It’s a landslide for Jim Kenney

~ susie ~ 2 Comments

jimkenneyvictory

I’m way past the time when I allow myself to fall in love with candidates. But I admit to feeling a wee bit hopeful about what Jim Kenney can do for my beloved Philadelphia. Via the New York Times:

Jim Kenney, a former Philadelphia city councilman who has cast himself as a progressive in the mold of Mayor Bill de Blasio of New York, handily defeated five other candidates to win the Democratic nomination for mayor Tuesday, which makes him the overwhelming favorite to be mayor when national Democrats gather in the city in 2016 to pick their nominee for president.

An hour after the polls closed, The Associated Press said Mr. Kenney was the winner.

He addressed his supporters shortly after 10 p.m., after his leading opponents had conceded. “We are not done,” he said. “There’s another election in November.”

In this heavily Democratic city, the winner of the primary is almost certain to prevail in the November general election to replace Mayor Michael A. Nutter, who cannot seek re-election after two terms. Mr. Kenney, 57, was already sounding like a victor before people went to the polls.

“Together with an open mind and an open heart, we can do really great things in this city,” Mr. Kenney told his supporters Friday at a rally at a downtown apartment building that markets itself as an “urban L.B.G.T.-friendly senior apartment community.” He was endorsed by Mr. de Blasio on Monday.
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Law and disorder in Philadelphia

~ susie

https://youtu.be/tei_Jv80ibQ

This is a BBC documentary about Philadelphia’s high rate of violent crime. So mixed emotions: I don’t trust cops, as I’ve said before. But I don’t hate them — at least, not all of them, and not all the time. But look how they react to the suggestion that they might be hassling good guys: “Good guys went back into their house when we told them to.” Very black and white.

If you’ve never lived in a big city, you should watch this.

Bill O’Reilly, role model

~ susie ~ 2 Comments

Bill O'Reilly's Killing Jesus - 3

Yes, the man who was trying to hit on an employee was full of self-righteous wrath when his then-wife wanted a divorce. It’s all so very predictable and sad:

Fox News anchor Bill O’Reilly, known for his hardline stance on family values and violence in the home, allegedly assaulted his ex-wife, dragging her down the stairs by her neck in front of the pair’s now 16-year-old daughter, according to court documents.

The documents were part of a recently-concluded child custody case in New York, in which a judge ruled that O’Reilly’s ex-wife Maureen McPhilmy would get custody of their two children. Though the vast majority of the case’s documents have been sealed because they deal with minors, Gawker has been able to confirm that the judge did in fact hear testimony about the alleged incident, which took place around 2010.

The allegation is just the latest in a string of incidents that have come to light following the couple’s divorce.
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Wanna adopt a school?

~ susie

ms Toner

The Phillip H. Sheriden Elementary School is in a really poor area, right near the largest open-air drug market on the East Coast. This kindergarten class caught my eye because the teacher isn’t asking for any hi-tech toys or iPads, just the basics: A carpet for kids to sit on. Seat organizers. A couple of easels. Things they should already have!

I don’t have enough money to make a big difference, but it sure would be nice if we all chipped in. Just sayin’!

A typical day, as I know it, involves breakfast, circle time, a writing lesson, letter(s) activity, lunch, math and then centers. I may have just started, but I want my students to be confident, knowledgeable, expressive and eager to advance to first grade.

I was just hired at my school as a kindergarten teacher. My new class has been thrown together, with multiple substitutes and an unreliable environment. These children have gone through more than they should have and deserve more. I hope to be the one that brings them stability, encourages them, identifies with them and can help them progress to the next level.

The classroom I am in, as are my students, is sparse and uninviting. It lacks stimulation and minimal resources. I came in to a room where Kindergarteners were sitting at desks! Blasphemy! Kindergarteners should be sitting at tables where socializing and teamwork is essential. They need a place to sit during circle time that provides then a designated spot, but allows them to feel connected to the group. They need more than one white-board that allows them to reference throughout the day and week.

Children need a variety of materials that promote learning. The carpet will provide each student with self-restraint as well as group participation. The easel will allow them to volunteer and reinforce what they are learning throughout the week. The easel moves, which encourages them to “use the room” because it moves and can be brought over to their tables. Finally, the chair organizers provides them their own space, a spot that is their own. They can save work and bring items from home.

These resources are just the beginning to promoting my students academic achievements. Children are sponges and these resources will allow them to absorb more. Providing an environment that stimulates, as well as comforting, encourages progress and growth. I have taught for 7 years and it starts with the environment. My experience has taught me that organization, resources and comfort stimulates academic achievement. My class will be the best, but I need help achieving it!