What are Rights?

Post a comment, a paragraph or two, giving your definition of what a right is. Extra credit will be given.

Songs That Move You

Here is a song that moves me:

Butterfly Kisses by Bob Carlisle

There's two things I know for sure:
She was sent here from heaven and she's daddy's little girl.
As I drop to my knees by her bed at night
She talks to Jesus and I close my eyes and
I thank god for all the joy in my life
Oh, but most of all

For butterfly kisses after bedtime prayer;
sticking little white flowers all up in her hair;
"Walk beside the pony, Daddy, it's my first ride."
"I know the cake looks funny, Daddy, but I sure tried."
In all that I've done wrong I know I must
have done something right to deserve a hug
every morning and butterfly kisses at night.

Sweet 16 today
She's looking like her mama a little more everyday
One part woman, the other part girl.
To perfume and make-up from ribbons and curls
Trying her wings out in a great big world.

But I remember
Butterfly kisses after bedtime prayer;
stickinglittle white flowers all up in her hair.
"You know how much I love you, Daddy, But if youdon't mind
I'm only gonna kiss you on the cheek this time."
With all that I've done wrong I must have done
something right to deserve her love every morning
and butterfly kisses at night.

All the precious time
Like the wind, the years go by.
Precious butterfly.
Spread your wings and fly.

She'll change her name today.
She'll make a promise and I'll give her away.
Standing in the bride-room just staring at her.
She asked me what I'm thinking and I said "I'm not sure -
I just feel like I'm losing my baby girl."
She leaned over...
gave me butterfly kisses with her mama there,
Sticking little white flowers all up in her hair
"Walk my down the aisle, Daddy-it's just about time."
"Does my wedding gown look pretty, Daddy? Daddy, don't cry!"

Oh, with all that I've done wrong I must have
done something right.
To deserve your love every morning and butterflykisses-
I couldn't ask God for more, man this is what love is.
I know I gotta let her go, but I'll always remember
every hug in the morning and butterfly kisses.

Share your song!

FDR Asks for a Declaration of War

Yesterday, December 7, 1941—a date which will live in infamy—the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan.

The United States was at peace with that nation, and, at the solicitation of Japan, was still in conversation with its government and its emperor looking toward the maintenance of peace in the Pacific. Indeed, one hour after Japanese air squadrons had commenced bombing in the American island of Oahu, the Japanese ambassador to the United States and his colleague delivered to our secretary of state a formal reply to a recent American message. While this reply stated that it seemed useless to continue the existing diplomatic negotiations, it contained no threat or hint of war or armed attack.

It will be recorded that the distance of Hawaii from Japan makes it obvious that the attack was deliberately planned many days or even weeks ago. During the intervening time the Japanese government has deliberately sought to deceive the United States by false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace.

The attack yesterday on the Hawaiian Islands has caused severe damage to American naval and military forces. I regret to tell you that very many American lives have been lost. In addition, American ships have been reported torpedoed on the high seas between San Francisco and Honolulu.

Yesterday the Japanese government also launched as attack against Malaya.

Last night Japanese forces attacked Hong Kong.

Last night Japanese forces attacked Guam.

Last night Japanese forces attacked the Philippine Islands.

Last night Japanese forces attacked Wake Island.

And this morning the Japanese attacked Midway Island.

Japan has, therefore, undertaken a surprise offensive extending throughout the Pacific area. The facts of yesterday and today speak for themselves. The people of the United States have already formed their opinions and well understand the implications to the very life and safety of our nation.

As commander in chief of the Army and Navy I have directed that all measures be taken for our defense. But always will our whole nation remember the character of the onslaught against us. . .

Source: Courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Library, Hyde Park, New York.

PDA's or no PDA's, is that the question?

Public displays of affection are against the rules at Sky View Middle School in Bend, and 14-year-old Cazz Altomare found that out the hard way. She got detention earlier this year after hugging her boyfriend in the hallway as he headed to lunch and she went to gym class.

In Douglas County, middle school PDA rules range from hand-holding only to no-touch policies. "We work hard at a no-touch policy," said Doug Freeman, principal of Joseph Lane Middle School in Roseburg. "We also work with the kids, so they understand our reasons for that," he said.Freeman said earlier this year the school dealt with a similar issue when a student was hugged by several friends in the school building. However, school staff learned that the student had lost a family member and the hugs came as emotional support.

Tim Wilson, principal of John C. Fremont Middle School in Roseburg, said PDA between boys and girls doesn't happen very often. The school does not allow hugging, kissing and holding hands.

In Bend, Altomare's mother, Leslee Swanson was infuriated by the punishment. "I'm trying to understand what's wrong with a hug," said Swanson, 42. But administrators said such policies are standard-issue at middle schools across the country.

"Really, all we're trying to do is create an environment that's focused on learning, and learning proper manners is part of that," said Dave Haack, the principal of Cascade Middle School, also in Bend. "This is not us being the romance police." Students only end up with detention after repeated warnings, he said.

Wilson said at Fremont, the staff also takes into consideration the situation and the context of PDAs. The students are always warned first, he said. "The majority of the kids know what their moral values are," he said. When a situation arises, the staff uses discretion and mutual respect to deal with the students. "There's no need to blow it out of proportion," Wilson said.

At the Glide Middle School, the rules are strict, and a no-touch policy is imperative. The Sutherlin Middle School carries a hand-hold only policy. "The students do understand the guidelines," said Sutherlin's Principal, Steve Perkins.

Schools need to define and actively teach what they do want to see in student behavior, said Rob Horner, a University of Oregon professor who works with schools across the nation on "building social culture that supports effective learning."

"To say 'no hugging' really blows it," Horner said. "That's exactly the sort of trap that, as soon as you say that, what is the first thing everyone is going to want to do?"

At home after school on a recent afternoon, Cazz, the Sky View student, described the no-hug rule as "dumb." "Hugging is like a sign of affection," she said. Her mother has told her that if she likes Sky View and wants to stay at the school, she'll have to abide by the rules. But Swanson, the mother, said she wonders if a hugging ban would fly in a more metropolitan place. For her, this is a politically charged issue. "The more people blindly accept these fundamental rights being taken away from them, the easier it becomes for them to be taken away," Swanson said.

Story taken from newsreview.info (http://www.newsreview.info/article/20050516/NEWS/105160070)

What is appropriate behavior for students at school and school events? Are you offended by some student’s behavior in this regard? Where do you draw the line? What if something doesn’t offend you, but does someone else? Many schools do not allow any contact between students; is that the easiest way to go?

Post your responses (for extra credit), but please remember that your comments will be seen by everyone.

Welcome!

Students Rejoice!!
Here is a place that we can all use to communicate and get extra credit!

We will post questions here that you should give your thoughts and opinions on. Be sure to put your name in the post AND follow all rules for proper writing to get credit. You may post without including your name if you wish your thoughts to remain anonymous.

Questions may be submitted by students, through Mr. Lawslo, or your teachers. We will be putting the pieces of the blog in place this week.