Search Results for 'WO'

[Anonymous]

Sven: I have enjoyed reading the writing on this subject. I agree with you that kids learn from each other and a great way to do that is to have them in groups. Our kids schools have reading, math and computer groups. They write in journals as well but as individuals but share some of their work to give each other ideas and new insight.

I will say your comment that parents should be receiving letters from the district puzzles me but also makes me want to ask our teachers for such letters. Our youngest daughter skipped 1st grade after just 3 months so we had to learn pretty quickly the cirriculum for 2nd grade, her teacher provided me with a copy of Everyday Math so we can work along at home with the class and help our daughter in areas she might need extra help. So far it has been great just a difference of 40 years and terminology as in fact families but she is doing great and is working at the 2nd grade level and learning her multiplication tables.

[Sven]

Hi Ken, ok…group work. It really can be a benefit to all kids both high achievers and lower achievers. I’ll give you my take on this and what I do in the classroom. In other schools (West Seattle included) students sat in rows and did most of their work by themselves. I seat kids in groups of 4 or 5 and combine ind. work and group work throughout the day. I also allow whisper talk that allows the kids to ask each other questions that pertain to what they are working on (I have to be on top of this) and the kids learn from each other without feeling like they need to call on me all the time. Group work in Science means that kids are usually working in pairs (not always), but kids are responsible for filling out their own science journals. My personal opinion is that the science kits and material are really good and the kids get some really hands on learning that excites them.

Hope that helps.

[herongrrrl]

There are public health rules preventing dogs from being off-leash anywhere people might swim, at least within Seattle city limits–which is why Alki and Golden Gardens are posted for no dogs on the beach (and they are places where you are actually somewhat likely to get ticketed for breaking that law). There is that spot right around Duwamish Head, don’t remember the name of the park, but it’s basically a lawn between Alki Ave and the greenbelt on the bluff, maybe that would be a good site?

[Crowe]

Alki Auto is worth checking out. They are SUPER honest and a group of very nice folks.

My poor car has been there many time getting all fixed up. :0)

[Crowe]

I think Lincoln Park will be tough because of the wildlife that occupies the beach. ie, Herons, baby seals. MAYBE Alki? More people and sandy beach, could have a space for dogs to swim, but maybe too many high brows who won’t want to share, but may be worth a try. Is there usable space further down, past the Alki Tavern??

Just a few thoughts.

[JanS]

here’s a place near Gasworks Park that may be able to help with some computer things…

http://www.interconnection.org/

[Ken]

I have too much stuff already.

Repairing stuff is part of the reason.

If you have an espresso machine that is really expensive, I may not be able to resist it.

The current little cheap one shot at a time version I have is rescued from a yard sale and repaired.

Many appliances are easy to repair.

Consumer Electronics are usually designed in a way that make repairing them impossible or not worth the time. (Hint: that’s why they call them “consumer” electronics)

I think I counted up the laptops I have repaired and it looks like I have 7 with two more on the bench waiting for time to put in the replacement parts I ordered.

I have no real use for most them and a couple are so old I would be embarrassed to even give them away.

I do need pc100 and pc133 sdram in 256 size sticks if you have any. I have 3 PIII dells I am making into linux boxes to go to a friend on the Yakama reservation.

I have lots of stuff to trade :)

I seem to remember hearing too late about a city wide computer recycle day last fall. I intend to have my station wagon filled and ready to go if they do it again.

[Ken]

staples has a copy center at westwood.

There used to be a copy place at 35th and Fauntleroy but I don’t remember seeing it lately.

I use a scanner and laser printer to make copies.

Actually I don’t remember the last time I made a paper copy of something. I just scan it to a raid server and send a copy to offsite storage.

[Ken]

Sven:

Thanks for the reply and also for your hard work. I suspect most of my criticism should be directed at the school board and it’s top heavy administrative staff but they are not concerned with anything but the WASL and NCLB as far as I can tell and they don’t seem to have much choice in that either.

