Response to:
Building Self Esteem Is Important
For All Children
To the Editor:
There is an error in this
article. Churchill is not the only school with an elementary
and high school for special education students. Our son attends
the High School of The Summit School, located in Queens, NY.
It is a private school that has a top national reputation,
and has all of the above.
B. Parnes, Queens, NY
Response to:
Innovative Spinal Surgery in Live
Webcast
To the Editor:
I was interested to read
about the minimally invasive PLIF. We are now developing in
Lausanne, Switzerland a similar technique using the TLIF (transforaminal
approach), which we call MI TLIF (minimally invasive TLIF).
The first such operation in Switzerland was performed recently
using the Sextant and the X-Tube, both Medtronic products,
as well as introducing a cage into the disc through the transforaminal
route. Our initial experience is encouraging.
Dr. C. Schizas MD MSc FRCS
Lausanne, Switzerland
Spinal Surgeon
University of Lausanne Switzerland
Response to:
Richard Kogan, M.D.: Music, A
Window to the Soul
To the Editor:
How beautifully Dr. Kogan
plays! I absolutely love "A Window to the Soul" and
can listen to it over and over again. On top of being a great
psychiatrist, Dr. Kogan is an amazing pianist. Isn't it interesting
how all of the great musicians of their time were depressed,
schizophrenic and/or bipolar, and in their state of "mental
torture" wrote and played many of the world's most beautiful
songs? I guess going to Julliard andBellevue paid off.
Joan Bates, New York, NY
Response to:
Teachers College Returns to Afghanistan
To the Editor:
Great article, but most
of all what a great support system for Afghanistan. I'm a reading
recovery teacher (7yrs) and a staff developer. I've been working
for the NYC board of ed for 17 years and would be interested
in doing some kind of work like this.
Margaret White, Brooklyn,
NY
Response to:
Special Education in New York
City
To the Editor:
There is a very urgent need
for someone to ensure that an I.E.P. is adhered to by the special
education teacher, especially in an immersion setting.
Many school districts do
not want to spend our taxpayer money to ensure that the applications
called for in an I.E.P. are being adhered to for the sake of
those unable to speak for themselves.
Teachers and educators are
very quick to write an I.E.P. It's another thing to apply what
you have set on paper, in a classroom of 24 with one special
ed teacher floating between two classes of 18 special ed students
in an immersion program.
The money always seems to
come first. Even New York State has audited several school
districts on procedures written for special education—but
the applications of those procedures is unenforceable. It's
a joke.
Kathleen DeLetto, Aquebogue,
NY
Resoponse To:
So You Want to be a Biology Major?
To the Editor:
I am so glad to see an
article like this. It makes the field of biology or any science
broader than just going on to medical school. I majored in
biology in college. I was not in the pre-med program therefore
I did not have to take certain courses. But I loved the subject
even as I was preparing to teach elementary school. My path
took me into early childhood education where I have been able
to bring my love for science into my classroom and help many
youngsters see that they are scientists every time they want
to know more about the world around them. I have been able
to provide the hands on experiences at various levels of intellect
and readiness. Hopefully because of a spark early on, some
of these children will become our future research biologists,
doctors, paleontologists and teachers. Majoring in the biological
sciences is thrilling and I recommend it highly.
Patricia Dobosz
Brooklyn, NY
Resoponse To:
Chancellor Klein Promises to Listen
to Public as He Implements Systemic Change
To the Editor:
I think that Chancellor
Klein likes to hear him self talk. I work in the NYC public
school system and I have never seen things go south so quickly. There
seems to be no one in charge or able to answer a question whenever
I call the Department of Education. Rhetoric and nastiness
have totally demoralized just about everyone I work with. Most
teachers I know are less than enamored with the "new" programs.
And talk about on-job-training...why would you want to take
teachers out of the classroom and leave the students with subs
or movies so that classroom professionals could go and listen
to lecturers and then come back to the schools to have more
students with subs or movies in order to turnkey the information?
This is a sorry day in the
educational system of NYC. I am so glad that the Mayor and
the Chancellor changed the name of the Board of Education to
the Department of Education. I wouldn't want for one second
to confuse
the two.
Joan Rosen
East Hills, NY
Resoponse To:
Legislature Makes the Right Choice
for Schools
To the Editor:
The sober minds prevailed
in this legislation. As a professional (adult and child) therapist,
I can attest to the positive results of early intervention
and the negative results of no intervention. Keep up the good
work (fight) as this can only benefit our children. Thanks
for all the children young and old.
Roberto Perez
New York, NY
Response to:
More Than Moody: Depression in
Teens
To the Editor:
This article is very informative
for teens with depression. I am struggling with it and I know
how it feels. When I read your article, I was amazed at how
the things you wrote came so close to what I was feeling. There
should be more writers like you!
Sarah Wells,
New Boston, MI
Resoponse To:
More Than Moody: Depression in
Teens
To the Editor:
This article is very informative
for teens with depression. I am struggling with it and I know
how it feels. When I read your article, I was amazed at how
the things you wrote came so close to what I was feeling. There
should be more writers like you!
