Beech Tree News Network

           Local:  A sometimes heated Facebook fight was all the rage last week after the announcement was made by the Butler County School District that December 17-18 would be used as make-up days.  That decision was made after three days of school had already been missed (rare for the fall semester) and based on the high likelihood that another winter storm may lead to cancellations on Monday and Tuesday of this week.  Thankfully, that winter storm missed us.  The Butler County Board of Education is expected to make that calendar decision official at its meeting Tuesday night, though it could decide otherwise. 

            Reaction was swift, varied widely, and took a personal tone in some cases - all of which was entirely predictable if you spend much time on social media.  As is the case with most issues, there are valid points all around.  It is entirely reasonable that school officials would want to add two additional instructional days considering the circumstances.  After all, the school district's primary responsibility should always be about making decisions that are instructionally-based. 

            On the other hand, it is completely understandable that parents might be a little upset with the change.  Many families (including teachers) have made plans and financial commitments based on a school calendar that has been in place for the better part of a year.  Now, a decision is made with a nine-day notice that changes that. 

            The school district is being flexible with expected conflicts on those two days, which is good and appropriate.  Both those who support the school calendar extension adding the two days and those who oppose it are justified in their reasoning.  It's just an unfortunate situation.         

            State:  A recent Bowling Green Daily News article reported on an apparent shortage in math teachers graduating from WKU.  According to the article, of 65 new teachers graduating, only six are math.  In many areas across the country, there are shortages in multiple teaching fields but the issue seems to be more acute in math, science and related areas where more lucrative positions are often more readily available in the private sector.        The solution?  Let's look to the private sector.  Pay teachers more in areas of critical need.  This would not be popular among other teachers but it is consistent with private sector economic realities. It would take money for sure but education in general is ripe for a good discussion on the reallocation of funds away from auxiliary and optional organizations like GRREC and toward the actual classroom.  

            Also, want to really recruit more teachers?  Eliminate some of the unnecessary academic hurdlers for prospective teachers and even for those currently on the job.  Expanding transition to teaching programs would also be helpful.  Can't teach without passing a PRAXIS?  Are you kidding me?  Some progress has been made on these fronts (elimination of KTIP and Masters' degree requirement) but education is one of many professions that sees its professionals needlessly put through the ringer.  Most everyone associated with the field knows it, few talk about it, and even fewer are willing to do anything about it. 

            National:  Signs and labels…we seem to be obsessed with them.  While many are meant to promote unity, they can actually have the opposite effect.  A neighborhood in Pennsylvania is seeing "No Hate Here" signs pop up in different places.  Who can support "hate," right?  Is the intention to promote positive traits?  Possibly.  But, is it also designed to point out those in the neighborhood who are guilty of "hating?"  Most likely.  According to some reports, the signs could be aimed at a few Trump supporters in the neighborhood.  Of course, everyone knows that if you are a Trump supporter then you have to be a "hater" of something, especially as the political left defines the term. 

            We live in an age where the manipulation of language has turned into an art form.  Former President Barack Obama was a master of this, which helps explain his vote-getting prowess.  I found myself listening to his speeches on 2008 and I would agree with most of what he said.  But, I know his understanding and intent of the words he spoke were much different than how I interpreted them.  Thus, I was not swayed. 

            I wish we could go back to a time where common symbols and language were taken at face value with no hidden agenda.  The American flag, now attacked by some as symbol of racism and imperialism, was once hailed by most citizens as standing for freedom even when as a nation we didn't always live up to those lofty goals.  I wish we lived in a time where everyone could agree that making (or keeping) America great was a noble goal that we all could embrace.  To be sure, I wish ours was an era where "No Hate Here" could be a rallying point for unity rather than simply another way to subtly jab at a political opponent.  It may never be reality again but I will continue to wish, hope and pray for that kind of America. 

            Dumb Quote of the Week: Pop singer Celine Dion recently partnered with an alternative clothing company called Nununu.  The new venture is called CELINUNUNU.  Here is a quote from their website promoting what it describes as gender-neutral clothing: 

            "CELINUNUNU liberates children from the traditional roles of boy/ girl and enables younger people to grow on values of equality with the freedom to strengthen their own power of personality based on mutual respect."

            No need to comment on this one … just going to let it simmer a bit. 

            Parting Shot:  I heard about the so-called controversy regarding the song Baby, It's Cold Outside and was initially confused.  The song has actually been pulled from some holiday playlists.  Before I actually read the specifics about the issue, I kept running the words of the song back and forth in my mind trying hard to figure out what could possibly be so controversial.  I failed.  Turns out the song is about date rape, men forcing themselves on women.  Apparently, the song and its suggestive lyrics are another foe to be vanquished by the #MeToo movement.  Good grief. 

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