends have taken to social media with such childish behavior. It has been constant for 3 weeks while we the taxpayer are informing others of the TAX HIKE election.

 

It is apparent that school district need to have bullying conferences and courses for their hired personal regarding bullying. What poor examples they are for the children they teach.

 

 

 

 

I have to admit the following Magnolia West High School teacher Katelyn Owens did make me laugh.

 

Mrs. Katelyn Owens`s profile picture

 

Kimberly Bryant is the Schools Day Coordinator for the Texas Renaissance Festival.

 

Nichol Sawmill first grade teacher, Kim Hotaling found it her responsibility to steal form her neighbors canvassing materials informing them of Magnolia ISD’s election.

 

 

 

The following peach, Ashley Axelson is the daughter of Cindi Havron. Ms. Havron was a debate coach at Magnolia High School.

 

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MAGNOLIA ISD’S MONEY PIT & WASTEFUL SPENDING!

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School districts will NEVER have enough money, that is according to them. Magnolia ISD held a planned clandestine PUBLIC HEARING on May 21st at 7:30 AM regarding their TAX RATIFICATION ELECTION aka “penny swap”. With the room completely empty with the exception of elected school board members and Magnolia ISD administration they unanimously passed a TAX HIKE ELECTION to be held August 14th while families are off for summer break.

Of course school districts are masters of deception when it comes to passing their tax schemes unbeknownst to voters. The districts prepared a pro TRE video and showed it to teachers and staff prior to summer break and then the district removed the video from the district website. Teachers are promised raises and curriculum needs if this passes and encourages them to get out and vote YES. The district uses teachers as guinea pigs in order to pass their TAX HIKES by threatening them with no raises, cutting various services and curriculum needs. This method of operation has been utilized by school districts as long as I can remember in order to pass their tax hikes. Unfortunately for teachers they will NEVER be paid what they are truly worth and that is planned as well. If teachers were paid top notch salaries they could not hold elections over their head.  As Magnolia ISD’s Superintendent, Todd Stephens makes 250,000 in salary and benefits (See Contract) and the district pays it’s administration quite well (see below) the district will threaten teachers with no raises if they do not march to the beat of their drum in voting YES on their tax hikes.

NOTE: The district claims that they are not going to raise your tax rate they are just going to move 10 cents from the I & S sinking fund to the M & O account. What they don’t tell you is the their own NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING states they need a tax rate 1.4560 to keep up with their current spending and tax debt.  So to claim that we are not going to raise your tax rate is dishonest at best. They also did not tell the teachers or the public that they can come back and raise the I & S side they are planning on stealing from anytime without voter approval.

 

This is a TAX HIKE SCAM.


 

While threatening teachers with no raise in the event the TRE fails the district is currently putting the finishing touches on their new SIX MILLION DOLLAR conference center to compete with the private sector. Yes, you heard it right. They are using our TAX MONEY to build a Conference/Event facility to rent out.  I was under the understanding ISD’s were to be about the business educating children not creating for profit businesses within the district using our dime to compete with the private sector. What a waste of TAX PAYER FUNDS. And the poor district claims they have no money for teachers. GIVE ME A BREAK!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-1F-79ov-TA&t=4s

 

Another HUGE waste of Magnolia ISD’s government spending is the United Nations MARXIST International Baccalaureate Program that the currently two high schools are using for a handful of students. There is NO high academic criteria for a student to enter this program. It is very costly and a waste of TAX PAYER FUNDS. If their is any arbitration on a students scoring it is held under Swiss Law. If you notice both of the High Schools flaunt their IB WORLD SCHOOL EMBLEMS on the outside of the buildings. I often wonder why a global school is desired. What is wrong with an American School? Currently the district pays 11, 650 per high school just to be IB DIPLOMA PROGRAM.  More about IB here.  Teachers must be trained under the IB program and many are leaving the district and the district has to pay to have new ones retrained. This is not a cheap endeavor and it is another unneeded waste of tax money. Below are two former teacher comments.

 

Please go vote NO!!

Early voting locations and times are… …http://legacy.mctx.org/election/evPolls.asp?ELID=58 Locations and times for voting day are.. http://legacy.mctx.org/election/EDPolls.asp?ELID=58 If you are not sure where to vote please go to the following link and input your name and DOB and it will show you a sample ballot and your voting location. https://legacy.mctx.org/election/vrlookup.asp?curLang=English

 

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TEXAS PUBLIC SCHOOLS: REWIRING YOUR CHILD’S BRAIN

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I was shocked in 2013 after discovering the hidden progressive Texas Curriculum Cscope aka Common Core Curriclum implemented in our Texas School Districts.  The powers at be have been working to  transform of our society through our education system.  Unfortunately, they are succeeding. Russian Communist Revolutionary, Vladamir Lenin quoted “Give me 4 years to teach the children and the seed I have sown will never be uprooted”.

The goal of the progressive United Nation’s education division, UNESCO is to transform America. A true classical education giving our children the opportunity to succeed on their own accord has taken a back seat to the progressive  pedagogy of social emotional learning (SEL)   The use of SEL is geared on changing a child’s attitudes, values, behavior and beliefs.