Sarah Wells,
New Boston, MI
Resoponse To:
A Smoking Gun: Speaking to 9.8
Million Women & Girls of NYS
To the Editor:
I agree. Why doesn't any
media comment about the radiation from tobacco and second hand
smoke? 17,000 milligrams per pack per year per total body according
to NEJM letter to Ed at time of Chernobyl. At autopsy, a lung
slice will develop x-ray film overnight, etc. Small wonder
the risk of almost all cancers go up if you smoke.
Brian Paaso,
Palo Alto, CA
Resoponse To:
Taking Education Outside of the
Classroom: NYC Museum School
To the Editor:
This article is so true
of what an LEOTC program can do to enhance the lives of students
who are given the chance to see what is outside the classroom
walls. We have students who visit us from all over New Zealand.
When the schools are on holidayÑwhich is in two weeks
time, we will get an influx of students from the Northern Hemisphere
coming to visit us. With geysers and hot mud pools and hot
water springs for cooking in, our lessons are many and varied.
Our situation, although
slightly more diverse than the Museum, still has a few issues.
The main one being the small 5 per cent of teachers who want
to leave the students in my care and go away for a coffee!
That is not an option with our lessons as we deal with real
life geysers that boil all day at 98 degrees centigrade.
Poihaere Hanna,
Rotorua City, New Zealand
Thank You from Rockefeller U.
To the Editor:
Thank you Dr. Pola Rosen,
and your staff at Education Update, for your commitment. Appearing
in the same issue with Laura Bush on the cover and Caroline
Kennedy on page 9 is sure to get us noticed! \You have been
so thoughtful and kind to us over the years and you are so
committed to excellence in education.
Bonnie Kaiser, Ph.D., Director,
Pre-college Science Education Program,
The Rockefeller University
Resoponse To:
"Sopranos" Writer Tells
His Story
To the Editor:
I grew up in Brooklyn also
and hung out with Terri for years. It was so good reading about
him and I am very happy for his success, and that he is doing
what he loves. Great to read about him.
Janet,
the girl with the long red hair and an Alice Cooper album.
Resoponse To:
Richard Kogan, M.D.: Music, A
Window to the Soul
To the Editor:
Interesting article, but
I wanted to point out that Swanee River was not composed by
Gershwin, but by Stephen Foster. Thanks for the interesting
article.
Lorraine Caputo,
Maplewood, NJ
Resoponse To:
Dr. Joseph G. McCarthy: Shaping
New Lives, Buoying Human Spirits
To the Editor:
Excellent article! A realistic
and hopeful article. Dr. McCarthy has literally given many
of his patients a “new face on life.”
Ann,
Washington, DC
Resoponse To:
Hearings On High-Stakes Testing
Planned
To the Editor:
My child has become a zombie.
One exam after another. There is no real learning going on.
Regents Diplomas should be optional as they were in the past.
If a child is very bright and wishes to pursue higher education,
they can be helpful. As a vehicle for determining if a student
merits a high school diploma, they are unacceptable. Some children
are unable to master all subject areas and wish to pursue a
vocational career. There was a time when schools were very
helpful in this area.
We now have gone from one
regent’s requirement to almost 7 in 2007. The dropout
rate will escalate.
I commend you on finally
taking a stand against high stakes testing.
Steven Sanders,
Long Island, NY
Resoponse To:
Dr. Margaret Cuomo Maier & Matilda
Cuomo Introduce Italian Language
To the Editor:
I saw the recent newscast
about the above article. I am an Italian teacher and I would
like to know if there are any programs in the Rochester, NY
area.
Sherri,
Webster, NY
Resoponse To:
“Father Of Head Start” Warns
of Dangers of Dismantling Head Start
To the Editor:
I totally agree with Dr.
Zigler. Public education is doing a poor job presently. My
granddaughter’s formative education was in Head Start.
She is now a 9th grader and continues to do well in all subjects.
She completed the 8th grade in the top 10 of her class.
Marcia Booker,
Dallas, TX
Resoponse To:
Hearings On High-Stakes Testing
Planned
To the Editor:
Let me understand this.
If a child is a good student, completes all course work, passes
mid-terms, finals, unit exams, quizzes, and all long-term projects,
they may still fail a subject. This applies to five subjects!
Why bother trying? This will soon be the trend. A nation full
of uneducated citizens. Why? High stakes testing, that’s
why.
Anonymous,
Commack, NY
Resoponse To:
Free Daytime English Classes Offered
at Lenox Hill Neighborhood House
To the Editor:
I thank god for people like
you that help others...good luck and god bless you.
Elena Maslowski
Queens, NY
Resoponse To:
Facts On Teenage Depression From “More
Than Moody”
To the Editor:
Wow. I didn’t know
all this and found this interesting. I really enjoyed reading
this because it gave me information I did not know. Thank you!
