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Archive for May 9th, 2008

Librarian Resources Cut at the Heels

May 9th, 2008, 11:49 pm by aftonzapata

The Arizona Department of Education continues to cut its federal funding to school districts like Mesa Public Schools. Tom Horne is planning to cut another 10 million from education in the next three years. How could this be possible? I don’t know. As an Educator, I am appalled at the lack of personnel and human support to mold young minds and eager learners. Without librarians in our schools who will take the time to help students learn to love research, open that new book, and encourage a life long learner to read? Give more jobs to the aides who are paid less, you say? Do we really need qualified teachers? How about qualified doctors, lawyers, or pharmacists?

If you’re interested in being apart of this discussion to know why librarians are the first to go then you can call the 472-0201 and ask to put this topic on the agenda at the next MPS Board meeting on May 14th at 7 pm. I encourage you to attend your local school district’s board meetings and meet with a school board member to address your concerns. If funding is cut at the heels how far do we go until we have automated instruction for our youth? Please press one for math…two for science… You get the picture.

Take me out to the Ballpark

May 9th, 2008, 11:45 pm by aftonzapata

Not everyone may be able to catch the DBacks this spring but there are certainly plenty of ball games to go around. The perfect spring weather has brought players and spectators out to the fields. The All-American pasttime to attend a game is right around your neighborhood block. Even though it’s the end of the season, there’s still time to catch the playoffs these next few weeks. Come outdoors and enjoy a good game of Little League baseball.

As a mother of two Little League players, I find myself and other parents, cheering on the best and worst of them to build their confidence and encourage good sportsmanship. These young ambitious atheletes are just as exciting to watch as the professionals at Chase Field. I marvel at the dedicated coaches, most likely fathers of the players who invest countless hours outside their professional employment to create memories and teach skills that will last a lifetime. Here’s to the coaches!

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