The World According to Sara

9/27/08

NO on 58, 60, and 64

Hello Friends,
There are several measures on the Oregon ballot that will put the Oregon school system and its students in jeopardy, and as a teacher, I am very concerned.

Measure 58, if passed, will limit my ability to support English language learning, which will have life-long consequences*** as a result of students slipping through the cracks. The logic of the bill is completely unsupported by research on effective language learning, and will inevitabley cause a strain on our society and economy by underpreparing kids to be productive citizens.

Measure 60, by paying teachers for students' test performance, has the potential to turn our students into test-taking machines, rather than high-level thinkers, problem solvers, and innovators that they will need to be to bring success to themselves and society.

If you support me as a teacher, and you want to make the best decisions for our kids, like we teachers do, please vote no on measures 58, 60, and any other measure promoted by Bill Sizemore, who has been a threat to Oregon schools since I was a student within in them.

Below are some resources for more information. I appreciate your taking a few minutes to think about Oregon's kids.

:-) Sara

From the Oregon Education Association
The OEA makes voter recommendations in the interest of children, and takes no other political issues into consideration. These three measures have the most negative effect on Oregon schools.

Measure 58: Sizemore's ELL Limit
Vote "NO".
Here's why: http://www. oregoned. org/site/pp. asp?c=9dKKKYMDH&b=4419733

Measure 60: Sizemore's De-Merit Pay
Vote "NO".
Here's why: http://www. oregoned. org/site/pp. asp?c=9dKKKYMDH&b=4419743

Measure 65: Top-Two Primary
Vote "NO".
Here's why: http://www. oregoned. org/atf/cf/%7B3f7af7ec-f984-4631-a411-148cd1fb8421%7D/ELECTION08%20-%20BM65%20TALKING%20POINTS. PDF

In the coming weeks, the OEA be making the case for each of the following positions on their web site:
Measure 54: Vote "YES".

Measure 55: Vote "YES".

Measure 56: Vote "YES".

Measure 57: Vote "YES".

Measure 59: Vote "NO".

Measure 61: Vote "NO".

Measure 62: Vote "NO".

Measure 63: Vote "NO".

Measure 64: Vote "NO".

State-level Candidates Recommended by the OEA:
Secretary of State - Kate Brown
Attorney General - John Kroger
State Treasurer - Ben Westlund
Bureau of Labor and Industries - Brad Avakian

See the OEA web site for more information on their recommendations.

http://www. oregoned. org/site/pp. asp?c=9dKKKYMDH&b=3855809

NEA Recommendation & Web Site of Barack Obama
The National Education Association, whose sole basis of recommendations is the health of our public schools, recommends Barack Obama.
I feel the need to note here that John McCain did not even bother to fill out the paperwork to seek the endorsement of the NEA, which to me, conveys disinterest in education entirely. It's one thing to bail on Letterman, but quite another not to give priority to our schools.

Obama's election website states, regarding his education policies:
"Throughout America's history, education has been the vehicle for social and economic mobility, giving hope and opportunity to millions of young people. Our schools must prepare students not only to meet the demands of the global economy, but also help students take their place as committed and engaged citizens. It must ensure that all students have a quality education regardless of race, class, or background. Barack Obama is committed to strengthening our public schools to maximize our country's greatest natural resource - the American people.
"

For more on his educational policies, go to http://www. barackobama. com/issues/education/

***An article about the consequences of dropping out of school, a likelihood for ESOL students not properly served by public schools because of measure 58: http://207. 12. 35. 10/Default. aspx?tabid=67

8/13/08

Number One Fan

This made me laugh. So, then, is Michael Moore is own biggest fan?

Gotta love facebook.

Michael Moore became a fan of Michael Moore.

Comment

469 fans - Become a Fan

Other Public Figure - See more Pages

2/4/08

What has he been puffin?

I challenge you to list some action verbs that best describe what is seen here: A tufted puffin at the Oregon Coast Aquarium in the bird aviary, taken during Val's and my most recent coast adventure, which was, as a side note, an amazing coast weekend for a bazillion reasons*.

Enjoy the video, and again, descriptive verbs?

*Our coast trip was awesome because
---Ocean view in our hotel room was a mile long
---Rogue brewerey: Not only did we have a tour, but the brewmaster put on tap a beer that is uberseldomly ever put on tap anywhere because it is bought out by private consumers prior to even being brewed. Yum. I also got a sweatshirt.
---Can you say, "Jacuzzi tub with an ocean veiw?" (I can.)
---Hottie girlfriend in jacuzzi tub
---Mo's. Enough said.
---King sized love nest.
---Sea otters: Quite possibly the cutest things with whiskers.
---Jelly fish: Woah man, trippy.
---Discovery of the The Wildflower Grill (This sums it up: Crabcake benedict. Seriously.)
---Two hour marathon of Women of Ninja Warrior while soaking in the jacuzzi tub.
---The Muppet Movie was our arrival night relaxation activity...also while in the jacuzzi tub.
---Heated swimming pool and hand stand competition. I won.
---Calamari and crab alfredo dinner. Val had fish tacos. Keep your comments to yourself.
---Oceanside sudoku puzzles and coffee first thing in the morning.
---Cribbage on the beach.
---Pupu platter of salmon, cheese, crackers, salami, etc.
---Mimmosas...in the jacuzzi tub.
---Did I mention it was sunny all weekend? Because it was, so ha ha ha.
---And the number one reason it was awesome: I spent it with the love of my life.

1/30/08

River Blog

The River House Blog is updated: http://wilsonriverhouse.blogspot.com/

Eugene Moment

While driving down Washington street in Eugene last weekend, Val and I spotted a truck with a broken window. Rather than covering the hole with plastic or cardboard, this creative Eugenian had improvised. Wedged in the space where the window once occupied, and doing a fabulous job of repelling water, was a bright blue yoga mat. I love Eugene.

1/21/08

News

I just thought everyone should know that Val and I are going to see Zoe March 21-25 and I'm really REALLY exCITED!!!!! In other news, we saw Sea Monsters 3D at the IMAX theatre in McMinville Saturday, and I give it three thumbs up. We also went to the Aviation Museum and saw the Spruce Goose. It is, literally, a sky boat, and quite awe-inspiring.

Oh, and happy anniversary to Roe v. Wade (yesterday), which allows women to make their own choices about their bodies. Things are getting a little scary out there for reproductive rights, so keep your ears open, vote, and get involved. Politicians really shouldn't be the ones making choices about your body.

11/21/07

Watching the Ocean

5/9/07

Best Mom!!

My friend Ally, mom extraordinaire, is entered in a mother's day contest. Please take a second to vote for her...Those of you that know her know what a good mom she is. Those of you that don't, trust me, please vote for her.

Hello All,
I have been entered into a Mother's Day contest and I really want to win! But I need votes. Each person can vote once a day, so please do!

Here's what to do:
Go to www.movin1075.com
Click on the "Mom's Day Give Away"
Read my entry (I'm 6th down - Mom Story: Regurgitated Food)
ANd then vote at the bottom of the page (Preferably for me!)
Like I said, Voting can happen once a day.

Thanks so much,
Ally