Our Texas Legislature along with the so called “Good Guys” through their votes have been instrumental in this transformation. The question as to rather it was intentionally is debatable.

I can say for a fact Gov Perry knowingly participated in this education transformation.

One of the most blatant programs in our public schools today is the International Baccalaureate Program which uses Marx’s Hegels Dialectic in rewiring the brain. More information on the IB program can be found here.

 

Below you see the front cover that UNESCO has published advocating the rewiring of your children’s brain.

Here is a link to the brochure. 

 

America it is time to wake up and get involved.

 

“Freedom isn’t Free”

 


 

Image result for change a society through education marx

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Magnolia ISD Fails to Inform Parents Their Children are being Exploited!

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Magnolia ISD Superintendent, Todd Stephens can’t seem to abide by the district’s own policy and has made the local news lately due to Stephens using district vehicles on a Saturday to assist local Commissioner, Charlie Riley with his campaign event. You can read about it here.  One would think the Magnolia ISD school board would immediately address the issue at hand due to Stephens violating district policy. Instead one of their school board members, Secretary Kristi Baker seeks to divert community attention to an unnamed individual (Me) claiming the children in the district are being “pursued, antagonized and exploited”  on social media (post below). If these allegations were factual one would think the district would immediately alert parents of this so called abuse.

Upon being alerted of of Ms. Baker’s post on social media I filed an opens records request asking for any and all documentation alerting parents of this “suggested” abuse and how to assist their children through such abuse. Interesting enough Magnolia ISD has not addressed these allegations. Why would a district ignore such claims by a school board member and fail to alert the parents? The reason Baker thinks nothing of putting out lies and propaganda under the disguise of “These poor baby children”.

Why Magnolia ISD allows this unacceptable behavior by Ms. Baker is questionable. The board may want to get back and do their job address the issue of Stephens not only utilizing district vehicles to assist with a political event but allowing the Charlie Riley band to practice at the administration building.

Commissioner Charlie Riley and Magnolia ISD School Board Member, Kristi Baker.

 

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Dear Commissioner Charlie Riley,

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Riley,

Are you telling people that I ran Deanne off the side of the road with your grand baby in the car. If so, you are lying to them. I would say I am surprised but I am not. God knows the truth! Is it really so hard to do the right thing Charlie?

Ginger
_____________________________________________________________________________
Now for a little history on this. The Magnolia establishment is corrupt and abusive and it has been for years. Sadly, most taxpayers are oblivious and those that are aware of it either fear for their jobs or business and many that know will sell their integrity for a bar-b-q plate courtesy of Commissioner Riley.
I suspected and was right assuming that the Riley’s would be abusing their positions as county employees in preparation for the Charlie Riley Campaign Event, Sat. Oct. 14, 2017.
I drove to Magnolia suspecting to see the Commissioners yard being utilized in some fashion in setting up for Riley’s event. I did not expect to see Mr. Deanne  Riley who just returned to her office (Constable David Hill) that afternoon and rummaged through the Campaign T-Shirts in the back of her vehicle. I assume I was seen parked in Commissioner’s parking lot after witnessing Riley slamming the back door and jumping in the passenger side of Deanna’s vehicle. They drove out onto Unity Park Drive heading into the park towards 1488. Deanna turned east on 1488 and did not get in the line of traffic but proceeded up the side of the road as seen in photo below. Why she was driving so erratically and off the road is leaves room for question.
The story that Charlie Riley I know has been telling that I (Ginger Russell) ran his wife off the road with his grand baby in it is NOTHING BUT A LIE!
Proverbs 12:22  ” The LORD detests lying lips, but he delights in people who are trustworthy.”

Montgomery County Commissioner Charlie Riley

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One Conservative Parent’s Thoughts on School Choice

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This is a very long, but very important post. I hope you will read and consider it as our current legislative session rolls forward. Yes I wrote it.

Most of you know my political leanings. I’m not shy about sharing them. Most of you are shocked when you hear me say I am against school choice. I want to first say that this is a political issue only because it has been made one. In reality, it is a family issue, a parent issue, and most importantly a child issue. That is what matters and it matters far more than politics.

In it’s current form – or at least the form that is being bantered about in Texas in recent days, ESA (or voucher) funds would be used to provide money to charter schools, private schools and even some homeschoolers. These funds would be derived from public money – your tax dollars. There is, theoretically, a limited amount of tax dollars available to entities for the public good. ie: hospital districts, school districts etc. They operate under budgets constrained by the amount of tax money they have available to them.

Some people want to divvy these funds up, taking them away from public schools and redistribute them to private entities for the purpose of educating kids. On the surface this sounds like a phenomenal idea. Maybe some underprivileged kids could go to private schools. Maybe we can have great charter schools in our communities that will do a better job than the public schools. And even homeschoolers could afford to spend more on curriculum and online education, or hire private teachers with that money. Admittedly there are some low performing public schools, so privatizing schools will force them to compete for students, thereby shutting down the bad schools, and providing alternatives. Please bear with me here, I really want you to understand why so many think this is a great idea. It all sounds wonderful.

Before we go on – please name any instance in history where acceptance of money from the government (dug directly out of taxpayer’s pockets) has not been accompanied with strings or conditions. It does not exist. There is no free government money without restrictions, rules or regulations. Even the money you overpay to the IRS has some condition attached in that you must file a return to get it back. They don’t just hand it back willingly.

