The new accelerated math program implemented in Georgia last year challenged students.
Friday, January 21, 2011
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Snowed In
So, yes, it snowed in Atlanta. We got six inches at my house. I went to college in Illinois and my friends from up there think it's hysterical that the snow shuts down the city. But we don't have a snowplow for each major road and ice is really our worst enemy. So we choose to close school and ask that people don't drive. Because here it is: I don't care what you say, even if you're from the north, you can't drive on ice.
Anyway, first we had a Christmas Day snow and now a big storm has kept the kids out of school for the entire week. Having time off is one thing when you know about it in advance. You plan things to do, you set up playdates, and basically have it arranged so that you aren't stuck with the same people for a straight 72 hours. Don't get me wrong, I love my family. But after a while everyone starts to go a tad bit stir crazy.
But do you know what? We made some great memories during "Snowmaggedon 2011." While sledding down the street on my 30+ year old American Flyer sled is close to the top of the list, the thing that had us laughing the most was playing Snow Sports. We played snow soccer. Soccer takes on a whole new twist when the ball stops suddenly in a snow drift or your foot gets stuck as you crunch through some ice. My son and I played for about 45 minutes. And to prove that a change in scenery can make a difference, he actually said the game was over WITH ME WINNING! I know he hates to lose (I'm glad - I don't want my kids to ever like losing) and at 5 years old we have our share of tears when things don't go our way while playing a game. So I was so very proud of him in this moment when he said I was the winner in overtime and gave me a post-game handshake and "good game."
We also played two-on-two football - tackle football. Now, when there isn't snow on the ground, I don't play tackle football. But my kids' laughter as they were thrown down into the snow - or as they watched me get a face full of snow - was infectious. My husband had the best move of the day when he stretched over the goal line - but I'll be worried about the blueberry bush he landed on until I see fruit on it again. Football ended abruptly when my daughter had a friend come over - who not surprisingly looked at us and didn't want to join in - so my son and I just ganged up on my husband, who at that point tried REALLY hard not to get tackled. That would have been a shot to the ego. I will not say what the final outcome was of that particular play.
The kids invented a new version of freeze - not too much of a stretch in these temperatures. They would run down the hill as fast as they could and jump in an iced-over spot. Then they would just let themselves fall. I'm not sure if it was funnier to see them get snow in the strangest places or watch them try and get back up! They went down the snow-covered slide and jumped on swings covered with snow. My daughter loved being able to fly off her swing knowing she had a cushion of snow to land in.
Yes, we were snowed in for a week, if snowed in means not leaving the neighborhood. But the true delight on my kids' rosy red faces really made it OK. The fact that they actually came up with fun things to do outside on their own was great. I get so tired of telling them to go outside and play and they say "but there's nothing to do!" If we don't try to micromanage every minute of the day, I find that they usually are quite capable of figuring it out.
The last time we had a snow like this was 1993. I'm ready to see the grass and get back into a routine, but I truly hope we don't have to wait another 18 years. I won't have young kids at home to remind me not to act my age for a little while.
(Sorry, unfortunately there are no pictures to post with this because I was far too busy playing to take any!)
Anyway, first we had a Christmas Day snow and now a big storm has kept the kids out of school for the entire week. Having time off is one thing when you know about it in advance. You plan things to do, you set up playdates, and basically have it arranged so that you aren't stuck with the same people for a straight 72 hours. Don't get me wrong, I love my family. But after a while everyone starts to go a tad bit stir crazy.
But do you know what? We made some great memories during "Snowmaggedon 2011." While sledding down the street on my 30+ year old American Flyer sled is close to the top of the list, the thing that had us laughing the most was playing Snow Sports. We played snow soccer. Soccer takes on a whole new twist when the ball stops suddenly in a snow drift or your foot gets stuck as you crunch through some ice. My son and I played for about 45 minutes. And to prove that a change in scenery can make a difference, he actually said the game was over WITH ME WINNING! I know he hates to lose (I'm glad - I don't want my kids to ever like losing) and at 5 years old we have our share of tears when things don't go our way while playing a game. So I was so very proud of him in this moment when he said I was the winner in overtime and gave me a post-game handshake and "good game."
