Alright I'm hijacking it again...

I don't really see what's wrong with public schools offering a foreign language requirement. If anything, it helps and the earlier your start, the easier it gets. I think every child should get that opportunity.

I look at it as a sign of the times. Many job applications I filled out recently asked if I spoke any other languages... most were non-profit and hospitality positions. It makes you more valuable in the market in case you want to venture into international business or if you have international clients... Hell, even if you are working in retail, it helps.

I think foreign language is just another aspect of the fine arts.

Side note: ATM machines actually have 3 languages. English, Spanish and Braille. I think in Hawaii, there was another but I think due in part to the high tourist population from Asia. But I'm being nitpicky because everyone else seems to be. :)

Edited because I apparently can't spell 'braille."

Public Service Announcement: The 'enter' key is your friend :)

So is spellcheck. Lots of Montessori schools are competitive. I can't imagine they'd want the child of parents who can't master the name of their school.

Off topic, I know, but Ms. MysticCat and I once said the same thing.

Then we actually had children.

Montessori schools are really good fits for some kids and really disastrous fits for other kids. Our son would have floundered horribly in a Montessori school, because he really needs structure that Montessori schools, by definition, do not have. Without that structure, he simply doesn't do well.

We are all much happier having him in a public elementary school where he gets that structure, where the curriculum includes an emphasis on arts and science, and where his 20+ classmates include Hispanics, African-Americans, an African and a Muslim (the latter being rather rare in these parts). As far as I'm concerned, learning to interact with people quite different from him and learning that they, too, can be his friends, is one of the best educations he'll get. And I really love the educational value that comes from the mere fact that one Latina classmate is named "America."

The point is, don't enroll the kids yet. Wait until there actually here and you get to know them, and then find the school that both fits your values and your child's specific needs and personality.

[/high-jack]

That's why I like public schools.

Plus, I think you're letting your kids adapt to a much more realistic pace of life: there's structure, people who are different than them, etc. in the corporate world.

All things to take into consideration when you're thinking about Montessori schools, private schools, religious schools, etc.

Well, I'll admit it: the first time I saw Braille on a drive-thru ATM machine, I freaked!

Plus you can go to a public school and take girls away from the private schools.

-Rudey

Most of you will be excited to know that I am leaving the public school system to teach in private school. Now you can all have a big sign of relief that an annoying conservative Christian will not be corrupting any young minds. :D :D :D

I'm never excited when the public schools lose a good teacher. ;)

YOu have a new fan!

Start Quote***
Most of you will be excited to know that I am leaving the public school system to teach in private school. Now you can all have a big sign of relief that an annoying conservative Christian will not be corrupting any young minds. End Quote***

Let me know where and I will be sure to send my kid to your classes...ummm, now I have to go and have a kid!!

;)
kddanni - thank you for the kind service announcement, I seriously had no idea about the enter key and Geekypenguin, thank you ever sooooo much for the kind words!! What, you run one GCer off the board so now you have to fix on another poor sucker???

And on a side note, Chideltjen, like I said earlier I agree that it is a good thing to know a second language. However, I don't think that it should be listed as a plus that you are bilingual,especially if you are applying to a retail job. Now, if you are in international business, than by all means learn all the languages that you can!! Just my opinion.

*steps in*

The United States is not a Christian nation by signed law, early in its existence.

"As the government of the United States of America is not in any sense founded on the Christian Religion, - as it has in itself no character of enmity against the laws, religion or tranquility of Musselmen, - and as the said States never have entered into any war or act of hostility against any Mehomitan nation, it is declared by the parties that no pretext arising from religious opinions shall ever produce an interruption of the harmony existing between the two countries."

- Treaty of Tripoli, Article 11
Ratified by the United States, June 10, 1797


Now... if you want to discuss the culture of the United States, sure... we're a Christian Nation. And a Jewish Nation... and Muslim... and Pagan... and Atheist... and every-other-brand-of-faith-that-exists-in-the-world nation.

The whole legal "America is a Christian Nation" crap is a MUCH more recent development.

Obviously you have no sense of humor ;)

Seriously though, I would've liked to have read what you had to say, but reading your post gave me a headache and I couldn't follow what you were saying. Sorry if this was construed as attempting to run you off the board. Not sure why you want to make yourself a victim here.

And please explain how anyone ran anyone off of the board. If someone refuses to answer tough questions asked of them when they make wild assertions, then they ran themselves off the board.

I ran someone off the board? WTF?

Hi, my name is Kathleen and I'm a bully.

I'm scared to post any more because you're so mean.