Let’s talk about charter schools first. There are some great charter schools. Now suppose that those charters will accept vouchers or ESA funds. Now they are subject to additional rules, regulations and restrictions. What might those strings look like? Limits on curriculum choices for one. Subjecting of charter students to whatever standardized testing the government deems best, and a school grading/rating system for another. STAAR. Sound familiar yet? Salary caps on teachers, excess administrative personnel. Charter schools – even the best charters with the greatest of intentions – would soon start to be just like the public schools we already have. If you love your charter school, you do not want school choice. You want it left alone. So now charter schools have rapidly narrowing profit margins. Eventually charters will begin to go belly up, as regulations increase overhead and decrease profit margins. How will that benefit our kids, or education or the public at large? And how will it benefit the taxpayers who are funding all of this? Are we to bail out these private entities with more tax dollars?

Private schools will not be left out of the red tape either. They don’t have to take the ESA funds – at least not now. EEOC, ACLU, et al will likely come into play at some point, how could they not? The funds are government funds after all. Someone is bound to deem themselves slighted. You have chosen a private school in keeping with your families religious or cultural beliefs. You have paid dearly in tuition and fees, it would be great to have some help with that. But now your carefully chosen private school will be limited to certain curriculums, chosen by the government of course. Add STAAR testing or some iteration of it to that formula. And now what of the separation of state and religion? Here we go again. Furthermore, what family who can’t afford a $16,000 a year private school can now afford it on $3000.00 to $4800.00 in voucher or ESA funds?

Homeschool? Many families do it successfully if not exceptionally well. The Texas State Homeschool Association won’t tell you this as they jump through the hoops of school “choice”, but homeschool families do NOT want government controls, interference or regulation. And the majority of them don’t want voucher or ESA funds either. The tax money paid into schools that they don’t use is frequently thought of as “just leave me alone” money. They don’t have it back now, they don’t want it back later. They simply want to be left alone to keep doing what they are doing. They do not want the state’s involvement and resultant oversight of home education. They do not want any infringement upon a child’s right to learn in a way that works for THAT child. They don’t want anyone to step on their rights to teach their kids whatever they darn well please, without the interference of entities who have no real interest in their kids or families. Furthermore, is 4k in voucher funds the deal breaker in being able to not work so you can homeschool? There are many families who do both successfully.

So lets say this all passes, and that the ESA or voucher system is a great success. We have kids learning great things in charter schools and private schools, homeschool families are scoring great on those tests. Are those charter and private and home schools required to provide special education services? If so, to what percentage of their students? At what cost? Who bears the additional cost? What if the charter (and only) school close to you can’t provide the special education services your child needs? What if the nearest one that can, is 48 miles away? Rationing special education services worked well for kids in Houston, no? So many great charters though. Specialized schools like Winston or Shelton school are only 20k a year – give or take a few thousand. Well there are so many great charter schools that your local public elementary school is now down to 72 students on campus. All in special education programs. Mainstreamed. Like a boss.

If you have not figured it out by now, I am pretty straight forward about it. I am a very conservative leaning libertarian for the most part. That means I want less government involvement in my life wherever I can get it. I find it absurd that our Republican representatives are making this a hill to die on. What part of being a true conservative involves redistributing our money and turning it into other people’s money in a card game? I am still trying to figure that one out. It has the very smelly appearance of a sham that results in the hiding or transfer of tax dollars under the tables of private entities without transparency or accountability.

Why do I care about public schools? If I am so libertarian, why do I care at all about public education? Why should the state even be allowed to educate kids at all? Less government, right? So let’s say the entire public education system – including current charters and public schools, shut down tomorrow. Would people just stop educating their children? There would be some period of chaos and confusion. Some kids would fall through the cracks for certain. But at some point, communities would work together to come up with their own solutions. It would happen. Eventually. How does that serve our kids now though? Oh – and does that mean they will then give us back our tax money? They will. Right?

I can go all the way to the conspiracy theories – Bill Gates, Pearson and the rest. It’s a conspiracy to make society obedient, dumb, dependent blah blah blah. Honestly, if we allow school choice to weasel its way in, in the way it appears to be planned, none of that will matter. What will matter is the absolute and total loss of parental input into the education of our children. Our school rating system and STAAR testing is already a glaring case of the emperor’s new clothes. Parents are beginning to remember THEY have control of their kids – they are waking up. It appears at this point however many of our legislators are resolutely and deliberately blind to these issues. They are doing a great job of creating the biggest elephant in a room I have ever seen. They are choosing instead to focus on the diversion of school “choice” instead of focusing on fixing the things that are actually wrong with our public schools. And data collection on our kids, social emotional learning… I could write an entire OTHER diatribe on these issues but they aren’t what we need to address right now. By pouring the concrete foundation first, those things get eliminated on their own, for lack of merit.