We also played two-on-two football - tackle football. Now, when there isn't snow on the ground, I don't play tackle football. But my kids' laughter as they were thrown down into the snow - or as they watched me get a face full of snow - was infectious. My husband had the best move of the day when he stretched over the goal line - but I'll be worried about the blueberry bush he landed on until I see fruit on it again. Football ended abruptly when my daughter had a friend come over - who not surprisingly looked at us and didn't want to join in - so my son and I just ganged up on my husband, who at that point tried REALLY hard not to get tackled. That would have been a shot to the ego. I will not say what the final outcome was of that particular play.
The kids invented a new version of freeze - not too much of a stretch in these temperatures. They would run down the hill as fast as they could and jump in an iced-over spot. Then they would just let themselves fall. I'm not sure if it was funnier to see them get snow in the strangest places or watch them try and get back up! They went down the snow-covered slide and jumped on swings covered with snow. My daughter loved being able to fly off her swing knowing she had a cushion of snow to land in.
Yes, we were snowed in for a week, if snowed in means not leaving the neighborhood. But the true delight on my kids' rosy red faces really made it OK. The fact that they actually came up with fun things to do outside on their own was great. I get so tired of telling them to go outside and play and they say "but there's nothing to do!" If we don't try to micromanage every minute of the day, I find that they usually are quite capable of figuring it out.
The last time we had a snow like this was 1993. I'm ready to see the grass and get back into a routine, but I truly hope we don't have to wait another 18 years. I won't have young kids at home to remind me not to act my age for a little while.
(Sorry, unfortunately there are no pictures to post with this because I was far too busy playing to take any!)
Friday, January 7, 2011
What do we really value?
So, Andrew Luck - Stanford's QB and the most likely #1 pick in this year's NFL draft - has elected to stay in school for his senior year. And you would think that he just decided to embrace communism the way some people are talking.
I personally love it. College is one of those special times that you just can't get back. Barring a horrific injury, the NFL will be there for him next year. So what if he's not the #1 pick? He will be a first round choice and do very well. The NFL knows talent and won't penalize him for staying in school. They'll just be looking at the numbers. So, good for him. And it's not like he won't have a STANFORD degree to fall back on if he needs it.
But no, some people are saying how stupid he is for making this decision. These are probably the same people that lose sleep when the star on their team does elect to leave school for the professional ranks early. They are the ones that ask for loyalty and beg these players to come back, help their team and earn their degree. But now they think he's a fool for passing up the dollar?
So, which is it? Do you want them to be loyal or should they take the money and run? Everyday people can debate this because they will never have the chance to make the decision.
Like I said, I love it. Good for you Andrew Luck. I will be rooting for you and the Cardinal next season (with or without Jim Harbaugh - but that is another blog). You are a shining example for our young people. We are always saying that money isn't everything, and you prove it. You should do things for the love of the game, or the love of whatever occupation you are in, if you're lucky enough to have that opportunity. And it doesn't hurt that he is actually fulfilling his role as a student-athlete as well.
Now, I would not have been at all surprised if he would have made the other choice. The dream to play on Sundays and to make an obscene amount of money is about to be fulfilled. And I wouldn't have had any problem with his choice. In fact, there wouldn't be any discussion about it because, unfortunately, his decision not to go pro is the exception, not the rule.
But to all the naysayers, give it a rest. He made his decision and I'm reasonably certain he's happy with it. Can you give me one example where a player that decided to stay in school has later said he regretted that decision? I know we can find numerous examples of players that have left college early and wish they had stayed. Let him enjoy being a college kid for one more year, away from the even more intense glare he'll face as a pro.
Make a point to tell your kids about Andrew Luck - the kid who chose to finish his education, something we all say we want for our kids. He's going to receive his degree and still take his God-given talent to the next level. But for most athletes, it ends not even in college, but in high school. We must instill a pride in education. It's just not a wise gamble (or realistic) to think your kid will be the less than one percent of one percent that makes it as a pro.
I personally love it. College is one of those special times that you just can't get back. Barring a horrific injury, the NFL will be there for him next year. So what if he's not the #1 pick? He will be a first round choice and do very well. The NFL knows talent and won't penalize him for staying in school. They'll just be looking at the numbers. So, good for him. And it's not like he won't have a STANFORD degree to fall back on if he needs it.