Let’s talk about another issue that also seems to have taken over education. It does not seem to be a new thing here either.

Group work.

Why is group work and social conformity stressed so strongly in elementary school in Seattle?

Apparently science is one of the subjects that requires “group” work in that groups or teams are required to do the work rather than individuals being graded on what they learn. Those with poor social skills seem to be graded more on how they cooperate with others than on learning basic science.

This reminds me of the 1920’s focus on job readiness rather than learning to learn theory that replaced it. Is the “create compliant worker bees” theory back again?

Maybe I am just cranky on this subject since I remember having to take over any “team” I was assigned to and do all the work so that whatever slackers I was paired with did not drag down the score.

Perhaps that is the real lesson being taught in our schools?

I know I had to learn that lesson over and over in the technical fields of the corporate world. Never assume your co-workers or manager know WTF they are doing.

Perhaps you can explain this one to me.

[agenschmitz]

My family is planning an addition to our home, but my architect wife has some questions that a structural engineer would be helpful in answering. Does anyone have experience with someone in this line of work?

[karen]

How about the dog owners and the parents working together? I am a parent. Dogs loose make me nervous for my kids’ safety. Your dog may be safe but I have no way of knowing that when it’s loose. My uncle’s safe family dog attacked me when I was very young – I thought he looked like a pony and his ears were reins, can’t blame the dog for that. However, I almost lost my eyesight and it could have been so much worse.

I would like to see the play area at parks fenced. That way I know my child can’t run off into an unsafe area, I would feel more secure about someone sneaking up on my child and I would be a lot less worried about loose dogs. It seems like this would provide a way for our tax dollars to help more groups use the same space.

[Anonymous]

RainyDay… I second the idea of a dog park in this area. Since we moved here, we haven’t made it over to WestCrest, simply because it seems a little far from where we are. If there was a park in this area, we would be there all the time. We have a tiny dog, so it’s not a huge issue (she’s actually more like a cat). But if there is something that can be done in regards to getting a dog park in this area, I would like to help!

[RainyDay1235]

I never said what I was doing was ‘right’ – I just said, I do it. Ideally – of course we should follow the laws, and when we don’t agree – work to change the law. I don’t like sneaking around. And yes, I have a yard, or else I would not own the one (small) dog I do.

I only let her off within a fenced park-like area when NO ONE ELSE IS AROUND. If anyone shows up – I leash her immediately. If it’s another dog-owner, I let them sniff and then maybe it’s back off the leash….

Ken wrote:

>Off leash areas are a city service, paid for with tax dollars and are located throughout the city. They may not be convenient to all but they are accessible to everyone.

My question is simply – where are these areas? Certainly not in West Seattle. And sorry – Westcrest does not count anymore, not without constant police patrolling.

I’m just looking for equal time here for my tax money. So many parks and so much of it laying to waste – it’s a shame.

[swimcat]

Congratulations! I would recommend the Hall at Fauntleroy. We had a beautiful reception there and it was so easy because you have to use Tuxedos and Tennis Shoes for catering (trust me, you’ll be happy that it’s one less decision to make and their food is awesome!). Tables, chairs, linens are provided, and their alcohol policy was very reasonable I thought. There is plenty of parking and bathrooms, and the upstairs room is beautiful. Wherever you have the reception, there are tons of ways to save money and still have a fun day you’ll never forget. Good luck!

[Ken]

I have a big yard. That is what determined that we could have several large dogs. The landscaping in the back yard is nearly all devoted to dog protection, fun and safety. There are digging areas, shade, rain protection even video so we can keep an eye on them from off site.

The BIL has 2 large dogs in an apt. He walks them twice daily and pays for a trainer as well as a dog walker for days he has to work late. He drives 30 miles to the off leash area once or twice a week. These are his children for all intents and purposes and his vet and other pet related expenses could probably have put several kids through college.

But that is what it takes to be a responsible large dog owner in a city.