School choice is a misnomer because it is not choice at all – it is more control and intrusion in schools, it is the definancing and debasing of the public school system. It is the dumbing down of the kids in our society who most need to NOT be dumbed down. It is the overarching infiltration, like a cancer, of common core and agendaized education. There is nothing Grassroots about this school choice movement, don’t be fooled. It is being heavily funded by the entities who have a stake in getting their hands on your tax money – YOUR KIDS education money. I don’t know of any better way to say it than that. And for those who are proponents of this “free market” school “choice” solution – how is anything that the government or tax dollars is involved in, a free market, ever?

If you know me, you also know that I don’t mind speaking up about a problem, call it griping if you will. If I gripe about a problem, I also like to propose solutions. So let’s think about this. What could be the fallout if we did the following instead?

– Find a way for public schools within a district and neighboring districts, to compete against each other based on types of curriculum, innovative course offerings, sports or other activities limited to this school or that school. (Does every high school need a drama department?) and gasp – yes – even test scores and graduation rates. A real, validated, proven and experienced test like the IOWA test – not STAAR.

– Do away with federal funding in Texas schools. It is 9% of the budget. It is 100% handcuffs.

– Do away with most standardized testing – this would eliminate the need for the federal handcuff money

– LET TEACHERS TEACH. Teachers are the trained and experienced experts in this equation. Administrators and self-important small time politicians are not. Great teachers do not need a standardized test to know where their students are and what they need – this is even more true when you have smaller classes

– Privatize extracurricular activities and sports. Seems the YMCA and the local leagues are pretty good at that. Let’s let them do it. We don’t really need more coaches or million-dollar football stadiums. We need more teachers. Let’s get our priorities straight. Sell bonds to pay for those things if the place you live desires to do it. But the schools and taxpayers don’t need to fund the rest of the infrastructure and equipment. Not every sport needs to be select or elite either. What happened to fun? Teamwork? Camaraderie?

– Cut down class sizes. Send early elementary kids to class for half a day instead of all day so there can be classes of 10 or 12 kids instead of 22? Or 28, or… 30? In any case, the schools should be focused on education, not on providing taxpayer funded daycare. Schedule high school classes like college classes. There can still be afterschool care programs for parents who work, but kids should have time to be kids. More recess, fewer worksheets.

– Toss the TEA out on it’s ear. defund it, unlegislate it, sundown it, whatever it takes. Leave school districts alone to choose their curriculum and manage their affairs. After all, if they have to compete with bordering or neighboring districts, they will find a way to perform and be cost effective about it. They won’t survive if they don’t. Understandably, some will need some help to do so, and there should be a way to do that, but there should not be endless funding of nepotism, corruption or negligence. A little more stand and deliver, on all levels, a little less pomp, would go a long way towards improving the real foundations of our public schools.

– On the stand and deliver note – give teachers the tools, resources and backing they need to be THAT kind of teacher. There are a lot of them out there. It is the reason why they teach. They can’t be THAT teacher when their hands are tied and test scores are being held over their heads.

In Texas – we already have school choice. We can charter, public, private or home school without anybody telling us which of them we are required to do, and we can currently do it without a lot of government interference. The current public school system has been strangled by over regulation and the handing over of tax money to corporations who provide NO benefit to kids or education. Why do we want MORE of that? Without school “choice”, charters can be free to do what they do, private schools can carry on in private, and homeschoolers can do as they please. Parents can choose for their children whatever they think best. That is true choice. I don’t stand for “School Choice”. I stand for freedom.

PS. I am not a teacher or school administrator, I am a nurse practitioner and I am not employed in education. I am a mother of 5 kids, 4 of whom went to public schools and 1 of whom is home schooled. I have 2 grandchildren in public schools. My interest is personal, not political.

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TEXAS HOME SCHOOL COALITION FLIP FLOPS ON STUDENT TESTING

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FLIP FLOP

In April 2005 Tim Lambert president of the Texas Home School Coalition was contacted by homeschool mother, Kim Hartman with concerns that the passsing of UIL legislation had negative effects on Texas Home School Freedom through testing.  Mr. Lambert responded and assured Mrs. Hartman that there would not be any testing requirement and that they the Texas Home School Coalition would work in killing any such legislation. Unfortunately the Texas Home School Coalition has taken a political flip flop position regarding policy.  The organization has shifted away from protecting Texas Home Schoolers from state testing mandates and data collection to promoting such policies.

 

Tim Lambert’s response letter below….

 

no tebow

 

The Texas Home School Coalition fought unsuccessfully during the 2015 legislative session to pass HB 347 referred to as the TEBOW bill that would require homeschooled students participating in UIL to adhere to state testing. Along with state testing comes Data Collection. Most are not aware of the Texas Student Data System that collects an enormous amount of data on all Texas public school children. This data is available to 3rd parties and is worth big bucks.

Again this past week on January 26th, a Tebow was filed by Texas Senator Van Taylor  SB 640 and the house version was filed by Rep James Frank HB 1323. Once again we now have legislation filed and if passed placing Texas Home School Students under state testing mandates and data collection of home school students for those that choose to participate in UIL. This is a slippery slope to reigning in Texas Home School Students. It is quite unfortunate that Texas Home School Coalition has lost their way.

The home school grassroots are working in forming another group, TEXANS FOR HOME SCHOOL FREEDOM.

