November 30 meeting date, explained

We're meeting a week later than usual--just this month--to accommodate members' holiday schedules.

"KASA" defined

A beloved teacher at the School for International Training--Dr. Alvino Fantini--would often tell us that there are four categories of things that a teacher can teach you:

Knowledge
Awareness
Skills
Attitudes

Since hearing Alvino say this often, back in 1992, it always surprises me how often people say 'skills' or 'knowledge' when they clearly mean KASA.

Email from Elizabeth Linares to GS - 10/7/10

Mr. Sullivan,

I have received your e-mail. If you would like to discuss the Eagle Heights mission statement, I am happy to have a phone conversation with you; probably easier for me to answer your questions that way.

Feel free to contact me at 952-975-7211.

Elizabeth Linares

My Complaint to Brother Derek

Good day Derek,

Sheila Kihne operates the most harshly-censored comments section of any local blog that I have observed.

If I knew that a local lefty-blogger categorically banned you from his comments section for transparently ideological reasons, I would very much look down on that person. (Indeed, I would contact the person to complain.)

I would never seek to promote such a writer's work--as I don't work on behalf of unethical people--as a fundamental matter of principle.

I am sad to see that you take such an accommodating perspective, as regards cowardice.

All the best,

Gavin Sullivan

Eden Prairie, MN

Eagle Heights Spanish Immersion Mission Statement

Remember, I'm asking the principal why Spanish was selected, as Eden Prairie's only foreign-language immersion option.

I've put the question to her three times now. She still appears to think her school's Mission Statement in some way answers my question. It says nothing in answer to my question.

Promote intellectual curiosity, academic excellence, and intercultural understanding and competence through a language immersion education.

Eagle Heights Spanish Immersion School:

* Values respect, encouragement and meaningful learning
* Promotes trust and communication within a partnership of students, staff, parents, and community
* Provides opportunities for learners to enhance their strengths and build the foundations for life-long learning
* Is committed to culturally relevant pedagogy and anti-racist education

**

Mr. Sullivan,
I have received your e-mail. If you would like to discuss the Eagle Heights mission statement, I am happy to have a phone conversation with you; probably easier for me to answer your questions that way.
Feel free to contact me at 952-975-7211.
Elizabeth Linares

John Howitz 10/5/10 email response

Gavin-

The terms are used to describe our curriculum as it focuses on the “classics” of Western Literature. We also focus on sequential education, “traditional”. If you read books by E.D. Hirsch they help explain the Core Knowledge Sequence that we use in grades k-8. In high school our foundation course is Humanities which integrates literature and history starting with Ancient Greece and continuing through the Modern Area. We read primary sources in history and the full texts for literature.

Our grading system follows the traditional 90,80, 70….A, B, C format.
Our grades are weighted towards tests and not group work.
We do lots of homework.
We require Latin.

I hope this helps.

John

Mr Sullivan,

Because of the complexity of the chain of events that led to this fatal accident the Accident Investigation Board asked for an extension to its investigation. Additionally, the AIB was then directed by the convening authority to re-examine all of the evidence collected and its findings. The AIB wanted to ensure a thorough investigation and the convening authority wanted to ensure all evidence and testimony were considered, and reconsidered, to the maximum extent possible.

Public release of the report is pending next of kin notifications. All next of kin and survivors of the accident will be briefed individually as to the circumstances of the accident. After the final family briefing is complete the report will be made public. I have no timeline available for this -- much of it depends on the availability of geographically separated key personnel and family members.

An executive summary of the AIB report will be posted at:
http://usaf.aib.law.af.mil/indexFY09.html

Please feel free to monitor this site or contact me again over the next several weeks.

-- Don Arias

Donald C. Arias, CIV, DAF
Public Affairs Plans
Air Force Special Operations Command
229 Cody Ave, Ste 103
Hurlburt Field, FL 32544
DSN: 579- 2864
CMCL: 850-884-2864
http://www.afsoc.af.mil/

"In preparing for battle I have always found that plans are useless, but planning is indispensable."

-- Dwight D. Eisenhower