---

Maybe I missed it, but what comments were interpreted as “hate” for dogs? Blaming owners for poor choices does not seem to fit the bill. Implying that those not prepared to care for a dog should perhaps refrain from having one may seem harsh but it has a logic that is consistant and it is the reason I did not have a dog for many many apartment dwelling years.

[Sven]

Ken, as a Seattle School 3rd grade teacher I can empathize with your frustrations. Everyday Math is a new math curriculum that was implemented this year by the Seattle School District. It is a spiral curriculum that in theory cover material over and over throughout the elementary years and by the end of the 5th grade kids have mastered the material. What we have seen as teachers is that the curriculum is roughly a year or two more advanced than what we were used to.

You should be getting everyday math family letters that explain what the unit of study and it has the answers to all of the homework. If you are not getting this you can contact your child’s teacher or you can access it by going to everydaymathonline.com (I think that is address) You can also get there by going through the seattle school web page, but that can cumbersome.

As for homework we as teacher assign work based on grade level. All kids should be reading ind. each night at least 15-20 min. and other HW should be something that builds on what your child is learing in school and not some random WS. Everday math WS cover what was taught in math that same day so you know what the teacher covered or didn’t. Please know though that with this new curriculum and the all demands put on teachers and lack of prep time we are doing our best and we teach because we want all kids to succeed.

Hope that helps,

Sven

[JenV]

To set the record straight- if I had a yard, I would have a dog. I don’t, so I don’t. When and if I am lucky enough to rent a home with a yard, the very first thing I will do is get a dog. If I did have a yard, and a dog- I would observe the law. Look, where I grew up, there were no leash laws. No need for fenced yards. you want to know how many dogs we had to put down because they got hit by a car? That alone makes a leash law worth it for me. I don’t really even care if you pick up your dogs poop. So many people don’t I have just come to expect it. I just get tired of people thinking because they have a dog their rights trump everyone else’s. Like Ken said above- dog ownership is a privilege-not a right.

[Ken]

We live in a city. Dog ownership is a privilege not a right.

Dogs may take the place of children in some peoples lives, and both can be nearly wild in some situations.

I have had both gentle and territorial dogs and they both follow the rules of the pack and (sometimes)their training.

Off leash is always a gamble. A small dog in some ways can be more aggressive than many large breeds. Terriers are one of the few breeds bred to attack and kill prey in addition to the basic dog instinct. Friendly dogs can do damage as well to those who are afraid or not prepared. (My friendly husky, on a leash, knocked a kid off a skateboard during greeting behavior and he almost fell through a plate glass window.)

Those with large breeds, especially territorial breeds may be unprepared for the changes these dogs will exhibit in stressful situations. Never take a dog to a fireworks display unless you outweigh it and have pinch, choke or muzzle collars. Some dogs do not require the stress level of a fireworks display to become irrational.

Here in Highpoint, the majority of dog owners are responsible, but several do not seem to get the idea that poo should be picked up. The low income residents have almost no dogs. This is people who spent 400k on a condo/townhouse and yet feel the landscaping is provided for their pets convenience alone.

Off leash areas are a city service, paid for with tax dollars and are located throughout the city. They may not be convenient to all but they are accessible to everyone.

On the other hand, people who take toddlers to the off leash area are in my opinion, just as irresponsible as dog owners who let unleashed dogs run in playgrounds and parks.

[littlebrowndog]

I have a dog. Actually, we have two dogs. Never in a million years would I let them run loose in a park that is not an off leash park. Heck, I won’t even let them run loose in an off leash park. We drive 45 minutes each way to a dog ranch a few times a week to allow them to run off leash in their special fields. We also walk them 3 miles a day for their exercise—on leash, generally in parks or Alki. And forget about off leash dogs running up to them—they are both service dogs and trained to protect us, so when an off leash dog comes bounding up to us they will growl if that dog gets up against us. Your “friendly dog, he won’t bite” may misinterpret that and start a fight. Yes, some dogs know social behavior and will back off, but others are either alpha dogs and won’t tolerate that or else not socially aware of dog communication and therefore attack in response. We have had it happen; don’t say that “friendly dogs” never do that. We become more than just irate therefore when an off leash dog approaches us. And please don’t tell us to just avoid the parks. We have had off leash dogs approach us at Alki, even, and that park has way too many people for dogs to be off leash.