Here is their website

Join the Facebook group page…..TEXANS FOR HOMESCHOOL FREEDOM.

follow on Twitter

 

Photo below from Taylor’s SB 640. tebow testing

 

 

 

 

 

 

Below Tim Lambert equates College Placement testing with State Mandated testing of public school students. Seriously?

 

 

Please call your Texas Senators Representatives and tell them to vote NO on the TEBOW bill.

WHO IS MY TEXAS REP?

 

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Does Texas Need School Choice?

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by Texas Science Author and Educator, Janice VanCleave

momTexas parents have the right to select educational opportunities other than public school for their children NOW!!

In Texas, under current state legislation:

1. Parents can freely choose to take their children out of public school. If their local public school has a below average state rating, at no expense to parents, their children can be bused to other local schools with higher ratings.

2. Parents can freely choose to homeschool or send their children to private schools or to a public charter school.

So why does Texas need a School Choice Program?

The proposed Texas School Choice Program Offers one thing: MONEY
Yes, School Choice is all about money. Education Saving Account, ESA, is the name of the funding states are offering parents to remove their children from public schools.

Government money always has strings, and the amount of strings attached to ESA funding could be woven into large elaborate macrame tapestries.

Some some of these strings include how parents spend ESA funding. The state sets guidelines about the educational curriculum that can be used. In fact, the state dictates the curriculum choices. Also, ESA funding may only be used pay fees to approved private schools.

Yes, there is lots of paper work that parents will have to provide to prove the ESA funding is being used properly. For example, while the money can be used for transportation, the total amount per year allowed is set by the state. Parents will have to provide copies of maps showing the path from start to finish for each trip. ETC…ETC…..Receipts–you bet.

Monkey looks confused.mom

So why does Texas need a School Choice Program?

Texas legislatures say that parents of students in poor communities do not have the funding to homeschool or to send their children to private schools. Thus, the children of these parents must continue to attend public schools that do not offer a diverse quality education for their children. (FYI: This is because the Texas Education Association, TEA, has dictated that all public schools prepare every child for college.)

Make note that ESA funds cannot be used to send children to charter schools. This is because the state considers charter schools as public schools.

 

So why does Texas need a School Choice Program?

ESA funds will first go to low income parents with children having any type of disability, learning or physical. Other parents will receive less ESA funding. Texas legislatures contend that a School Choice Program will improve the education Monkey looks confused.of all Texas children. Parents who take ESA funding will be able to take their children out of public schools and some how the children left in public schools will receive a better education. No, I do not understand how this proposed miracle solution to improving Texas education is suppose to happen. Unless, our state legislatures promote school choice so fewer students with learning disabilities will be taking STAAR tests. Generally, these students make lower scores on these tests, which bring down the average of school districts. If this is the plan, School Choice will not improve the education of students, instead it will improve school STAAR test averages.

Why will only children in public schools take STAAR tests? Children receiving ESA funds will not be required to take the STAAR test? So, how can legislature claim that these children will be receiving a quality education?

So why does Texas need a School Choice Program?

Children who are now being homeschooled or are in private schools may not receive ESA funding. To be qualified they must enroll in their local public school for no less than 100 days.

Think about it: The School Choice program is being set up so that parents can remove their children from public schools that are not providing a high standard of education for students. Yet, to be qualified to receive School Choice ESA funding, children must first attend one of the less than adequate pubic school for 100 days. Why? Is it for data collection on all children in the US?

 

For Homeschoolers ……..

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

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LT GOV DAN PATRICK THROWS TX HOME SCHOOLERS UNDER THE BUS!

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caution-under-bus

 

UPDATE: SENATOR LARRY TAYLOR HAS FILED SCHOOL CHOICE SB 3. PUBLIC HEARING SCHEDULED IN AUSTIN, TUESDAY, MARCH 21 9am ROOM E1:028

Unfortunately our “supposedly” conservative Texas Lt Governor Dan Patrick and many of our Texas Senators and Representatives are throwing the future generation of Texas Home School families under the bus.  For months now Lt Gov Dan Patrick and other senators and representatives have been making their rounds across the state in hopes of selling their legislative priority of “School Choice” which will ultimately change the landscape of home schooling in Texas.  Though the words “School Choice” sound great please do not be deceived. This “School Choice” initiative should alarm any freedom loving home school family.

 

dan-patrick

Texas Lt Gov Dan Patrick

The proposed Legislation that has yet to be filed intends to set up a State Funded Education Savings Account (ESA) for any student approved. NOTE: This is not you saving your own money like a Health Savings Account. This is the state funding quarterly an undetermined dollar amount to your (ESA) account. This money can be used to attend private school, purchase “STATE APPROVED” curriculum, classes, computers, etc, etc.

