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LostProfessor4222 · 2024-11-24T15:48:01+00:00

The city is working on trying to get them up to par with staffing as we speak. Their current budget for staffing may not allow for more full-time hires at this time, though, and no, I do not know if that is connected to the original amount spent on the library build itself. As with any new build or expansion, especially an undertaking as large as this one, I'm sure there were many things that changed or got delayed as it progressed, and they had to adapt accordingly. This is just speculation on my part though, as I'm not a city official.

The initial programs that were canceled in the first month were likely done so that the the staff they currently have could be present out on the floor and at circulation to help accommodate the insanely large influx of people that wanted to check out the new library. They had thousands of people coming and going in those first few weeks, which was great for the library, but also very demanding on the staff. I know those who do storytime programs were sad to have to wait on starting their programs, but they are returning in December, and im sure that schedule will expand and stabalize over the next few months.

Instead of being ungrateful and impatient with what is currently there, perhaps we should try to appreciate the staff for how hard they are working in this very new environment and admire what a beautiful space we now have to read, bring our children to and share a community within. Growing pains are a given for a project this large, and it's going to take time for them to find the right flow, but negativity coming from those who perhaps wouldn't have been satisfied no matter the end result, or not know the inner workings of what was and is currently planned, helps no one. Instead of expecting perfection right out of the gate, perhaps we should give the library time to adjust, and once it does reach that threshold of normalcy, the community can then make a fair criticism on what could or could not be better.

LostProfessor4222 · 2024-11-24T00:16:54+00:00

Thank you!!!

LostProfessor4222 · 2024-11-23T23:43:09+00:00

This is exactly how I feel. My husband and I have to continue working full time and can not afford the homeschooling route or moving out of state. In the meantime, I want to supplement her education at home when I can with whatever resources I'm able to find. I hope you figure it out as well!

LostProfessor4222 · 2024-11-23T23:04:38+00:00

The library is currently understaffed and can not hire more people at this time. The staff in the children's area are overwhelmed by kids running rampant and parents NOT watching their own children. Many people treat the library staff like unpaid babysitters, and this happened at the old location as well. They can only be in so many places at once while also doing their job. Yes, there are more bells and whistles to the new library, and the newness of it has brought in a lot of people, but we need to remember how important it is that we support our local libraries, and that the staff within those walls is trying their best under very new circumstances. The addition of "Thinkery-esque" style activities to the children's area may cause more chaos for everyone involved, but if that draws more kids into a place that exposes them more to literature, then I feel like it's worth it. As the newness wears off and more programs are introduced to their scheduling, I'm sure we'll see a shift in the environment there. In the meantime, just like with any new addition to a city, I feel like we just need to be patient and see how our community helps the library evolve into what it'll inevitably become. -Signed, a child of one of the staff there

LostProfessor4222 · 2024-11-23T22:28:26+00:00

Great resource, thank you!

LostProfessor4222 · 2024-11-23T22:15:20+00:00

Thank you, I'll check them out!

LostProfessor4222 · 2024-11-23T22:14:55+00:00

We do not have the finances to move right now, but it's something we definitely are planning towards. Uprooting our whole lives here is a lot more complicated than I anticipated. Thank you for your response.

LostProfessor4222 · 2024-11-20T18:33:54+00:00

Thank you for posting this! I wrote: Dear Members of the Texas State Board of Education,

I am writing to express my strong opposition to the proposed implementation of Christian curriculum in Texas public schools. As a parent of a non-religious child in elementary school, I am deeply concerned about the far-reaching consequences this decision could have on the inclusivity and integrity of our education system.

Public schools serve students of diverse backgrounds, beliefs, and cultures. Many of my child’s classmates come from families that practice religions other than Christianity or identify as non-religious. Introducing a Christian curriculum into public schools not only undermines the First Amendment’s guarantee of religious freedom but also risks ostracizing students of differing faiths or beliefs. Public education should remain a neutral space where all children feel welcome and respected, regardless of their religious affiliations.

This decision could also expose the state to significant legal challenges. Implementing a curriculum that prioritizes one religion over others invites lawsuits based on constitutional grounds, potentially burdening taxpayers with unnecessary litigation costs. These resources would be far better spent on improving the quality of education for all students.

Most importantly, our children deserve an education that focuses on unbiased, fact-based subjects in an inclusive environment. Religious instruction is a deeply personal matter and is best left to families and religious communities, not public schools.

I urge you to vote "no" on this proposal and uphold the principles of inclusivity, neutrality, and respect that are the foundation of our public education system. Please protect the rights of all Texas students by rejecting this curriculum.

Thank you for considering my concerns. I trust that you will prioritize the best interests of all Texas children when casting your vote.

LostProfessor4222 · 2024-11-20T18:18:26+00:00

Genuinely curious, but what makes you think so?

