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Sherlene: National Youth Art Month (March)

March in the year of 2018, youth, all across America, created a visual that will go down in history for its total participation count: "March For Our Lives" rally. The rally showed "art", visual art, of expressing humanity's frustrations and sorrows of gun safety: young people, using the strength of their voices to create independent verbal expressions of "why" we must improve safety in local-community schools or too often referred to as public schools--as if such places are considered a part of buildings owned by any state's government or owned by the federal government.  There have been a lot of school-building closures due to the decline of families having offsprings and, also, because of lack of state-government funding.  From viewing the Washington, D.C., rally on TV what I actually saw displayed, for the television audience, is lack of true knowledge by the participants. To the point, ignorance of not fully understanding that the...

Sherlene Stevens: Where Is This Education Taking Me

It's Back-To-School Time for most students. Hashtag #WhereIsThisEducationTakingMe is my current hosted social theme (8/22-9/22). Local governments and communities, of the U.S., are debating the pros and cons of the public-school and college-brand models (private and state colleges). In my opinion, all school models should have adequate heating and cooling. Not every old-school building has proper insulation. This means that we have school-buildings that are more challenging to heat and cool: more expensive to keep open than building energy-efficient schools. There is also the issue of the decline of young families in our local communities. Millennials aren't producing large families like many of us grew up in.  I guess the decline is mainly due to familiarity of such experiences. Experiences that many would say was a little dysfunctional growing up in such a big household. "Is the charter-school model more productive than the public-school?" "Which school m...

Sherlene Stevens: The Public School Student Calendar

Parents or Guardian, how many of you would like your child(ren)'s public-school district to begin a new school year "after" Labor Day?  There are many reasons why such a school district approach may not be so bad after all: More vacation time for school staff (who may not have worked during the summer months), children, and the short decrease of school building wear and tear (summer cooling equipment or none at all); More opportunities for school-age children to participate with external school projects and activities; and, The lack of disruption of having to take a mini vacation from new teachers, after the first few days of a  new academic year. Better yet, another question, would you rather have year-round public school buildings within your local community? This would require more frequent calendar vacations, perhaps every month. Traditional school vacations would be shortened to accommodate. Teachers would be required to work such calendar scheduling. I wo...

Kids Are Saying "Don't Blow That Smoke In My Face!"

Have you ever walked down an urban, public area or sidewalk only to get a puff of some kind of strange smelling smoke blown in your face?  I have. After relocating to a more urban-populated neighborhood, a few years ago, I realized that such smoking behavior was the norm--an everyday situation within my local community. It is a normal disregard by individuals who smoke modern-day what?--Weed.  Every day this is happening in unique homestyles, city playgrounds, and public sidewalks. There is a new trend, that is happening, where parents are deliberately intoxicating their children with marijuana. A few weeks ago, I read an article about a mother of color who was arrested for exhaling such smoke in front of her children. I have learned that second-hand weed smoke can exhibit someone to have the same effects as being truly high; it's called having a "contact."  The overall goal of the smoker is to dumb down the activity of children so that they will become less active or h...

Sherlene Stevens: Poetry of Appreciation To My Female Audiences

Perhaps some of you, like me, have a daughter who has pursuits to attend college, or desires to move away for their first job opportunity. To a Daughter Leaving Home When I taught you at at eight to ride a bicycle, loping along beside you as you wobbled away on two round wheels, my own mouth rounding in  surprise when you pulled ahead down the curved  path of the park, I kept waiting for the thud of your crash as I sprinted to catch up, while you grew smaller, more breakable with distance, pumping, pumping for your life, screaming with laughter, the hair flapping behind you like a handkerchief waving goodbye. -- Linda Pastan Look what our attitude of  American finance systems have done--productively allowed the labels or identification of our most highlighted social dysfunctions towards money. A Song in the Front Yard I've stayed in the front yard all my life. I want a peek at the back where it's tough and untended and hungry weed grows.  A girl gets si...