Crystal Elowsky
Berrien Springs, MD
Resoponse To:
Guaspari Makes Music in Harlem
To the Editor:
I just saw the documentary “Small
Wonders.” This was so inspiring and beautiful that I
had to look up more about this instructor and where she teaches.
I found that information in Education Update. It would be nice
to hear more stories about her and her students—especially
on where they will be playing in the future.
Magda,
Jersey City, NJ
Response to:
Inclusion Program at Francis Lewis
HS
To the Editor:
Your article was most informative
and leaves me to think you truly believe in the Special Ed
child as a contributing member of the main- stream population.
Do you actually have a Special Ed Curriculum, one where the
inclusion setting is all laid out for the general ed and special
ed teachers? Or, are all the mods & adaptations IEP driven?
Mrs. Anna K. D’Antonio & the
kids of the Newark Public Schools
Response to:
Unrest in Education in France:
Teachers on Strike
To the Editor:
I am in complete agreement
with you. I am a schoolteacher in the United States. Privatization
and regional controls often lead to ulterior monetary motives
and provincial influences antithetical to a more broad-based
pan-o-centric education. The discipline problems experienced
in public schools in America (and a total dearth of free health
care for children and teachers) may be just one reflection
of the chaotic mish-mash arising from regionalization.
Doug Cameron
Houston, TX
Response to:
Life on the Color Line, by Gregory
Howard Williams
To the Editor:
As an employee of City College
I have had the opportunity to meet Mr. Williams personally.
He is an incredible human being and extremely intelligent.
His book deeply touched me. He is truly an inspiration and
living proof that anyone, no matter where they come from or
what they are faced with, can achieve their goals and dreams
if they really want to.
Maribel Morua
New York, NY
Resoponse To:
Chancellor Matthew Goldstein at
the Helm of CUNY
To the Editor:
I write regarding an article
in the Jewish Sentinel (July 25, 2003). In that article Mr.
Goldstein observed that there are miracles occurring in CUNY
everyday. I agree, as a CUNY student I saw these miracles very
frequently both inside and outside the classroom.
Coming to CUNY with a D/F
average, I suggest I was a miracle case myself. I studied at
La Guardia C.C. and then I was part of the wonderful CUNY Baccalaureate
program from which I graduated Summa Cum Laude.
I will be ever grateful
to La Guardia C.C. especially Mr. Joffee, and Mr. Nelson at
the Center for Students with Disabilities for making me a “miracle
statistic”.
Rosaleen Crotty
Long Island City, NY
Resoponse To:
Life on the Color Line
To the Editor:
I will be a junior for the
2003-2004 school year. I will also be taking Advanced Placement
English III. We were required to read the story of Frederick
Douglas and choose two books from two separate lists. Life
on the Color Line was on one of those lists. As I read this
book I could not help but feel a connection to this life account.
I am half black and half white, and my father (who is currently
in jail) is a drunk and substance abuser. I can also relate
to this story because there have been times that I didn’t
know where my next meal was going to come from, I didn’t
know if the electricity would be on or off, or if my father
was going to get high and drunk and be the “monster” that
my mom and I secretly called him. I will be 16 at the end of
the month and I can honestly say that I’ve been through
more stuff than most people twice my age. I would definitely
recommend this book to anyone that has felt like the whole
world is against them and that not a soul in the world cares
about what happens to you because I know how it feels, and
so do a lot of people.
Jessica Wildman
Ayden, NC
Resoponse To:
Beach Access for the Handicapped
To the Editor:
My wife has MS and limited
mobility. She uses an electric cart and a wheelchair. Our daughter
is building a house on Lake Michigan. I want some device that
will allow me to take my wife on the beach. So I was very interested
in this article. Thanks.
Jack Dykhuizen
Lafayette, IN
Resoponse To:
SIR: A Unique Program for Private
and Public Schools
To the Editor:
Congratulations to Professor
Emeritus Jed Luchow of the College of Staten Island for daring
to talk about, and develop, a four-year phonics-based teacher
literacy program. Praise also goes to Fordham University’s
Graduate School of Education department under Dr. Joanna Uhry
and to the Board of Jewish Education. Reading Reform Foundation
has been offering phonics-based courses that employ multi-sensory
techniques of teaching and learning for twenty-two years, as
well as direct training of teachers in public school classrooms
all over New York City. We welcome our new colleagues!
Sandra Priest Rose
Founding Trustee and Reading Consultant
Reading Reform Foundation
Resoponse To:
Music in the Subways
To the Editor:
Loved the article. Was in
New York recently and was floored by a band named, “The
Purefire”—great percussion—very unique.
Donna Petchel
Wilmington, DE
Resoponse To:
About the Awards Ceremony
To the Editor:
Just a quick note to tell
you how impressed I was by your award ceremony and all the
teachers you have identified and awarded. What a deserving
bunch! The NY school system can be proud! Congratulations for
this successful event!
Dorothea von Haeften
East Chatham, NY
To the Editor:
Thank you and keep on promoting
good teachers as this is a great way to focus on the reason
why our children excel in so many ways.
