My Article in Today's Paper

Christy Robbins: Public schools should not fear religion Opinion, Commentary, Editorials, Op-Ed and Letters to the Editor - News for Dallas, Texas - The Dallas Morning News
In 2003, an elementary school student brought pens shaped like candy canes to a Plano ISD classroom to hand out at the annual holiday party. Attached to the pen was a legend about the candy cane, including symbolic biblical reasons for each marking to explain the Christmas story. The school would not allow him to hand these out. Eight years later, this battle is still rolling around the court system as First Amendment rights are evaluated.
Now, I’m a little foggy on whether the candy cane story is a fact-filled legend or just an old tale passed down through generations. All evidence points toward the candy cane legend being written to more clearly explain Christmas. After all, the candy cane is rarely a sermon topic in Christian churches. I’ve yet to come across candy cane references in the Bible.
I have, however, read many legends from various cultures and religious groups within the pages of Texas textbooks written to paint clearer pictures about circumstances and traditions important to cultures. And that’s what people who have taken sides in this fight need to remember: The official Texas curriculum is full of legends, myths and fables that are used to impart a greater truth.
There are no court cases pending regarding the popular library book The Legend of the Bluebonnet. In that book, Native American spirits visit the hills of Texas and fill them with blue flowers because of a little girl’s sacrifice.
If The Legend of the Candy Cane received a Bluebonnet Award, would it be classroom-approved?
Delving deeper into the candy cane case itself and what it represents is the line drawn between education and a student’s right to share his or her religious celebrations. Sharing stories about why Christmas is celebrated falls under the umbrella of facts about a religion celebrated by people who live all over the world. “Multicultural studies,” which encompass religious celebrations, is another Texas standard listed for all students to cover. Many districts set aside time to observe multicultural learning. So why do standards change when Christianity becomes one of the religions under study?
Comments in previous articles about the candy cane case reflect a misconception that Christians are the only ones asking for the right to observe, celebrate and share their customs freely in our schools. Not so. There are many public displays of various religious customs in Texas elementary schools. They look different, but each aligns with the particular group’s customs and beliefs.
Local districts make accommodations for students to pray toward the east during school hours. Places are provided for students to gather when observing Ramadan, allowing these students to forego lunchroom visits. Special dietary needs are met through the district’s meal planning for students with food restrictions based on their religion.
Sharing a religious story attached to a pen, praying before a football game or even using the word “prayer” instead of “moment of silence” is a hotly debated topic when you attach the name of Christ.
If you don’t believe in the power of those prayers, why fear the effects? If Christmas is just a story, why suppress a student from sharing his religious beliefs?
If you want to prevent students from sharing personal beliefs and feelings with each other, we need to go to silent lunches and solitary recess.
There’s just no reason to fear the spread of basic knowledge. After all, having knowledge of why Christmas is celebrated doesn’t make you a Christian. It’s believing Jesus died for your sins and placing your faith in Jesus that makes you a Christian.

Dallas Morning News Article #5

This article ran in the front section of Saturday's section.  I diverted a little from strictly speaking about education, though I had to tie it into the end of the article.  It ran in a different section, which was sort of interesting to be linked to another group.  I have another one due towards the end of July....I'm still deciding what it will be about, but I need to get kicking, I don't have the excuse of work keeping me from sitting down and really delving into my thoughts, and the words I want to use to express them.
The most interesting part of this whole thing has been the editing.  I've always taken the long route to say things, and having someone go up and pick up my pieces of word garbage...it's interesting.  :O) 
And without further ado (I had to go the long route, of course...) I'm attaching my link to my living journal of my journey to....who knows, I'll let you know when I get there. 
 Christy Robbins: What can prison tell us about our priorities? | Opinion, Commentary, Editorials, Op-Ed and Letters to the Editor - News for Dallas, Texas - The Dallas Morning News

Christy Robbins: Spending on teachers is not the problem | Opinion, Commentary, Editorials, Op-Ed and Letters to the Editor - News for Dallas, Texas - The Dallas Morning News

Here's the article I wrote for this week's Sunday paper.  I know many have opinions on what is important and what can be sacrificed.  We see it from a 'different' side, but I had to speak for mine, at the risk of much critisism.  In the middle of the education world, I see the impact.  The consequences of the choices are breaking my heart.  Cuts are required.  Many people who are making the decisions about what must be cut are the same people who made the decisions that led to the debt crisis in Texas.  It would take a lot to convince me it was excessive spending on education that wrote this story we are living in the State Capitol.  In the end, I can't speak for the higher ups, but down in the trenches, I assure you we have a budget we don't deviate from as teachers.  Decisions will be made.  I just knew I'd feel better for being heard....even if it's just my Mom listening. 
Christy Robbins: Spending on teachers is not the problem Opinion, Commentary, Editorials, Op-Ed and Letters to the Editor - News for Dallas, Texas - The Dallas Morning News
If the link doesn't work, here is the article without the fancy pictures, heading etc, I don't know why it's underlined: 
As a product of the school district in which I teach, I have the unique opportunity to remember well the impact of the very same programs, teachers and resources that are threatened by cuts facing my district.