Sherlene Stevens: Old Catholicism Way: Historical Monks

Back in the day, only the majority of Roman Catholic priests and monks could read and write. Some of the kings didn't possess such skills and relied heavily on religious leaders. European religious leaders were the only group who really studied or became learned in education, opposite minority cultures and communities of other continents. White leadership: "My side partner--a priest or a monk." Monks lived under a vow of silence, so hush or Sh-h-h-h! Monks would live, undisturbed, in their home style, away from the secular social culture. Monks would intentionally bruise their bodies--some performed daily--as a sacrifice to God. Monks would participate in daily or routine food fasts. Monks would spend long hours in prayers or meditation. Monks, some of them, would beat their own flesh by wearing of a heavy chain. [modern male trends, Hmm] Monks, some of them, would falsify biblical events and writings of the Holy Bible to allow Roman Catholicism to be the religi...

A Family Court Hearing Sample

Today's world requires more interactions between government and families. The current Obama administration believes that big government is the solution.  I agree to a point--until such governmental departments become less and less productive to their overall need for Americans. Some of my audiences are participating in an annual summer challenge: a pretend Confrontation War.  I wanted all of my audiences to review some of the available resources and activities that may be helpful at your unique household. As a current Presidential candidate, I want to be your president who allows a productive choice to our concerns. I also want to improve outdated services, programs and overall American old stuff. Here are two links that I would like to review at your leisure, such publications may be educational and useful in increasing family-bonding efforts of your external family sets. The following is a court hearing that my unique household was forced to be a participant. This ye...

Laws: Our Faith-Based Legal Systems

THIS IS A MUST-READ. Print a copy for self, friends, etc.! I would like to share with you a few main laws that are known by faith believers and leaders. These laws may exist in your community. They are especially important to know if  you do not attend a church or religious building on a consistent basis. They set you up ... They know or make our real laws ... They will comment that you are doing a great job or service ... All the while ... They create or inform of fictitious criminal activity but in reality, read the following: What Not To Do In Your Community To Avoid Being An Uninvited Citizen or Family Do Not Females, do not dress like "real" girls; Allow your teens to date; Allow females to drive a vehicle of any kind; Allow your teen to earn more than the adults in your community; Allow teens or adults to participate in secular entertainment or fine art activities; Allow kids and students with good grades or higher GPA than expected of in your comm...

Self-Discipline Can be Taught: Children and Adults

Emotional development, like other learning, takes time. And children, being the excellent imitators they are, will follow adult examples. If we yell at children, they will yell; if we hit them, they will hit; if we teach them how to fight--verbally or physically, they will imitate the same behavior.  Or, the opposite may occur where--child or adult--you may become the perpetual victim of other's aggression.  We get better results when we discipline children calmly. Efforts should be made to teach socially how to communicate productively personal points of views such as: Be clear and consistent. Set and discuss rules and consequences. Rules should be clear, simple, and few. Some adults have only one basic rule: "You may not hurt yourself, others, or things" . For example, to stop a child from hitting another child, kneel and calmly state, "You may not hit Tanisha. People are not for hitting." Then add, "I know you are angry. Can you tell me why?  ......

Higher Education Briefing: America's 100 Top Colleges of 2014

Source: Forbes . (Aug. 18, 2014). List of colleges only. Rankings provided by the Department of Education (2014). Note: Four schools were removed from the list for falsifying data to the U.S. Department of Education, Bucknell University, Claremont-McKenna College, Emory University, and Iona College. Williams College (Massachusetts) Stanford University (California) Swarthmore College (Pennsylvania) Princeton University (New Jersey) Massachusetts Institute of Technology  Yale University (Connecticut) Harvard University (Massachusetts) Pomona College (California) United States Military Academy (New York) Amherst College (Massachusetts) Haverford College (Pennsylvania) University of Pennsylvania Brown University (Rhode Island) Bowdoin College (Maine) Wesleyan University (Connecticut) Carleton College (Minnesota) University of Notre Dame (Indiana) Dartmouth College (New Hampshire) Northwestern University (Illinois) Columbia University (New York) California Inst...