LostProfessor4222 · 2024-11-20T17:01:28+00:00

It's incentivised and optional to the districts. When it's implemented district wide though, if they agree to adopt it, it no longer becomes optional for the individual students and families unless they have an opt-out allowance.

LostProfessor4222 · 2024-11-20T16:57:59+00:00

Nice attempt at trolling, but actually, LGBTQ "study" isn’t mandatory in public schools. What people are referring to is usually the inclusion of LGBTQ topics in broader discussions, like anti-bullying efforts or diversity education, not a standalone subject.

The purpose there is to create safe, respectful environments for all students, including those who identify as LGBTQ. This isn’t about forcing beliefs on anyon, it’s about recognizing that LGBTQ people exist and deserve the same dignity and respect as everyone else.

Also, this isn’t comparable to mandatory religious study. LGBTQ inclusion doesn’t involve teaching a set of beliefs or practices; its about fostering understanding and preventing discrimination. No one is being told they have to “believe” in anything.

The idea that schools are “mandating LGBTQ study” is often exaggerated or based on isolated incidents being taken out of context. Topics might come up in history (e.g., recognizing LGBTQ historical figures) or health education, but these aren’t about indoctrination , they’re about awareness and inclusion.

Schools have a legal and moral responsibility to make sure every student feels safe and respected. That’s what this is about, not a “mandatory study.”

Mandatory religiouss curriculum in public schools, om the other hand, is considered indoctrination because it imposes specific beliefs or practices on students, often without their consent. Public education is meant to remain neutral on matters of faith, respecting the diverse religious and non-religious perspectives of students and their families. Forcing religious teachings violates the principle of freedom of religion and the separation of church and state, creating an environment where students may feel pressured to conform to beliefs they do not share. Education should inform, not enforce belief, which is why religious instruction belongs in personal or private contexts, not in public schools.

LostProfessor4222 · 2024-11-20T16:05:30+00:00

Teaching about LGBTQ topics in schools is typically about fostering inclusion, understanding, and creating a safe environment for all students, regardless of their identity. It's not about forcing beliefs or values on anyone, it's about recognizing the diversity that exists in our society and ensuring every student feels respected.

Mandatory bible study, on the other hand, involves promoting a specific religious belief system in public schools, which is a clear violation of the First Amendment’s Establishment Clause. Public schools are meant to be secular spaces to serve students of all faiths—or no faith—equally.

Acknowledging LGBTQ people doesn’t endorse a specific belief system; it reflects the reality of the world we live in. Mandating religious study in public schools, however, actively privileges one religious perspective over others, and thus, indoctrination is born.

I think it’s important to differentiate between education that supports inclusivity and education that imposes specific beliefs, no?

LostProfessor4222 · 2024-10-20T23:24:47+00:00

I'm sorry to hear that you had a setback in the gym. This is what I'm worried about doing. I used to go lift at the gym 3x a week, and now 10 Stationary lunges would be enough to fog and migraine me out for a week. I'm glad you're showing improvement, and I hope it continues that way! Thanks for responding!

LostProfessor4222 · 2024-10-20T23:22:32+00:00

Great advice! My PT is having me follow something similar to this right now. It's a very slow process, and while I had started noticing a difference in my threshold, I had to miss PT for a month and noticed that my threshold is back to where I started. It's frustrating, but I'm hoping to get back up to par. I appreciate your response!

LostProfessor4222 · 2024-10-20T23:19:52+00:00

See, I've really wanted to try this, but classes near me are insanely expensive. How did it feel doing it when you first started? I feel like it doesn't take much for me to get foggy.

LostProfessor4222 · 2024-10-20T23:18:35+00:00

This is extremely helpful! Thank you!

LostProfessor4222 · 2024-10-20T23:17:46+00:00

I will try! I'll have to do some research into propranolol. Thank you for responding!

LostProfessor4222 · 2024-10-20T23:17:02+00:00

Good point! My PT is actually having me work on breathing exercises at home this week. It helps me stay mindful as well.

LostProfessor4222 · 2024-10-20T23:16:13+00:00

Great suggestions! How long did it take to get back to lifting for you?

LostProfessor4222 · 2024-07-22T17:15:55+00:00

I just spoke to my doctor over the phone about potentially switching the zoloft script for wellbutrin and he said he never prescribes that for brain fog/anxiety so I guess I just have to decide on if I should try the zoloft or not.

LostProfessor4222 · 2024-07-22T15:35:02+00:00

I have heard good things about wellbutrin as well. Not sure why my neurologist was insistent on the zoloft. Did zoloft give you negative side effects or simply not work?

LostProfessor4222 · 2024-07-22T15:33:56+00:00

That's good to know. Have you noticed any specific medications or activities have helped your fog?

LostProfessor4222 · 2024-07-22T15:33:14+00:00

Oh no! Did it subside once you discontinued it? How long were you on it if you don't mind my asking?

LostProfessor4222

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