As a student, I sat back and witnessed the country-sky demonstration at the planetarium and realized the world was bigger than Richardson, Texas.


I remember trips to Enterprise City, a work-force simulation. I worked for the paper, earned a check, shopped on my lunch hour and balanced my checkbook.


I learned to love art, make an impact, create a safe classroom and work with words to make a difference in the life of a child.


At the first murmurs of education cuts, I brainstormed a list of ideas. I like to keep opinions on hand in case anyone asks.


I figured Gov. Rick Perry might want to call and run a few ideas by me. He didn’t. In fact, few in Austin wanted to hear teachers’ voices.


Outside of my district, I’ve yet to be asked what should happen. When I turn on the news, I hear reasons why various education areas can be sacrificed. I rarely read research regarding the value of these programs on the chopping block.


I consult a doctor before I treat an illness. I research maps before heading out on trips.


Shouldn’t someone consult experts on education before heading down this path?


Living in a large state that borders another country creates new educational challenges as cultures collide, and we work to find successful strategies for the ever-evolving Texas student. I’d say Texas teachers have done a good job.


It’s hard for me to know where to begin when defending our current use of tax dollars. Should I explain a teacher’s classroom budget? My team and I received roughly $12 a year per student to buy supplies, make copies, create manipulatives and learning opportunities for all students in all subject areas. We did it. We never went over budget. Not once.


Districts are trying to work out issues with the state to provide ideas for possible fixes, but we are headed for a divorce of philosophies.


Realizing we are better together than apart means the state would have to find another way to fix their budget crisis.


Sure, teachers will maintain a relationship with the state after the divorce is finalized. We’ll stay together for the kids, but it won’t be the same.


Are there definite cuts we can make in education? Yes.


But teacher spending is not the problem. It shouldn’t be the solution.


Yes, demand vendors stop taking advantage of budgets. Yes, trim frivolous spending and perks. But big cuts come in the form of people. People who influence student futures, raise the leaders, entrepreneurs and teachers of tomorrow. The more exposure students get to a variety of people in schools, the more chance we have at reaching them all.






I’ve seen aides make connections with students in desperate need of mentoring, math specialists crack open a student’s division difficulties, and reading specialists teach sixth-graders how to love reading and crave literacy.


As an RISD student, I received the lessons needed to come back and teach future alumni. Experiences like Enterprise City landed me here as a Voices volunteer columnist, though the pay is slightly less than Enterprise newspaper.


Texas teachers aren’t asking for raises, better insurance or more vacation. We want students to have the help they need. We want a voice in decision-making, not room to express our feelings after decisions are made.


Think about what today’s decisions will mean for students 25 years from now. This is about more than economics. Use skills your teachers once taught in social studies classes, economics and arithmetic lessons. Do the math. Apply the logic. What will these choices look like in our history books?

Article Number 3: Snow Days

    

 Here's my third article, that ran this morning in the Dallas Morning News. 

     I sat down to write last week, enjoying my fourth snow day, three more than I've ever received in a year, soon to be followed by my 5th snow day this week.  I had so much to say on everything-budget cuts, job losses, unrest in Egypt, Armageddon, issues with potty training a two year old chihuahua, paper or plastic, you name it, I had an opinion.

 None of my opinions were polished, but my deadline was looming, and so....I wrote about snow days. 

I gave myself a break from trying to polish up my other opinions on those' other things.'  I'm getting there, I have a plan for a future article, I just need to find the words, and the time to string those words together. 
    So, last week, I enjoyed my time off, I, literally, set at least 2 weeks worth of stuff to post in the future that I had time to complete, AND I wrote an article....all about snow days.  Fluffy, fun, just because I can. 