Which is First? Learning Whole Words or Alphabet Sounds

Many children first learn of the initial letter of their own name, which has a great deal of meaning and importance to them. Some children learn to read without knowing the names of letters or the sounds associated with them. But research shows that for "most" children, associating names and sounds with the alphabet comes before actual or conventional reading. You may still drill letter names, but include other fun ways of learning them. For instance, children enjoy labeling items that they choose. Sound out the name of the object together to determine which initial letter to use, then cut out big letters from magazines or newspapers and invite the child to tape them on items that he/she wants labeled. Why not try labeling important pieces of household items such as a living room clock--"clock." Play I Spy letter ... Try simple activities such as reading logos of favorite foods and stores, identifying street signs, writing grocery lists together, and playing w...

Books Make Wonderful Gifts

Books can be expensive, especially if they are new and hardback.  Paperback and used books are much less expensive yet just as cherished.  Quality children's books, at very reasonable prices, often can be found at half-price bookstores, yard sales, thrift shops, or public library book sales. Your local library often has book lists based on age or themes that you could review before purchasing retail. Take your time browsing for that perfect book gift and be choosy; again, consider books based on child's age and interests. Choose books with quality illustrations and vivid colors. And remember that when you buy a book for your child, a child-relative, or even the neighbor's child, you are laying a strong foundation for the child's lifelong learning and educational memories. Book Clubs for Children Scholastic Book Clubs, Inc. 2931 East McCary Street P.O. Box 7503 Jefferson City, MO 65102-7503 The Trumpet Club P.O. Box 604 Holmes, PA 19043

Summer Challenge 2014 Theme: Job Skills for a Variety of Industries

Source: Job Seeker Resources. S. Hairston. The Employment Guide - Washington, DC . June 30 - July 6, 2014. Hairston recommends Create a list of all your training, experience, and/or education that you can use at a variety of businesses or job industries. Market yourself to either keep your job, or find a new one. Be prepared to share what value your skills offer. Make a point or write down your ability for each of the outlined job activities given for a position. Reference several key points during an interview with the hirer or the hiring representative. Volunteer for opportunities in your community or current workplace. Read industry or job-related books, magazines, or blogs. Please visit "The Portal" to participate in our 2014 Summer Challenge (education choices tab) at sherleneonline.com

Summer Vacation: My Child's School Is Out, Help!

Source: Scholastic Instructor Summer 2012. Useful Online Links and Virtual Centers The Portal  www.sherleneonline.com   (Family Fun Sheets) A Time To Learn Academy   www.easysite.com/atimetolearn  (Event Calendar) Reading www.schools.studydog.com www.lexialearning.com www.readingeggs.com www.scholastic.com/summerreading www.littlewritebrain.com www.storyplace.org www.go.grolier.com Global Learning and Pen Pals www.scholastic.com/summer Science www.nationalgeographic.com Mathematics www.scholastic.com/mathadventures

List of Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Part 3

Texas St. Philip's College www.alamo.edu Huston-Tillotson University www.htu.edu Jarvis Christian College www.jarvis.edu Paul Quinn College www.pqc.edu Prairie View A&M University www.pvamu.edu Southwestern Christian College www.swcc.edu Texas College www.texascollege.edu Texas Southern University www.tsu.edu Wiley College www.wileyc.edu Virginia Hampton University www.hamptonu.edu Norfolk State University www.nsu.edu St Paul's College www.saintpaulsnet.com Virginia State University www.vsu.edu Virginia Union University www.vuu.edu Virginia University of Lynchburg www.vul.edu West Virginia Bluefield State College www.bluefieldstate.edu West Virginia State University www.wvstateu.edu U.S. Virgin Islands University of the Virgin Islands www.uvi.edu

Let's talk: Do You Know Your Reading Bill of Rights?