 

WHY HOME SCHOOL FAMILIES NEED TO BE CONCERNED

 

  1. With state funds comes govt control and STRINGS with yearly mandated state or norm reference testing. “What if they fail the test are they still eligible for funding”?
  2. ***With testing comes the Data Mining of your child. For those unaware there is a TEXAS STUDENT LONGITUDINAL DATA SYSTEM where public school students personal information is stored and available to 3rd parties. Billions of dollars have been spent from the federal level in collecting student data across the US. Most parents are unaware of this un-nerving fact. Due to a change in the FERPA law there is no longer student privacy.
  3. The funds can only be used to purchase state approved material. Will we able to continue to purchase Christian material in educating our children? If “yes” how long will that last? BELIEVE ME THE LIBERAL ACLU WILL BE ALL OVER THIS!                                                                                                                                                                                                 
  4. NOTE:  In 2011 the state passed SB 6 allowing School Districts to purchase any curriculum they wanted being text books, online learning, etc WITHOUT STATE APPROVAL.  With THE SCHOOL CHOICE program you can only purchase  TEACHING MATERIAL FROM STATE APPROVED VENDORS. Who are these approved vendors and who is approving them?
  5. Current home school or private school students will not be eligible to apply for the program. Students would have to enroll and attend public school for and undetermined amount of days prior to being eligible for the funds. A child has to be in the system one year prior to being qualified for the program (They have to get you into their student data system first.) Remember this is DATA. DATA DATA DATA!   EX: If you are a current homeschooler and you have a 2nd & 3rd grader they would not be able to receive funding. You have to put them back in the public school system for one year to be qualified. Now if you have a child entering K or 1st grade they would qualified.
  6. ESA accounts will be audited annually (randomly) by a State office to review the “educational expenses” parents pay for with the account in an effort to prevent fraud and abuse. (talk about up front and in your business)

 

Just a few thoughts.

  1. This is just another Socialist liberal wealth redistribution plan under the disguise of “School Choice” More SOCIALISM.
  2. Many of the same state legislators  that have our public schools in shambles today are now pushing school choice. Check out this blog about Senator Larry Taylor who chairs the Texas Senate Education Committee and the role he has played in Texas Education. He did read my blog and left the following comment for me. I did ask hoping he would respond why was my post  considered a conspiracy and that he thought I created in my own mind. I have yet to receive a response. larry-taylor-school-choice
  3. Our legislators have been spending months with paid lobbyist promoting this agenda. Seems to me they are more concerned with funding their pockets and not with their constituents.
  4. You will hear repeatedly the verbiage “This will EMPOWER THE PARENTS to become more involved in their child’s education. I don’t know about you but I was empowered to pull my kids out of the public school without state $$$. Parents who are going to be involved in their child’s education do not need state funds to empower them.

 

 

A MUST SEE… THE REAL GOALS OF SCHOOL CHOICE!!

 

Action Needed

 

  1. Find out who your local Senators and House Reps are and tell them NO to School Choice. Here is a link to find out who they are. http://www.fyi.legis.state.tx.us/Home.asp
  2. Call Lt Governor Dan Patrick’s office @  (512) 463-0001   EMAI: @ LTGConstituent.Affairs@ltgov.state.tx.us
  3. Join this facebook group TEXAS FOR HOMESCHOOL FREEDOM.
  4. I will talk about this more later but I have been very unhappy with the position that Texas Home School Coalition has taken on this initiative. They have come out supporting it and have censored those of us that do not agree by blocking us on their facebook page. I personally left a message for Tim Lambert and have yet to hear from him. I finally called and asked them to refund my membership money which they did. Call and let them know your concerns as well. Ph# (806) 744-4441
  5. Educate your friends and family as to what is taking place.

 

 

UPDATE 1/25/17

I attended the school choice rally in Austin yesterday (Tuesday). I stood there in shock as our Texas Lt.Governor Dan Patrick proclaimed to all these children mostly minorities that “You have to be rich to have school choice” (see video below).  Wow. Did he go to Bernie Sanders Training classes? And we wonder why the younger generation today has the give me mentality that the government owes them everything.

 

 

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Lewis Carroll Once Again Explains Texas Education Policymaking

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9/16/2016
Image result for “Would you tell me, please, which way I ought to go from here?" "That depends a good deal on where you want to get to." "I don't much care where –" "Then it doesn't matter which way you go.”
“Would you tell me, please, which way I ought to go from here?”
“That depends a good deal on where you want to get to.”
“I don’t much care where –”
“Then it doesn’t matter which way you go.”
Lewis Carroll, Alice in Wonderland

I am very grateful to Lewis Carroll. Every time I find myself frustrated at what seems to be inexplicable nonsense at the Texas State Capitol, I turn to Alice in Wonderland to find both answers and comfort.

This time a legislator – whose name will go unmentioned – proudly announced recently that he intends to introduce a bill to eliminate the state’s tests of students’ knowledge and skills and allow local districts to have the pick of a variety of tests from national vendors. To be fair, this legislator, who is otherwise a pretty smart fellow, acknowledges that he has some details to work out before he presents a bill.

But, still, he has me scratching my head. I realize that there are lots of folks out there who don’t like testing. But unless legislating these days amounts mostly to tickling constituents’ tummies, that’s no basis for this proposal. Further, this legislator somewhat incoherently explains his action in part as a response to the terrible administration of tests by the state’s current vendor. He seems to have forgotten that his angry constituents pushed to replace the former unpopular, but competent vendor with the current incompetent vendor.  One wonders why he doesn’t simply demand that the commissioner either get the current vendor to shape up or ship out.

No, instead, he wants to get rid of the state tests. Before this poorly conceived proposal goes much further, its serious problems and consequences should be fully considered.