Article #2: Sharpening College Career Tools

     My second article ran this past Sunday in the Dallas Morning News.  Here it is.
     There are so many great teachers and parents out there, but there are still a few that don't look long term....there is a definite link between who we are in 2nd grade, what we are held accountable for in 4th grade, and what habits we form in 5th grade that can make or break the next 7 years. 
     The abrieviated back story is:  I watched my Mom complete her college courses throughout my childhood, and I attended her graduation when I was in junior high.  She was the first woman to complete college in our family....and after seeing the sacrifices she made to further her education, and even being included in some of her class assignments, and watching her wade through paper writing....I was proud of her, and there was no doubt in my mind I'd go to college, and I knew what it would look like when I got there. 
     College isn't the path for everyone, but it was the path for me, and I'm sure glad someone prepared my way, and knew the ropes when it came around to being ready to head down that road. 

My first, maybe my last, and hey, even my best....article....

   I mentioned awhile back I'm a part of a group of teacher/student "Voices" writing for the Dallas Morning News this year.  I think I also mentioned to anyone that would listen that I was having difficulty thinking of ANYTHING to write about.  I've never experienced any form of silence before, in my thoughts, in my daily life, in the presence of a speck of dust, it's just not in me to not jabber without ceasing.  Sure, I can be quiet, and I TRY to be quiet and share the air, I said "I try,"  but if I'm 'being quiet' you should see how noisy things are inside my brain. 
    So, after a month, I made myself start aimlessly writing, and I decided my first article would be a little off the controversial road, it would be my way of saying thank you, in some small way to someone I truly admire in the teaching field, a volunteer.  And just like I tell my brother he's my favorite (guess how many siblings I have?), I can honestly say this is the best article I've ever had published (hint:  I have the same number of siblings as I do articles published). 
   Here is a link to the article.  This post is more for a personal record, but just in case you volunteer at schools, I heart you.  Seriously, on the list of things that have meant the most to me, it's those parents that sent little 'just because' gifts or stopped to say 'thank you,' the church members that mentor the students I've spent 9 hours trying to dissect, and cure, and some days, survive, and the volunteers that were willing to brave the field trips, or Thursday envelope jungle. 
     As far as the actual writing process, my original article was 850 words.  I asked my Mom, an English major, to edit.  We went back and forth many times as I put things back in I couldn't live without, took her suggestions on things that were bothering me, and pondered the concept of world peace, world domination, and world domino tournaments.  I then turned my article in with 50 extra words (700, as requested by the sections editor).  He then reworked it/took some things out, and 200 fewer words later, it was my words, rearranged, adjusted, and a little less wordy thanks to the help of eagle eyed editor, who also happens to be really funny, encouraging, and really nice.  It was strange to look at something I remember writing, seeing my voice, but wondering were that 'excess' went.  It went where it was supposed to-away.  I want a permanent editor!  I also want a puppy. 
   In other 'news,' I have a little idea of what I'm writing about next, and it's still not very controversial, but....it's a big deal to me, and this assignment might as well be something I like writing about, controversial can wait until #3, right?  ....and #4 may get me booted.  Kidding.  Kinda.

Once Upon a Newspaper

On a personal note... 

It's not an obituary, but if it was....I'd be pretty ticked at my family for cutting off the top of my head in the picture.  This is the Metro Section from Sunday's Dallas Morning News, and at the bottom, on the right is my picture and a little write up about me the news put together based on an application I sent in last spring.  Maggie told me about a yearly series the newspaper puts together using teachers and student columnist.  It's called "Voices."  She thought it was right up my alley.  She was right.  I sent in a pretty scary application, and they took me anyway.  The pieces from this write up are from that application.  I'll have to find the 'whole thing' sometime...or lose it forever accidentally on purpose.   

Throughout the year I'm 'supposed' to summit articles.  I've been given my dates (they rotate), but I'm experiencing some writer's block, confusion, frustration, laziness, and timidness I don't recognize.   This summer I went downtown to the newspaper and I was 'trained.'  Or...untrained would be a more accurate description. 

It was hot, it was August, and like I said, I have fewer ideas of what I want to write about now than I did entering the building, but it was really great to meet and hear from the section's editor(s), and writers for the paper, and meet the other Voices.   They took our pictures in a studio, and they snapped about 50 shots of each of us.   I want to see the other 49 pictures of me b/c....well, nevermind... The deal is, we can write about whatever we want, it doesn't have to be education based, though I have a feeling mine will be.  We are also given a weekly question, and if we choose to answer in a smaller editorial piece, and they choose our answer, it will also run with our picture.  The picture thing sounds more like a threat than a treat.  We can also suggest articles we want to write etc, and go 'out of line' if they like our stories, but for now, I just want to get my feet wet, my pen warmed up, and my idea bank up and running.  My first article is due in a little over a month.  Right now, I'm glad to have a name near the end of the alphabet.  The problem is I've been given freedom, and all I want to write about is 'stuff' like cutting patterns in my breakfast toast and playing tic tac toe.