Jim Quail, Principal
To the Editor:
Ms. Rhonda Morman is one
if not the best teacher I’ve dealt with in my position
as the coordinator of the stock market game. Her enthusiasm
to impart knowledge and devotion to her students is worth emulating.
Ms. Morman stays late in school every day to help her students
with their work. She is both a mother and teacher to the students,
not only the students in her class but to all the students
in the school. I have never come across any teacher like Ms.
Morman. Congratulations Ms. Morman!
Victoria Chukwuka
New York, NY
Resoponse To:
Lasers: State-of-the-Art in Dermatology
To the Editor:
I fully agree with your
ideas regarding laser for cosmetic as well as non-cosmetic
purposes. It is being dramatically used in my native country
Pakistan, where senior doctors in the field of dermatology
are utilizing it with good results. I would be honored if I
could work with you for 1-2 weeks so that I further learn about
lasers. I am a dermatologist working at Bispebjerg hospital
in Copenhagen, Denmark with Dr. H.C.Wulf, Prof of Dermatology.
Dr. Masood Sohail
Copenhagen, Denmark
Resoponse To:
How Basketball Players Spend Their
Money
To the Editor:
Yeah, it’s all good and that’s how it’s supposed to be. I’m
also a ball player and I want to live a life just like that. I’m 19,
5’9” tall, good at the game but lack support and I have big dreams
of making it to the NBA. I still hold onto my dreams and I know I’ll
make it someday.
Nelson Kay
Kampala, Uganda
Resoponse To:
Vienna Choir & Harlem Boys
Choir
To the Editor:
The boys choir from Harlem
have great voices as do the Vienna Boys Choir. That was the
best performance in America.
Tiffany Garrison
Emporia, KS
Response To:
Realistic Math Makes Sense for
Student
To The Editor,
I am a math teacher in the
elementary schools(5th grade),but my wife and I also team teach
a math methods course at a local university. We try to instill
in our students the RME methodology based on the NCTM Standards.
In our initial class each quarter, we ask them to write a math
autobiography. It still amazes me the depth to which “math
phobia” is in these college graduates. One thing I do
find difficult though, is finding just the “right” problem,
or real life situation, that imbeds a concept. Any feedback
would be welcome.
Pat Watson,
West Chicago, IL
Response To:
History of Women’s College
To The Editor,
This is the best article
I’ve ever read!
If you could please pass
along my name and comment to the author of the article, I would
appreciate it because I think he’s my best friend from
childhood. Tell him to email me back.
Andy Kayton
Palm Beach Gardens, FL
[The Reporter of this article
was Mark Herz.]
Response To:
No Child Left Behind: Research
and the Art of
Teaching Name
To The Editor,
I am searching for scientifically
based research that proves the efficacy of tutoring as a “best
practice.” Can you help me? Thank you!
Bryna Gallagher,
Tucson, AZ
Response To:
Soccer Saga: Bend It Like Beckham
Holocaust Harbor:
Nowhere In Africa
To The Editor,
I really like the article
above. I am a really big female soccer fan myself and can’t
wait to see the movie.
Deana Daniels,
Windsor, ON
Response To:
Grants for School Districts
To The Editor,
I am in need of information
about all the grants that are listed above to help my school.
I am the Parent Involvement Coordinator for St Anthony’s
Catholic School in Robstown, TX and we need grants to help
improve the school and get our enrollment up and keep the school
from closing.
Rosemarie Camacho,
Robstown, TX
Response To:
NASA’s Education Programs
for High School Students
To The Editor,
Would like to know more
about GSFC programs for high school students in the summer.
A program like SHARP but
for everybody would be good to know. Is it still possible to
apply for a summer program at this time?
Joey Comiso
Responses To:
Building Self Esteem Is Important
For All Children
To The Editor,
I have been desperately
advocating for my 17 1/2year old bipolar son. He has just recently
been diagnosed and is not psychotic when he is medicated. His
is a dual diagnoses because of marijuana use as well as having
a mild language based learning disability. His psychiatrist
and doctors at McLeans hospital in Boston strongly recommend
a residential academic therapeutic school for him. Every where
I turn I am told there is no such thing for him.(dept. of mental
health as well as the school dept. have told me this.) Any
leads would be appreciated. Surely on God’s green earth
there must be a place for this bright, gifted writer and young
musician.
Anne Breckenridge
To The Editor,
I think that this article
was good for students with special needs because some students
don’t know how to find resources. They think they can’t
go to college because people don’t tell them. I’m
going to Landmark College.
Aisha
To The Editor,
Last summer I developed
Osgood’s when high school soccer practice began. I probably
got it because I had started to grow a lot that summer plus
overusing it in the tough soccer try-outs. In a few months
soccer practice will start again and I am almost positive that
I will still be growing, is there a high risk for me to get
it again? Is there anything I can do over the summer besides
keeping my knees in shape to prevent it? Any help would be
appreciated...
Justin Cholewa
To The Editor,
I have had years of battling
the Special Ed department in NYC. I have a 7th grader going
to the Science Museum School at MS 44 and it has been a challenge.