First, is this plan legal under Federal law? Why get the folks all excited, waste the time of the legislature, and risk hundreds of millions of dollars in Federal aid, if it’s not? The Every Student Succeeds Act is about as clear as it can be. States have the authority to permit a variety of exams for high school testing. But, unless a state is accepted into a very small pilot program, all states must use criterion-referenced, statewide tests for grades 3-8. Suffice to say, as to the pilot, the legislator’s proposal doesn’t even come close to being eligible.

Second, has this legislator bothered to examine the innards of the state tests versus those of the national tests he’s proposing? Indeed, has the state agency ever bothered to open up its vaults to show the public all the data it has on the state tests – how they were constructed, by whom, and to what effect?

Whenever the data are examined, the public will see many interesting things. For one, the state tests are significantly more aligned to Texas’ excellent learning standards than are the other tests. Indeed, the publishers of most of the tests that would be newly eligible brag that their tests are highly aligned instead to the much-criticized Common Core standards. Does this legislator and his Republican colleagues know that? Do the Speaker, Lieutenant Governor, and the Governor?

What difference does it make that the current tests are better aligned to state standards? To begin, it makes state accountability fair and appropriate. Can you see the state trying to hold districts and schools accountable when they’re all using different measures? Further, it gives better guidance to educators in knowing that what they’re being asked to teach is closely in line with what is tested.

I appreciate the legislator’s desire to maximize local control. But the one area the state has always taken an interest in, and the area in which federal law insists it continue to, is to measure and implement consequences, on a statewide basis, for how well students are learning to state standards.

Finally, is it too much to ask that we let the crowd-pleasing issues pass by for a session and instead try to find solutions to our most serious challenges?

The state spends billions of dollars each year on educating our students, yet the trajectory of achievement in recent years has gone flat. Are our dollars being spent effectively and efficiently? Are we paying for strategies and programs that are proven to work? Are we holding the key players properly accountable? Do we prepare and support teachers with research-based strategies, and do we promote effective teachers and teaching?

I realize there are no huzzahs and social media kisses for tackling these and other tough questions that actually make a difference. But, as Lewis Carroll makes clear, which way we go only matters if we truly care where we want to go.

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CYFAIR ISD: NO MORE ZOOS!

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4th Grade Propaganda in Texas

Why should Texas parents read their child’s homework assignments?

Just ask Harris County ESD9 Commissioner, Scott Debour.

His 4th grade son, who attends Moore Elementary in Cy-Fair ISD, brought home this “writing” assignment yesterday.

Simple enough…read a passage and find the errors in capitalization, punctuation, spelling and grammar.

No problem, until his dad read the passage…

…and found “writing” being used to push the liberal animal rights agenda on his 4th grade son.

You can read the full passage here.

Or read just a few lines…and you will get the idea…

  • If you ask me, I believe zoos should close…
  • “Another example of mistreatment at zoos is the chimps…”
  • “Another chimp named Mimi knows over 300 words in sign language. She’s as smart as a 2 year old. So if chimps are kept in zoos, why aren’t toddlers…”
  • “That’s why I believe all zoos are not animal friendly and should be closed down.

Does Cy-Fair ISD really think the Houston Zoo, the closest zoo to Moore Elementary, is a horrible place for animals?

Because most Houstonians would describe it as a wonderful zoo.

Not only are the animals living in natural habitats

…the zoo keepers work hard to keep the animals stimulated.

The Houston Zoo also offer a variety of hands-on animal encounters for kids…Animal encounters which could never be matched with just a picture or film.
 
What can Texas parents do?
First, make an appointment with your child’s teacher to preview the materials which will be used this school year. If you find assignments you feel are inappropriate for you child, request an “alternate assignment.” One in which your child learns the same skills, without the left wing bias.

Second, read the assignments your child brings home. If you still find issues, you can work your way up the chain of command – the school principal, curriculum director, superintendent, school board – but that could take months.

If you want faster results, read the problematic lessons to the school board during public testimony at their monthly meetings. Then send the lessons to your State Representative and State Senator so they have examples of the left wing lessons being taught in Texas public schools.

If you would like to voice your opinion on this anti-zoo lesson to the Cy-Fair ISD leadership, contact information is below:

Board President, Darcy Mingoia: board@cfisd.net
Superintendent, Mark Henry:  mark.henry@cfisd.net
Phone: 281-897-4077
Colleen Vera
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HUDSON ISD: FBI RESPONSIBLE for US TERRORIST ATTACKS……SERIOUSLY?

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Our country’s political landscape has been transforming before out very eyes and you can thank our public education system for the vast majority of it. The progressive ideology running rampant through our our government and education system will more than likely solidify the destruction of the United State’s freedom. Texas’s own Hudson’s superintendent Mary Ann Whitaker is a proponent of transforming our Texas Education System into a progressive one.

Image result for mary ann whitaker

 

Mary Ann Whitaker thought one students article on “Presidential Candidates Positions on Syrian Refugees” was so news worthy they have posted in on the school’s website. You can read it for yourself below. All I can add is “LORD HELP US”.