But no, some people are saying how stupid he is for making this decision. These are probably the same people that lose sleep when the star on their team does elect to leave school for the professional ranks early. They are the ones that ask for loyalty and beg these players to come back, help their team and earn their degree. But now they think he's a fool for passing up the dollar?
So, which is it? Do you want them to be loyal or should they take the money and run? Everyday people can debate this because they will never have the chance to make the decision.
Like I said, I love it. Good for you Andrew Luck. I will be rooting for you and the Cardinal next season (with or without Jim Harbaugh - but that is another blog). You are a shining example for our young people. We are always saying that money isn't everything, and you prove it. You should do things for the love of the game, or the love of whatever occupation you are in, if you're lucky enough to have that opportunity. And it doesn't hurt that he is actually fulfilling his role as a student-athlete as well.
Now, I would not have been at all surprised if he would have made the other choice. The dream to play on Sundays and to make an obscene amount of money is about to be fulfilled. And I wouldn't have had any problem with his choice. In fact, there wouldn't be any discussion about it because, unfortunately, his decision not to go pro is the exception, not the rule.
But to all the naysayers, give it a rest. He made his decision and I'm reasonably certain he's happy with it. Can you give me one example where a player that decided to stay in school has later said he regretted that decision? I know we can find numerous examples of players that have left college early and wish they had stayed. Let him enjoy being a college kid for one more year, away from the even more intense glare he'll face as a pro.
Make a point to tell your kids about Andrew Luck - the kid who chose to finish his education, something we all say we want for our kids. He's going to receive his degree and still take his God-given talent to the next level. But for most athletes, it ends not even in college, but in high school. We must instill a pride in education. It's just not a wise gamble (or realistic) to think your kid will be the less than one percent of one percent that makes it as a pro.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
When a plaque is worthless
Edited 1/5/2011
OK, apparently UGA hands out plaques every year with a bowl win already engraved and then takes them back if they lose. I'm glad they take them back. But why not just wait until after the game to add it? The message is just as bad. It says, look we want to win and we expect to win, but if we don't then we'll just fix it. It's similar to not being held accountable for your actions. I'm surprised this hasn't been a story before now.
If this story is true - and I would think it's pretty easy to prove - then the University of Georgia has yet another black eye to add to the 2010 season. Let me be upfront, I am a UGA fan. By marriage, yes, but I enjoy going to Athens and cheering on the Red and Black. And furthermore, I'm a Mark Richt fan. I think he's a class guy and a good coach that needs to step out of the box to right the ship.
But, and this is a BIG BUT, if the team truly gave engraved plaques to seniors with a team record that included a game yet to be played, then everyone from the head coach down to the design team needs to be slapped on the wrist. I can just about guarantee that in previous years when Georgia played in a "better" bowl against a "tougher" team that plaques either weren't handed out or they were engraved later with the final record.
(see story here:
http://college-football-blog.blogs.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/24156338/26839706?ttag=gen10_on_all_fb_na_txt_0001)
It's starting to make a little more sense about why the Dawgs came out so flat against UCF in the Liberty Bowl. When your staff decides to promote the outcome of a game on a permanent momento before the game is played, it sends a horrible message to the players, fans, opponents and yes, the kids that watch.
This message implies that Georgia is clearly the better football team (and anyone that watched last season agrees that on paper they are, but what they showed on the field said otherwise). It devalues the need for preparation. It says that if you think you're going to win, all you have to do is show up. As a coach, it was my responsibility to make sure my players understood that they needed to give a full effort in any game, no matter who the opponent, what the score in the game, or how the season had been up until that point. If coaches aren't sending this message, then they are grooming athletes to be elitists.
And what are these seniors left with? A worthless plaque from a disappointing losing season. Hopefully, they have some good friendships and a degree, but I have to question if they learned self-discipline or what a work ethic entails. Or how about that it's more important to worry about your own responsibilities than whether or not your opponent (insert co-worker, neighbor, etc.) isn't performing on your same level?
If we learn anything in athletics, it's that anyone can beat anyone else on any given day. Clearly, UGA didn't think that was the case on 12/30/2010. They should have.
