Monday, August 31, 2009
Friday, August 28, 2009
Nocturnal Visitors
I have been keeping a birdfeeder on the back porch so the kitties can watch the birds. Yesterday morning, I noticed that the feeder was knocked over and the container with the extra birdseed was also knocked over and the feed strewn all over. I thought that was unusual, and sure enough, tonight I heard noises on the porch and when I turned on the light to look out, there were 4 young raccoons on the porch. I don't yet have pictures, but I will post them when I have some.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Julia C Frazier Elementary School
A few years ago I tutored (through TI) kids at Julia C Frazier Elementary School. This school is in a poor area in Dallas (Fairpark), 100% minority and 98% poor, and yet they have managed to accomplish something special with their kids - passing the TAAS test. When I quit working for TI, I stopped tutoring, but decided that was the school I wanted to get my donate school supplies. In years past, it has been a nearby school, but I decided my small amount of supplies would have a bigger impact at JCF. I am so impressed with this school and these teachers for what they have accomplished. Here are some statistics from the Dallas Morning News about the school:
| School (District) | Percent passing | Percent poor |
| Kerr Elementary (Allen) | 98.6% | 3.8% |
| Bowie Elementary (Richardson) | 97.8% | 7.3% |
| Julia Frazier Elementary (Dallas) | 97.6% | 97.9% |
| Hyer Elementary (Highland Park) | 97.4% | 0.0% |
| Aldridge Elementary (Plano) | 97.3% | 8.3% |
| Austin Elementary (Coppell) | 96.2% | 5.6% |
| Anderson Elementary (Frisco) | 95.8% | 2.4% |
It seems that if you show these kids (grades 1-3) that they are loved, they belong and someone cares if they do well, then they will do well. Will someone please tell that to the new Secretary of Education?
Sunday, August 23, 2009
New Beginnings Cat Rescue
I've started volunteering at a local cat shelter. I clean cages and give the kitties love. This shelter, New Beginnings Cat Rescue, is a no kill organization, which is very important to me. I just can't believe that any healthy pet has to be put to sleep. Can you imagine killing this cute kitten? She was a day away from being put down when NBCR got her. Thankfully, she has been adopted along with another kitten by a wonderful family in the Garland area. And no, it is not us!
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
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