[SingleMama2B]

Hi Guys...... I just got done writting to my Governor regarding Legislation that he may sign.... NJ Legislators have passed a proposal on to the Governor to "cease requiring New Jersey schools to teach about Veterans Day and Memorial Day. Also, this legislation continues to make it a part of the "Property Tax Reform Bill" to include: "Other holidays about which schools no longer would be required to teach include Columbus Day, Thanksgiving, Arbor Day and Commodore Barry Day, which commemorates Revolutionary War hero John Barry."

I feel very strongly about this, and wrote to the Governor. This is our "Country's History".... and for some children, this "may" be the only way that they can learn about our rich history, and be proud". I do not know of another country, that does NOT feel that "their History" is NOT important. We are probably one of the few if that, that now wants to "Not teach" it!

Sorry that I am venting, but this BLOWS MY MIND!! And some wonder why 'our children' (generations - not our little ones!!) are not patriotic, have none or very little pride, etc. Boy, let's guess.....

[Barton]

Even when NJ had Christie Todd Whitman she leaned toward the s-p (secular - progressive). I thought NJ was about to turn the corner after McGreevy was ousted, but the representatives that the good people of NJ are sending to Trenton continue to promote a revisitionist history of The Great State of NJ and of this country. I personally (IMHO) think the good people (and there are some very good people in NJ) of NJ deserve muh better.

[mschweber]

Sorry but I need to disagree here. IMO the press has distorted the bill horribly. The goal is not to not teach these things. It is that over the years the state governement has put all kinds of nit picking requirements on local school districts that are expensive for the districts to document and implement. The goal of the bill is to remove the mandates and let local districts get on with doing as they and their constituants desire without expensive interference from Trenton.

In fact the bill does not go far enough as many of the things that would most save money have been stripped out. Still something is better than nothing as hopefully it will set in motion momentum for more.

Today's Star Ledger on the subject:

NJ.com: Everything Jersey

[SingleMama2B]

NOTE: I am NOT trying to be DIFFICULT HERE...... I do not fully understand where the "Cost" would come in. Granted, I am not a teacher, but haven't these "quick" lessons (at the younger grades) include a few hand-outs, and discussion/questions been part of the mandated cirric. since 1967... " New Jersey schools must observe the holidays under a 1967 law designed to promote "the development of a higher spirit of patriotism." (So are they going to go to school on these National Holidays? - Is this the 'cost savings?)

Again, I am NOT an "Educator", so I must be missing something BIG.... I have talked with a few friends that are currently teaching, and they truly don't understand the legislation being proposed. All but one have said, that they will STILL incorporated this learning in their classrooms with or without the legislation. At the younger grades, at least this starts to give the children a little base knowledge for the higher grades.

I have had family members that served in WWI and WWII, Vetinam, etc., and they served PROUDLY. The younger generations need to understand WHY (no flames or debates right or wrong) they served.... FREEDOM, etc. Just like the Protesters are afforded the FREEDOM of speech to this day....

I'm off my soap box.... I just don't get it..... Wait, maybe we are living in California now???

[mschweber]

Originally Posted by SingleMama2B

All but one have said, that they will STILL incorporated this learning in their classrooms with or without the legislation.

EXACTLY (though I have to wonder about the one!)

Since a sensible teacher will teach this and a sensible local school board will want it in their curriculum then why do we need a state mandate. I am sure the mandate comes along with a form that need to be completed for the local district to show that they are complying with the mandates.

As I said this was part of a laudible attempt to get rid of unneccesary mandate.

It has nothing to do with the desirability of teaching about the holidays or promoting patriotism and everything with trying to get government to leave decisions up to as local a level of government as possible.

(I am not being difficult either - I just can never resist a politcal argument )

[amyfk]

Hi,

I'll have to look in today's Star-Ledger. I didnt know anything about this issue. I usually am just up on national/international news. Probably not a good thing.

Amy K, NJ