OK, apparently UGA hands out plaques every year with a bowl win already engraved and then takes them back if they lose. I'm glad they take them back. But why not just wait until after the game to add it? The message is just as bad. It says, look we want to win and we expect to win, but if we don't then we'll just fix it. It's similar to not being held accountable for your actions. I'm surprised this hasn't been a story before now.
If this story is true - and I would think it's pretty easy to prove - then the University of Georgia has yet another black eye to add to the 2010 season. Let me be upfront, I am a UGA fan. By marriage, yes, but I enjoy going to Athens and cheering on the Red and Black. And furthermore, I'm a Mark Richt fan. I think he's a class guy and a good coach that needs to step out of the box to right the ship.
But, and this is a BIG BUT, if the team truly gave engraved plaques to seniors with a team record that included a game yet to be played, then everyone from the head coach down to the design team needs to be slapped on the wrist. I can just about guarantee that in previous years when Georgia played in a "better" bowl against a "tougher" team that plaques either weren't handed out or they were engraved later with the final record.
(see story here:
http://college-football-blog.blogs.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/24156338/26839706?ttag=gen10_on_all_fb_na_txt_0001)
It's starting to make a little more sense about why the Dawgs came out so flat against UCF in the Liberty Bowl. When your staff decides to promote the outcome of a game on a permanent momento before the game is played, it sends a horrible message to the players, fans, opponents and yes, the kids that watch.
This message implies that Georgia is clearly the better football team (and anyone that watched last season agrees that on paper they are, but what they showed on the field said otherwise). It devalues the need for preparation. It says that if you think you're going to win, all you have to do is show up. As a coach, it was my responsibility to make sure my players understood that they needed to give a full effort in any game, no matter who the opponent, what the score in the game, or how the season had been up until that point. If coaches aren't sending this message, then they are grooming athletes to be elitists.
And what are these seniors left with? A worthless plaque from a disappointing losing season. Hopefully, they have some good friendships and a degree, but I have to question if they learned self-discipline or what a work ethic entails. Or how about that it's more important to worry about your own responsibilities than whether or not your opponent (insert co-worker, neighbor, etc.) isn't performing on your same level?
If we learn anything in athletics, it's that anyone can beat anyone else on any given day. Clearly, UGA didn't think that was the case on 12/30/2010. They should have.
Sunday, January 2, 2011
How much football do you need?
You're thinking this post is about the weekend of football you've just OD'd on - and it could be. But since I would never say that 6 bowl games and a myriad of NFL games with playoff implications were excessive, this won't be about that.
This is about the fact that my son just got his 4th football in the last five months. And he has no interest in giving it away, saving it for later, or figuring out where it's from and getting something else. No, he would rather have four footballs to play with.
Now, in fairness, this one is different. It's an all-weather Nerf football with super grip-ability! That is not the same as the one he got Christmas morning that has receiver gloves with it. Or the beat up one that is "authentic." And it definitely isn't the smaller, squishy one with Georgia on it. So, we have four footballs, not including the numerous little footballs collected at various games that we don't part with either.
Which begs the question - why do you NEED so many footballs? I think the most logical answer is that with four he is sure to find one at any given moment. This is important because there is always a pick-up game going on in our house. The game might just be him running up and down the hallway, but he has a plan and he can tell it to you.
But it might also be that he likes footballs like some girls like dolls. Or an adult likes books. Or the crazy old lady likes cats. So you know what? There are worse things to be collecting. Play on.
This is about the fact that my son just got his 4th football in the last five months. And he has no interest in giving it away, saving it for later, or figuring out where it's from and getting something else. No, he would rather have four footballs to play with.
Now, in fairness, this one is different. It's an all-weather Nerf football with super grip-ability! That is not the same as the one he got Christmas morning that has receiver gloves with it. Or the beat up one that is "authentic." And it definitely isn't the smaller, squishy one with Georgia on it. So, we have four footballs, not including the numerous little footballs collected at various games that we don't part with either.
Which begs the question - why do you NEED so many footballs? I think the most logical answer is that with four he is sure to find one at any given moment. This is important because there is always a pick-up game going on in our house. The game might just be him running up and down the hallway, but he has a plan and he can tell it to you.
But it might also be that he likes footballs like some girls like dolls. Or an adult likes books. Or the crazy old lady likes cats. So you know what? There are worse things to be collecting. Play on.
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