Read every day, lead a better life: Every child has the right to read, www.scholastic.com/ReadEveryDay Make certain that your child understand what he/she is reading: homework directions, in-class assignments, etc.  In order to complete math assignments, you must first read the directions, and, then, solve the math problem by reading it. Teach your child(ren) to read a math problem; it's just like reading a good mystery story. Five Reasons Kids--and Parent--Embrace E-Books They're instantly engaging. An interactive experience. They motivate reluctant readers. They're easy to take traveling, especially during family-bonding time. They save a trip to the bookstore. They save money. E-books tend to be cheaper than printed books.  Source:  Scholastic Instructor (2013, Summer) Have you read a book to your child this week?

Let's talk: So, You Want To Go To College

Take an organized college bus tour? Yes, I would it would be nice to travel to a campus with a group of your peers.  Make certain that it is a reputable student tour company. Stay in the dorm for free?! Yes, many colleges have programs that pair up prospective students with current students (Source: Destination Depot). Ask about school-sponsored discounts such as fly-in reimbursement. Is it possible to eat meals on campus if you are not an enrolled student? Yes, it is possible. Ask your college-tour guide before arriving. Would you rather be in debt for several years or begin your adulthood debt free? Research universities may not be your best choice for the small-community environment. How many administrators to students? How many students normally participate in a classroom setting? How many part-time instructors lead undergraduate courses? How many instructors are long-standing professors. Source: www.blackenterprise.com (2012, July), and Glasberg...

Let's talk: Back-to-School Shopping Tips

Source: chase.com/blueprint All school children (homeschoolers, public/charter schoolers, and private schoolers) need materials and supplies, tools, to perform their best. 1. Set a budget: Inform your child(ren) how much you are willing to spend based on product-category needs. 2. Create a list of needs and wants. 3. Never pay more than you have to. 4. Shop later in the season for discounts. Not every item on your kids' back-to-school list has to be purchased before the first day. What can wait? What needs should be brought during sales? 5. Have a smartphone? Turn your mobile phone into a shopping assistant.  Choose free apps that enable you to get the best deals. You can also scan barcodes to compare prices on the items. 6. Do comparison pre-shopping by search on- and off-line. 7. Avoid using credit cards if you can not pay off within one month. Remember Christmas is coming...

Let's talk: How Do Children Learn Language

Children begin very early in life to acquire language skills. Language helps children gain independence, interact with others, and participate in the surrounding culture.  It plays a role in social interaction and expression of emotions, as well as learning. Most children follow a sequence of language development: crying and cooing, babbling, first words, and first sentences.  By the age of 5 most children have developed a proficiency in oral language and use it effectively to accomplish their purposes and meet their needs. Even very young children are soothed by the mere voices of loved ones.  Sing, chant, and carry on casual conversations with children--whether or not they answer or even before they are able to understand.  Children tune in more than we sometimes realize.  The language they hear is the raw material from which their own language develops--and through which much of their learning about the world takes place. Kids learn a lot when adults si...

What is "Universal Pre-K"? and Why is President Obama For It?

From the Editor Thank you to all who participated in the 2013 strategy meeting (Harmony Picnic) for the family portal ( www.sherleneonline.com ). I have made several changes to the portal that improves your customer service experience.  Please note that most on-line changes will be completed by this August: keeping my promise of having the company 75% available on the Internet. I appreciate your cooperation during these revisions. The New Monday Show It was a very good lecture discussing details of productive family trees.  As you know, the company's logo is a tree image that has green leaves. Green leaves provide you an image of a strong and rooted tree. A tree with many rings, many years of leadership experience to become your next President :) Wouldn't you like to have a president that is bold? I am an aspiring political leader who will not shy away from challenging confrontations. If you do not immediately con...