 

Presidential candidates positions on Syrian refugees

By: (I have removed students name)

 

Time’s 2015 Person of the Year award was given to Angela Merkel, the Chancellor of Germany. Merkel has many accomplishments qualifying her for the title, including her handling of European economic crises and her response to the terror activities occurring too frequently in the region. By far, her most outstanding act has been Germany’s acceptance of nearly one million – 964, 574 to be exact – refugees from Syria and other unstable regions of the Middle East. Merkel’s ability to see migrants as who they actually are – innocent families fleeing religious and social persecution – rather than who the Islamic State wishes for them to be – terrorists – not only makes her an outstanding leader on a global scale but a champion of tolerance and humility second to none.

There are skewed responses to the refugee crisis around the world, the United States being the center for such confusion. With ten popular Republican presidential contenders and three popular Democrats all professing different opinions and solutions, it’s no wonder Americans have a difficult time taking a stance on the issue. Even more upsetting is the fact that the responses of most Republicans are discriminatory based on race, religion, or gender and the actions suggested by Democrats are not nearly enough.

Donald Trump, America’s favorite presidential contender and human being in general, is the epitome of bigotry and ignorance. Trump has announced, and defended, his stance on the ban of Muslim migration to the United States. Two comments. First, this idea senseless as a vast majority of Muslims condemn Islamic extremism, those fleeing IS especially exhibiting disapproval of radicalization. The people running from the terrorists are not the terrorists! Second, this action would be unconstitutional as it violates the First Amendment. Americans have the right to “freedom of religion,” and prohibiting people of a particular religion from entering and practicing their beliefs in this country grossly defies this basic liberty.

Freedom of religion can also be defined as freedom from religion. Ted Cruz and Jeb Bush have both proposed an idea in which only Christians from Syria and the Middle East would be allowed to enter the United States. The first flaw with this reasoning is the belief that Christians will be less violent than Muslims. As mentioned earlier, the Muslims in the region are not terrorists and will not behave in a way more threatening than the Christians of the region. The second flaw is that there is no guarantee those migrating are actually Christians. How does one prove he’s a Christian? A relationship with God is on a personal level and as a result there is no possible way for screening agencies to determine who is and is not Christian. In addition, it is ridiculous, inhumane, and even unChristian to value a particular group over another and leave the less valuable one helpless and ready to die. Let me point out the most obvious issue at hand: this would be unconstitutional. It is ironic that these “Republicans,” who supposedly value strict adherence to the constitution which is evident through their call to abolish Obamacare and defend the rights of gun owners, would so easily damn the very document and its influence to protect those following America’s religion – Christianity.

Marco Rubio has suggested to only allow women, children, and the elderly to enter the United States. This is offensive on so many levels. First is the fact that the sentence reads women then children as if the two are equally incapable of taking care of themselves. These dependents most definitely need a brave, religious man like Mr. Rubio to step in and save them from the Muslims. Rubio’s statement is a gross display of benevolent sexism. Mr. Rubio is willing give women “special” (by that I mean unequal) treatment if women embrace their subordination. The tragic reality is that so many women would accept this offer, at the expense of their husbands, sons, and dignity, to continue their lives. It’s this rhetoric that holds back females and forces them to embrace their current social standings rather than strive for equality.

Ben Carson and Donald Trump both advocate increased surveillance. Islamophobic Trump has called for separate databases for Muslims. Ben Carson says, “In the larger capacity, we should monitor anything – mosques, church, school, you know, shopping centers – where there is a lot of radicalization going on.” There is a commonality between the two stances: both call for increased surveillance of American Muslims, who do not support terrorism in the slightest. The few that may have in the past likely did so only because an FBI informant illegally tricked them into committing a crime. Pursuing American Muslims increases distrust in the government and alienates an essential ally in stopping terrorism.

All of these stances are hypocritical. The true Republican party, the one I would identify with if it existed, believes that a limited government is necessary for the maintenance of individual liberties. This party would condemn a national endorsement or ban of a particular religion as this is unconstitutional, would never pass legislation which subordinates women and potentially limits their rights, and would be an adamant advocate of decreased government surveillance. Unfortunately, none of the candidates above share these values. Maybe the Democrats have a better stance…

Martin O’Malley, Hillary Clinton, and Bernie Sanders have all called for the acceptance of 65,000 refugees. This may be the figure suggested by the U.N. but it is not nearly enough. There are an estimated 4 million people displaced by the chaos in Syria. Democrats suggest we take 65,000 while Germany is accepting 964, 574. This acceptance rate is extremely disproportionate and unfair to Germany and other European countries attempting to support the refugees. John Kerry, the current Secretary of State, has suggested that the U.S. should take a minimum of 100,000 refugees, and this figure is likely a better starting point. At least these candidates don’t exhibit intolerant or even hostile, in Trump’s case, sentiment toward the refugees.

The Islamic State wins when America does not have an adequate response. Innocent Syrian and Iraqi families continue to be slaughtered, Muslims around the globe begin to despise American leaders for their lack of response as Islam adherents face these atrocities, and Islamophobic sentiment grows in America, alienating a crucial ally and cultural benefactor. It is important for the public to know and understand the values of presidential candidates, as their beliefs impact legislation and action in the future. An improper character perception could be the difference between the tragic outcome listed above and the endurance of American ideals.

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