In many ways my highly intelligent and creative child has regressed
from lack of motivation and inspiration. Every year I want
to take him out of the program he is in and put him somewhere
more challenging but most of the schools have a long waiting
list and do not even respond 7to you, such as the Churchill
etc. It is a real shame the way things are. Poor kids! A tremendous
waste of mind and life.
Nima Azour
Response To:
Choices: Perspectives of a Patient
With
Parkinson’s Disease
To The Editor,
Why hasn’t Michael
J. Fox tried spheramine?
Donnie Johnston
Responses To:
Articles on Teenage Depression
and Suicide
To The Editor,
I think it’s amazing
how much teenagers commit suicide because of depression. There
should be some type of help for them to try to avoid these
kinds of accidents.
Gabrielle Mendez
San Salvador, El Salvador
To The Editor,
I liked your arguments on
depression, but it is quite sad.
Yani,
San Salvador
To The Editor,
Students are getting crazy
because of too much work and social problems...they should
have a counselor or a physiologist in school. Religious activities
should help too.
Laura
Kiki,Wisconsin
To The Editor,
I really thought this article
was helpful. I am doing a thesis report on teenage depression.
If you have any more information that could be helpful would
you please send it to this email: DaBaddPrincess14@aol.com.
Thank You!
Heather,
Carlisle, Pennsylvania
To The Editor,
I recently suffered the
loss of my son’s best friend who committed suicide 10
days ago. I wish he had the help of a mentor during his school
career. He dropped out of high school at age 16 years. I am
currently trying to get Virginia Beach City Public Schools
to perhaps implement some kind of program to make parents,
teachers, and caregivers aware of the warning signs of depression
in children and teenagers.
Judy Goodwin
Responses To:
Mary Lou Retton Starts “Flip
Flop Shop”
To The Editor,
I would like to meet Mary
Lou Retton. I am on a team and would like to go to the Olympics
just like she did. I have already met Amanda Borden. She is
really cool. So now I would like to meet Mary Lou.
Debbie
Wabash, IN
To The Editor,
I really like this site.
I’m doing this research project on Mary Lou Retton and
this site really helped me on this project. Thanks a lot,
Megan Murdoch,
Bishop, TX
Response To:
Michael DiPiano: Teacher, Coach,
Transplant Recipient
To The Editor,
Big man, nice article, nice
job as always. You are truly an inspiration to many, keep up
the great work.
Glenn Newton
Response To:
Home Study International
To The Editor,
I am interested in Homeschooling
my daughter in 8th grade.
Holly Davis
Response To:
St. John’s Marcus Hatten
Sets Sights on NBA
To The Editor,
Hatten is my favorite player,
I think is he extremely underrated and will be a very good
fit in the NBA, I hope the nets draft him. Where do you think
he will go and what pick?
Joe,
New Jersey
Response To:
Shakespeare Programat LI Elementary
School
To The Editor,
That’s amazing! Congratulations!
I’d like to know, as we near the end of this school year,
how did the National Shakespeare Co. do? What did they do?
Can I get a copy of Romeo and Juliet in New Jersey? I am starting
a drama program in a Montessori school in Massachusetts and
sure could use any advice.
Megan,
Mear, MA
Response To:
Vocational Education Resurgent
To The Editor,
I am a special education
teacher at a brand new private school in inner-city New Orleans.
We are currently searching for a vocational program for our
special needs students. I am interested in speaking with someone
about the CTE program.
Jennifer Fraser
New Orleans, LA
Response To:
Next Battle in the War Over School
Reform
To The Editor,
Thank you for the excellent
editorial, “The Next Battle in the War Over School Reform”.
We must fight for our children’s’ education and
ward off political and personal gain. Education is the strength
of our economy and the strength of our democracy.
Ed Wachtel
New York City, NY
Response To:
Klaas Kids & Court TV Present
Forensics Curriculum
To The Editor,
I am a special ed. teacher
in Seattle who has many unmotivated kids. We are all tired
of worksheets and isolated knowledge and I personally have
a great interest in forensics, so when I found this site, it
got me thinking (and excited!). Kids love science, especially
when it’s hands-on, and what better way to really bring
in all areas of learning with real purpose and get kids excited
than this? How can I start and is anyone available to help
bring this into an inner-city elementary school in Seattle
(with a LOT of high-risk kids!)?
Any response would be greatly
appreciated!
Jeannie Hippo
Seattle, Washington
Response To:
Blackman Lecture at Teachers College
To The Editor,
Just read Mr. Kushner’s
article on the “Blackman Lecture at Teachers College” in
Education Update. It was educational, informative, and well
written. Thank you.
Len Blackman
Professor Emeritus, Teachers College
Response To:
Outstanding Teachers
To The Editor,
Thank you and keep on promoting
good teachers as this is a great way to focus on the reason
why our children excel in so many ways.
