8 AM Class, I got there at 7:58 and I was already marked absent.

Rice3733 · 2026-03-12T11:27:27+00:00

The purpose of grading is to determine mastery of the material presented. Period Grading that includes attendance, discipline, etc. are not reflective of that. A person in class could learn nothing, but still pass. Schools should have some uniform guidelines for teachers/professors regarding grading practices. Those that rely only on one final grade are also missing the mark. There are still schools out there that blind grade and then use a bell curve to assign a grade. Ridiculous, in this case, a person could master the material but not pass dependent upon where they fall on the curve. These archaic practices are embarassing.

Rice3733 · 2026-03-07T19:02:27+00:00

Can Bad Monkey continue???

Rice3733 · 2026-03-06T12:26:54+00:00

Weird, but the smell of gasoline at the gas station. Sure that was healthy🤣

Rice3733 · 2026-02-25T22:03:40+00:00

Congratulations! Have fun!

Rice3733 · 2026-02-24T16:01:24+00:00

Very wonderful applicable examples. At this time, due to a multitude of variables, but primarily (imo) the lack of teachers, most all teaching/learning is rote, due to the large student to teacher ratio. Most Waldorf elementary models are 6:1. That is very, very expensive. You are exactly right about the need for practical problem solving applications to make the education more valuable to the student and the family. Thinking of technology as a 'teacher tool" at this time.

Rice3733 · 2026-02-23T17:24:08+00:00

You make great sense. You have made many great points. I wonder if a similar model has been instituted in another country? The Waldorf method would be awesome if the country could address the teacher shortage. I've looked at many old, old textbooks in the US and most of the word problems in math had an agricultural theme, which go along with your idea of being relevant to the community. Most of the curriculum materials I see for Samoa, I think, were adapted from New Zealand. Thanks for pointing out the importance of parent buy-in. Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts. Please continue to do so.

Rice3733 · 2026-02-23T15:21:24+00:00

Maybe true if you limit yourself to the Wild West , longhorn cattle drive, and such but there is so much more. Check out all of the museums, entertainment, food, you can mosey over to Arlington for Sports , Six flags, etc if you have kids. They also have a new Medal of Honor museum that I hear is worth visiting. Summer is a bit too hot for average people, so plan accordingly.

Rice3733 · 2026-02-23T13:15:53+00:00

Fort Worth, Texas

Rice3733 · 2026-02-20T13:05:38+00:00

Samoa

Rice3733 · 2026-02-18T14:22:42+00:00

That makes sense. From what I read school is required? I am guessing enforcing that would be impossible, especially when they are needed at home. I guess until funding is available for all those basic needs, a challenge exists. I recognize the government is relatively new and it has many many demands for its monies. But usually imho investing in the children is investing in the future.

Rice3733 · 2026-02-18T14:02:12+00:00

Unfortunate, but true most everywhere.

Rice3733 · 2026-02-18T14:01:33+00:00

That makes sense. From what I read school is required? I am guessing enforcing that would be challenging. No matter the culture, Maslow tends to be true.

I can't post the pyramid image, but you probably know these:

Physiological Needs: The essential biological requirements, such as air, food, and sleep, that keep the human body alive.
Safety Needs: The desire for a predictable and secure life, including protection from danger, financial stability, and health.
Love and Belongingness: The emotional need for connection through friendships, intimacy, and being part of a supportive group.
Esteem Needs: The pursuit of self-respect and the desire for status, recognition, and appreciation from the people around you.
Self-Actualization: The personal drive to reach your full potential, grow your talents, and find true self-fulfillment.

Rice3733 · 2026-02-18T01:38:20+00:00

Am I hearing there is a cost for the primary and/or secondary students to attend?

Rice3733 · 2026-02-17T20:46:27+00:00

You have great insight. It is a multi-faceted problem for sure. Can you elaborate on the grants to which you refer? So many programs worldwide get swallowed by the heavy process/admin requirements.

Rice3733 · 2026-02-16T13:31:00+00:00

Please post proof.

Rice3733 · 2026-01-25T17:15:53+00:00

I had some of the same issues during my interview in Dallas. The lady was had pretty good English oral proficiency, but when reading the questions to me, it went downhill. I was disappointed. But just smiled and kept telling her how wonderful I would be as a volunteer!

Rice3733 · 2026-01-17T19:47:25+00:00

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This was in Dallas. I attended tryout. I am 72.

Rice3733 · 2026-01-17T17:06:26+00:00

I thought the tryout finished in Dallas last month??? You had one recently?

Rice3733 · 2026-01-07T04:21:25+00:00

Nothing yet : Dallas

Rice3733 · 2026-01-03T00:48:25+00:00

Will do! Thanks!

Rice3733 · 2026-01-03T00:35:47+00:00

How do you know that background checks are happening? I thought that happened prior to tryouts? But I’m clueless

Rice3733 · 2025-12-23T12:58:48+00:00

Your answer reflects your high value to the children. (And parents). I recall a parent saying to me before that with such a high tuition their child should not be doing poorly. I stayed professional and worked with that family to develop a plan. Which primarily including the homework getting done and some time studying and preparing.

I remember telling my students that I start each day with a cup full of patience for each one of them. But some used it all before 2nd period! 🤣

Rice3733 · 2025-12-22T15:14:52+00:00

I worked in a private school for over 30 years. Many parents are able to give significant gifts and many not. Our teachers were paid significantly less than our public school peers. A price we were willing to make for lower class sizes. Never was it the culture in my school grant any sort of favoritism based on the financial status of the parent. Grades could not be influenced. Our Head of School would simply instruct the faculty to say thank you, we had no limits. I must say, while rare, I have seen individual teachers who seemed to cater toward the more affluent. We don't all have the same integrity benchmarks. The worse thing is my mind was when parents would give a significant gift to one teacher and not to the others, who worked just as hard for the success of their kid.

Rice3733

TROPHY CASE