PulseJournal.com

Is your dog anxious about school?

By Lindsey Hilty | Wednesday, August 27, 2008, 09:56 AM

No joke! I just got this press release about helping your dog to adjust to back to school. I laughed and rolled my eyes, but I am not a dog person, so I am allowed to do that. Here is the gist of the text:

“Back to school time can be especially stressful on the family dog. After a summer of having people around him all day, suddenly Fido is left alone all day when vacation is over and the kids go back to school. This can cause separation anxiety, which often results in destructive behavior.”

So, I sarcastically alerted the newsroom that if anyone is concerned about their dog when the kids go back to school, we now have a solution. My editor quickly pointed out that she gives her dog anti-anxiety pills. Hmmm.

I can understand the behavior issues. My parents’ cat flips out when her schedule is altered. She lives outside or in the basement now after she urinated on the carpet in defiance of the empty household during the day. The vet suggested we give her anxiety pills. My dad suggested the vet was crazier than the cat. Seriously, have you ever given a cat a pill? My dad would gladly give away our very loving furball if anyone wants to cure her of separation anxiety.

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A penny here

By Lindsey Hilty | Wednesday, August 27, 2008, 08:09 AM

A penny here, a penny there. Lakota is looking at as many cost-saving options as it can find, as are most districts.

One solution, the board approved Monday, is to alter the uniforms for custodial staff. Instead of renting them, the district will purchase the shirts and employees can wear their own pants. This had been a point of contention in years past, officials said, because the female employees especially did not like the uniform pants.

The uniforms are a security measure. The new plan will save up to 30 percent of the former costs, officials said.

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Excellent with Distinction

By Lindsey Hilty | Tuesday, August 26, 2008, 10:45 AM

So Lakota did it! They were excellent with distinction.

Attached is a link explaining the report cards. Lakota did not make three of four requirements for Adequate Yearly Progress, but all it took was one. The district passed with flying colors when it came to the newly added report card feature — value added. Essentially, someone came up with a formula to track a students progress in a year’s time. If the child progresses more than a year, no matter what grade level he or she is in, then the district gets credit. So, let’s say John comes into the district at a first-grade level, but is supposed to be in the fifth-grade. If he shows progress and growth, then the district gets credit. If he shows growth two years in a row, the district gets bumped even higher.

This was the case for Lakota, who earned the top honor.

. http://www.ode.state.oh.us/GD/Templates/Pages/ODE/ODEDetail.aspx?page=279

Continue reading "Excellent with Distinction"...

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Akers’ home a tourist hot spot

By Lindsey Hilty | Monday, August 25, 2008, 04:49 PM

I just spent the afternoon with the Akers. They are doing great since their return to their new home. Ginger Akers said she is pain free now that she doesn’t have to lift the girls all day. And, because she is pain free, she is sleeping at night. What a blessing!

She told me they want to thank so many people, but a lot of the gifts were anonymous. She kept expressing to me that she wants to thank everyone and tell them how appreciative they are.

Check out my story in the Pulse Thursday about their “back to school” plans.

On a side note…I thought this was so cool. The family donated nearly three truck loads of their furniture and household goods to Serve City in Hamilton. Ginger said that was a small way for them to give back.

The kids said they enjoy waving to all those that are still driving by the home. Those peeking in the windows aren’t quite as well received, but the family said they look forward to showing off the home after the show airs in November. The date has yet to be announced. Hundreds of hours of video was taken, so even the Akers have no idea what the final results will be like. Stay tuned!

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Will Lakota remain “Excellent”?

By Lindsey Hilty | Friday, August 22, 2008, 08:26 AM

The Lakota School Board is expected to announce the results of the state achievement tests late Monday. While Lakota students have scored 30 of 30 indicators, the district has yet to release the news if the students in smaller sub groups have passed with adequate yearly progress. This includes students with disabilities on individual education plans and students who speak limited English. This stipulation is part of “No Child Left Behind,” legislation.

Check out this link from the Ohio Department of Education to learn more about the tests.

http://ohio3-8.success-ode-state-oh-us.info/

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Perfection in China

By Lindsey Hilty | Wednesday, August 20, 2008, 01:26 PM

I had a wonderful experience last night, interviewing several Chinese American families. I LOVE hearing about other cultures, traditions, history, etc. I picked the brains of several very accomplished West Chester Twp. residents. While my story focused on the Olympics, I couldn’t help asking about human rights, censorship and the true feelings of the citizens.

First of all, I learned that a good host in China aims for perfection. Appearances are everything. This helped me better understand the Olympics and why the Chinese have devoted so much time and energy into ensuring everything unfolds perfectly. Yes, there have been some controversial moments, but overall, I have been impressed.

The people I talked to said they felt bad for the beautiful little girl with a beautiful voice, and thought it was taken a bit far to have a “prettier” girl lip sing during the opening ceremony. They also said that the Chinese gymnasts may look young, but they are convinced that all Chinese people tend to look young. While they said they can’t prove it one way or another, they are giving them the benefit of the doubt.

In any case, this group of friends was more interested in basketball than gymnastics. They also were quite enamored with Michael Phelps.

Family is HUGE in Chinese culture, and this group of residents made me feel like one of the family. While they captivated me with stories of trauma and joys from their lives, I promised not to share anything that might put their families in tough situations back in China. So, without naming names, I have to say I was heartbroken to learn one person’s father was beaten to death for his anti-communist stance. Another was treated like a spy because of relatives that lived outside the country during the 1970s when the government was most oppressive. While each of these people were able to flee the oppression they faced, they said they are now proud of China for all it has accomplished. They have been able to set aside their anger and frustration with the former government regime to rekindle their love for the people and the culture. How inspiring!

Do you have international neighbors? This is a diverse community. I challenge you to visit with you neighbors and learn about their lives. I promise you will leave with an entirely different perspective.

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Local mother of five dies

By Lindsey Hilty | Tuesday, August 19, 2008, 10:25 AM

The Wyandot Early Childhood School leaders are asking the Lakota community to help a local family by contributing to a 5/3 account, Friends of Jennifer Carter Memorial Fund. The 34-year-old mother of five and wife to Michael Carter, died after a long 2.5-year battle with breast cancer. The Wyandot Parent Teacher Organization in conjunction with Wyandot Early Childhood School. For questions call Keri Myers at 755-1213 kerimyers@msn.com or Jenny Clute at 759-4741 jennydee@fuse.net.

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