Jim Quail
Response To:
Free Daytime English Classes Offered
at Lenox Hill Neighborhood House
To The Editor,
Agradeceria informar a mi
mail si existen este tipo de programas de lecciones gratis
de ingles en Queens, en el area de Jamaica
Diana, New York, NY
To the Editor:
Thank you for giving me
an opportunity to express my ideas about the importance of
the arts, an integral part of a well-balanced education.
I think it is particularly meaningful that the studio in which I teach is housed
in the encyclopedic Metropolitan Museum of Art. This institution takes extraordinary
care to display and conserve great works of art. By experiencing first-hand
the tools and materials of artists, our students’ subsequent gallery
experiences become particularly meaningful.
I deeply appreciate the high quality of educational standards set by Director
Philippe de Montebello and Associate Director of Education, Kent Lydecker,
as well as by the Trustee Education Committee and many others of the museum
staff.
Muriel Silberstein-Storfer, Founder, Doing Art Together & Parent-Child
Studio Workshop at the Metropolitan Museum of Art
To the Editor:
I am writing to express
interest in obtaining the forensic science curriculum that
Court TV has developed. I have been teaching forensic science
at the college level for the past eight years and at the high
school level for the past four years. There has always been
a high interest in the course and would love more ideas on
topics to add to the course.
Kay Sirianni, Brooklyn,
NY
To the Editor:
Excellent information; we
are always looking for grant programs.
Samye F. Lynom, Las Vegas,
Nevada
To the Editor:
We must ensure that teachers
are assessing our children based on mandates and not personal
opinion. I will definitely be at the Chancellor’s next
meeting on Dec. 5th!
Rochelle Sessoms, Flushing,
NY
To the Editor:
I want to take this opportunity
to thank you for meeting with me and writing such a wonderful
article. It was a pleasure [sharing] my vision for Teachers
College. I look forward to working with you on the challenges
ahead and hope for a future filled with good work by us all.
Darlyne Bailey, Ph.D.
VP for Academic Affairs and Dean of the College
Teachers College, Columbia University
To the Editor:
I think the article, “Dean
Deborah Shanley: Brooklyn College School of Education” (Sept.
2002) tells a lot about the school that I didn’t know.
I would like to know, compared to other colleges, where this
school stands in rank. Can I get a degree higher than a master’s
after graduating from the Brooklyn College School of Education?
Irina Begun,
e-mail
To the Editor:
I loved the way you so eloquently
and accurately wrote about me and put it all together. [“Deaf
Teacher” September 2002.]
Linda Bodner
Thousand Oaks, CA
To the Editor:
In response to “Talking
with Pioneer Dr. Ira Black,” [Education Update,
July 2002] my twin sister has had a car accident and she had
her spinal cord compressed. I would like to know if any treatment
can be done for her so she can get better or if you work with
some kind of medicine that helps regenerate the spinal cord
or that helps the swelling go down faster. Is there anything
you can do for us. Please help me solve this. We are 19 years
old and the accident was in May.
Daniela Martinez
[This was forwarded to Dr. Black. Ed.]
To the Editor:
What special arts programs
are there for deaf or hard of hearing children? [at the Everett
Children’s Adventure Garden, Education Update, Sept.
2002]
Nicki,
e-mail
To the Editor:
Thank you so much for the
content and fluidity of the article. She [Joan Baum] captured
every point I was trying to make and turned it into something
everyone else can understand.
Jerrold Ross, Dean, School
of Education
St. John’s University
To the Editor:
The article you did on the
Reading Reform Foundation is excellent. You portrayed us accurately
and concisely. Now I have to read every other article in the
issue to keep up with the educational scene!
Sandra Priest Rose, Founder & Trustee
Reading Reform Foundation, NY
To the Editor:
I just saw the article on
the Fieldston Foreign Language workshop [August 2002]. It’s
great!
Mary McFerran,
Academic Technology Administrator
The Fieldston School
To the Editor:
I am the editor of the College
Times, a national publication for students in Ireland. On your
website you have accounts from students about their thoughts
after the disaster of September 11. Would you allow us to publish
some extracts from this in our newspaper?
Shane McGinley,
Dublin, Ireland
Parkinson’s
To the Editor:
In re your articles on Parkinson’s
[July 2002]: When do you anticipate that phase III trials will
start? Will NIH at Bethesda, Maryland be a physical location
where Spheramine will be administered?
Thomas Winter
Maryland
Special
Education
To the Editor:
My daughter will enter the
11th grade in September, 2002. I appreciate anything you can
do to help us make this a positive year for Alison. No one
should have to go through school feeling like she does. I will
do whatever it takes!
Nancy Eichler
Binghamton, NY
To the Editor:
I would like to get in touch
with Dr. Mel Levine. My son needs one-on-one help. He may be
my last resort before he falls in the cracks at school. Is
there any way he can help him? [Dr. Mel Levine is featured
in several articles on www.educationupdate.com]
Kathelleen Parsons
via email
To the Editor:
Do you have any information
on help for children labeled as Mild Intellectual Disability?
