Congratulations APS!

Apparently, even with monster traffic, sky high crime rates, no adequate provision for floodweather, and a smog problem, Atlanta can actually do something right!

The National School Boards Association CUBE Committee selected Atlanta as this years' urban district of the year, according to the AJC this weekend. Justification, according to CUBE: "Atlanta Public Schools has been singled out for commitment to adapting to its needs by creating a strong governance structure, consistent leadership, and dedication to improving student achievement system-wide." (CUBE Finalists Press Release, pdf, dated August 11th) In other words, we're stubborn as an ox! The data considered includes "[five years] test scores, AYP status, drop out rates, minority college attendees, AP class demographics, and any other data that you feel would provide the judges an insight on how your district is successful." (CUBE Award FAQ) For those not in the know, AYP is a measure of how well your school district is complying with the federal guidelines in the No Child Left Behind Act - not a perfect act, but there's something genuinely wrong if you can't comply with it. (Not to say you're good if you can...hohohooo.)

Interestingly, all of the finalists and most of the honorable mentions were Southern schools, in Fort Lauderdale, Raleigh (hm), and Baltimore (hm.)

Of course, something not mentioned in this report is the wonderful involvement of Georgia Tech in the community, sponsoring Math contests, field trips, tours of every kind, Science Olympiad, school sporting events and open gyms, and minority education and volunteer tutoring throughout Bankhead and beyond. Why, almost every weekend you see a group of some school in the area coming to our college for some kind of field trip!

Obama's speech to schools

I was originally going to start with this:

We live in exciting times. We make no complaints. We are used to battle, for out if it we came. We will plant our feet firmly in our earth, and no attack will move us. You will stand with me, should such a time come! You will stand before me, at my side, and behind me, holding our flags high! Let our old enemies attempt to rise up once more! They may wave their Soviet flags before us — but our flag will win the battle!

Then Rahm said he recognized it, in fact one of his hero's had used it before.
Cheese and Crackers! It's a small world! That's when I settled down and wrote this:

The one thing that we can all count on is that we are going to die. I know you are only in 1st grade, but it could happen to you. For all I know your daddy could come home ans shoot you all tonight. That would make him a Republican, and that's why I want to take away his guns. Your doctor is also probably a Republican. That's why I want to be able to tell him what he can do for you after Daddy shoots you all.

I also want you to enjoy a ride in a "green vehicle" when you are going to the hospital- it's better for the planet. Not that you'll care as you bleed out from you mean Republican daddy's gunshot wound.

Remember- Republicans are evil. If you think your mommy or daddy is a Republican call 1 800 SUCKITGOP to report them. Now lets close with the new pledge of allegiance:

I pledge allegiance,
to Obama,
and to his advisers
and for the ideals for which they stand,
One nation
under one party
With substandard health care for all
And liberty for none.

See- now was that so bad?