Karen Campbell-High
Via email
To the Editor:
I am in desperate need of
information on afterschool programs for an 8 year-old with
learning disabilities.
Annamaria Rios
Via email
To the Editor:
Where are things with the
Governor’s Island plan? I was stationed there in the
70’s and 80’s-90’s and would love to work
there again as a facilities engineer.
Richard Sasse
Providence, R.I.
Governor’s Island
was recently returned to the State of New York, organized by
Al Butzel, President of the Governor’s Island Alliance.
New proposals for its use include a CUNY campus, a national
monument and a public park. For more information: www.reclaimgovernorsisland.org
[Ed.]
To the Editor:
Do you have any information
on help for children labeled as Mild Intellectual Disability?
Karen Campbell-High
Via email
To the Editor:
I am in desperate need of
information on afterschool programs for an 8 year-old with
learning disabilities.
Annamaria Rios
Via email
To The Editor:
I am enjoying reading Education
Update and am impressed with the broad coverage you were able
to give on the city and Manhattan schools, from elementary
to high school to universities, within a week of the WTC attack.
Your interview with the Imam of the mosque on 97th St. was
a thoughtful inclusion.
Anita Reetz,
Faculty, USC Language Academy
Rossier School of Education
University of Southern California
(click here to respond to this letter)
To the Editor:
There’s so much to
express and yet not enough words, not enough time to say it
all. As we all go through the motions at a new, unfamiliar
pace, I’d like to focus everyone’s attention to
the new New York skyline. The world is painfully aware of a
conspicuous absence, but shift your attention, and you’ll
notice a conspicuous presence. So very much is still there.
The Twin Towers were symbols
of so many amazing American qualities: strength, pride, wealth,
ingenuity, foresight and cooperation. They represented us.
The Towers were symbols of who we are as human beings.
We are the home of the free
not the fearful. We are the land of the brave, and we, the
people, still stand. May we never return to normal. Normal
turned on us and left us vulnerable. Let us reach higher, safer,
stronger, wiser ground. God bless America.
–April Heath
Brooklyn, New York
(click here to respond to this letter)
To the Editor:
At this difficult time I
would like to share my grief and sorrow with you. I hope that
all is well at your office. I’m praying for you, your
loved ones and all of the personnel who works with you.
–Myriam Pichon,
France
(click here to respond to this letter)
To the Editor:
We were appalled by the
dreadful atrocity perpetrated by the terrorists at the World
Trade Center. It is a terrible time not only for New York City,
but for the whole of America and any humanitarian on the face
of the earth. We feel very much for you, your city, your people,
and your country.
–Rodney Croft,
England
(click here to respond to this letter)
To the Editor:
Prior to 1973 the NYC Board
of Education provided students with several types of high school
diplomas to choose from. There were four types of diplomas:
1) an academic diploma 2) a commercial diploma 3) a general
diploma and 4) an evening diploma. The Board eliminated all
these diplomas on June 1973 when it passed a single diploma
policy which prohibits distinguishing on diplomas.
The Board continues to discriminate
against night high school students by issuing them a diploma
with the word “evening” on it. The day high school
students are not issued diplomas with the word “day” on
them so why issue diplomas with the word “evening” on
them to night high school students?
This is a violation of the
June 1973 single diploma policy. The Board must stop this practice
and issue an equal diploma to both day as well as night high
school students.
–Enrique Santiago,
Bronx, NY
(click here to respond to this letter)
To The Editor:
I saw your list of Queens
vocational schools in the August issue. Please send me information
on vocational schools in the Bronx for my son. Thank you.
Hermes Rodriguez, NY
(click here to respond to this letter)
To the Editor:
I would really appreciate
it if you could provide sources of direct contact persons as
well as sites for locations of hire for teacher’s assistants.
I am an elementary education major student and I am at a loss
for finding teacher’s assistant jobs that are full time
as I finish my degree.
Stephanie Callan,
Brooklyn, NY
(click here to respond to this letter)
To the Editor:
It is no surprise that a
society that glorifies sporting heroes similarly undervalues
education (Re: Leaving School for the NBA, Sports, July 2001).
Player salaries exemplify my point. While a drafted basketball
player may be offered a $300,000 contract, the starting salary
of a teacher averages about $26,000.
So, what does the future
hold? Right now, student motivation can be summed up in one
question. If you present a child with the choice of either
playing ball all day or going to school, which would they choose?
The answer is of course the one that they are intrinsically
motivated to do; we all know which one that is.
Melissa Hawley,
Everett, WA
(click here to respond to this letter)
To the Editor:
I will be returning to Japan
in the middle of August after two-and-a-half wonderful years
in New York. I would like to take this opportunity to express
my heartfelt appreciation to Education Update. Thank you for
sharing your knowledge and experience with me.
Joji (George) Hisaeda,
Deputy Consul General & Deputy Chief of Mission,
Consulate General of Japan,
New York, NY
(click here to respond to this letter)
To the Editor:
It was such an honor to
receive our $1,000 scholarships from the Manhattan Chamber
of Commerce (“Future Teachers Awarded Grants from Manhattan
Chamber,” Spotlight on Schools, June 2001). It is so
encouraging for us to realize that there are so many well-intentioned
people who don’t even know us offering support both financially
and in spirit. So often as minority teenagers, we assume that
people really don’t care about us; this grant changed
our minds.
After the assembly, students
came up to us to congratulate us as well as to ask how we won
the scholarships. Many are already thinking about what they
are going to write in order to receive the scholarships next
year. Our principal, Elaine Goldberg, told us that this grant
may not be forthcoming every year. We would like to ask the
Chamber to consider adopting the High School of Teaching and
giving this scholarship every year for the many worthy kids
in our building.
Carmen Barahona, Karen Cooper,
Su-Elene Cuevas, Margaret Diaz, Venus Hernandez, Suzie Ip,
Michelle Mapp, Nydia Southerland, Shaneika Swinton, Carmen
Tavarez, Richard R. Green High School of Teaching
(click here to respond to this letter)
To the Editor:
Flawed Fellows
A number of recent articles
in The New York Times have discussed the New York City Teaching
Fellows’ difficulty in recruiting applicants. I recently
tried to apply to the program and was frustrated with the organization
at every turn. I would like to make some suggestions that might
make the program—one that supposedly trains professionals
to become public school teachers—more appealing.
1. Don’t lose applications
(as they did with mine).
2. When an applicant then wants to reapply, don’t tell him that his application
is now late and cannot be processed.
3. Don’t call the applicant back a month later asking him to come to
an interview on a specific day (with no alternative days) and expect him to
be able to make it with only a few days notice. That qualified applicant might
be out of the state that day.
4. Finally, don’t ignore complaints about this kind of situation and
leave them unanswered.
Never in my life have I
been so rudely treated, particularly by a program that supposedly
desperately needs my help. They should be bending over backwards
to ensure that students get the best teachers possible.
I currently run an education
program and am very interested in teaching, and I found this
entire process appalling. I hope the coordinators of the Teaching
Fellows take a hard look at a greatly flawed application process.
Kent Kleiman,
Manhattan
(Ed.-Mr. Kleiman is a May 2000 graduate of Columbia University)
(click here to respond to this letter)
To the Editor:
I was inspired to write
after reading your article on Mother’s Day (Cover, May
2001). I am a mother of two extraordinary daughters—Jennifer,
a 28 year old NYC lawyer, and Julie, 26, who is in the hotel
business in Washington, DC (“A Tale of Two Sisters,” Careers,
Dec. 2000)—with whom I have a close and adoring relationship.
I have always expressed to them the importance of achieving goals that they
have set for themselves. Unlike Erica Jong’s comment in the article about
giving motherly advice—“It doesn’t work”—I have
always felt it my responsibility as a mother to give my daughters advice and
hopefully provide the correct set of tools they need to secure their future
in this challenging world. I have always stressed that anything that is worth
having does not come easy; it takes hard work and hours of determination.
Looking back over the years,
I can take great pride in how they have developed. Mothering
is a lifelong commitment, perhaps the most demanding job a
woman can have.
Vivien Baraban Tannen,
President, Vivien Baraban Interior Design,
Philadelphia, PA
(click here to respond to this letter)
To the Editor:
I have just finished participating
in PENCIL’s Principal For A Day program and would like
to make a suggestion to the City of New York regarding the
attraction of good, qualified teachers. Not only is salary
an issue, but housing is as well. The City should consider
subsidized housing for teachers who have signed a valid, one-year
contract with the Board of Education to be renewed annually.
New rental buildings should
have an allotted amount of apartments for teachers, and those
apartments going off the rent controlled and rent stabilized
status should be offered to teachers.
New buildings could be devoted
to housing teachers, and I am sure other creative options could
be thought of by the powers-that-be. And I am certain that
if the Trumps and Rudins of NYC were approached, they would “step
up to the plate.” Of course, the trade off to the property
owners would be a tax credit issued by the City.
We need innovative programs
to help Chancellor Harold Levy continue to improve our public
education system and to support these devoted teachers who,
day-in and day-out, are responsible for our children.
Nancy Ploeger,
Executive Director, Manhattan Chamber of Commerce
(click here to respond to this letter)
To the Editor:
Everyone agrees that something
needs to be done to solve the shortage of math and science
teachers. When attempting to find a solution, we need to consider
that teaching math and science is a talent, not just a profession
and not everyone who has a certificate to teach has the talent
to do so. Academic qualifications are the bones of teaching,
but without the flesh of excitement and enthusiasm, the skeleton
will only scare our students.
Shortage of good math and
science teachers is a worldwide phenomenon. In New York City
it has become an emergency. According to Chancellor Harold
Levy in your October, 2000, issue, “colleges simply cannot
supply enough teachers to meet demands.” If this is true,
then the time has come to bring in excellent math and science
teachers from other countries on job visas.
Frank Luke,
Bellerose, NY
(click here to respond to this letter)