[JanS]

Hi…welcome to this wonderful part of Seattle. You might start with Rocksport on SW Alaska St near Calif Ave. SW…sports bar, food, sometimes music on weekends. Then there’s Beveridge Place Pub on Calif Ave. SW , neat SW Morgan St. And then there’s Redline Music and Sports Bar on 35th SW near SW Avalon WAY. They have food, and Jam sessions on Thursday evneing, and music on weekends http://redlinemusicsports.com/

Rocksport and Beveridge Place have websites, too…

hope you find a place you’re comfortable with…:)

[k]

i know as a dog owner, i would love another option besides westcrest. i appreciate that people take care of the park, but i do not appreciate the unsafe feeling i have at that park. the wooded areas are awful, the parking lots are unsafe and the park itself is rocky and dangerous for dogs paws. each time i have taken my dog there to run, her paws end up cut from the rocks and pebbles throughout the park. a grassy area would be wonderful! there are so many dogs in west seattle, more than one option would be welcome!

[herongrrrl]

My 8yo daughter and her friend were very frightened by an off-leash dog at Me Kwa Mooks Park last Friday when we went there to enjoy the sunshine. No one was hurt, but when a strange dog runs at you (or your child) barking while the owner is both too far away to do anything to intervene AND makes no effort to call the dog back, it is not a comfortable experience.

There are so many really excellent reasons to keep dogs on leashes when they aren’t in areas set aside for them to run free. The obvious ones include public health and safety issues. Less obvious ones that I have encountered include dogs harrassing wildlife (I once watched an off-leash dog chase a juvenile great blue heron around a WS beach for a good half an hour while its owner did nothing) and damaging new plantings in parks, yards and habitat restoration sites. I have a very dear friend who is terrified of dogs and an off-leash dog in his presence is a threatening thing for him. I know he’s not the only one with this issue.

With respect, mlyn, no one is owed pet ownership as a privilige granted for being alive. I agree that it is not responsible to commit to caring for a companion animal if you do not have the appropriate circumstances to care for one. I would love to have a horse, but can’t afford to board one or move to the country, so I don’t get to have a horse.

If you choose to be a law-abiding citizen who has a dog and no private space for it, then you are committing to the incovenience of taking your dog to the nearest place where it is legal and appropriate for it to run around off-leash. I’m not wishing dog bites on anyone, here, but I would sure appreciate it if people followed these rules for the safety and consideration of others.

[ToddinWestwood]

I would love to help dog owners get another off leash area. In fact, there is a couple areas at Lincoln Park that would make a great off leash spot. I have spoken to friends who own dogs, that own dogs, they would be happy to help.

Why not the South end of Lincoln Park? One of the open areas on the West side of Harbor Ave near Sleepless in Seattle Coffee? Why not the open area at Roxhill Park near the restrooms? These are just a few.

I have a 4 y.o. daughter that we have tried to instill some responsability into her by asking if she can pet someone else’s property.

She is also scared of big dogs at Lincoln Park. I am all for people being a good dog owner, but please, taking your dog out to a local soccer field to play catch,or run is against the law. Dogs, no matter how good of an owner you are, will turn agressive in a second. Any dog that poops on the grass will always leave some “residue” and a child WILL run thru it, fall in it.

If the rules are there, why not abide by them. I mean heck, it is against the law for me to drink or smoke crack in the park, but I am not bothering anyone. Should I be allowed to do it?

I will be the first to sign any petition to the city to get a dog park in West Seattle. I put the original comment out there for a discussion like this, I didnt mean for it to turn mean.

And for the record, I would be a dog owner if my wife was not very allergic to them.

[mlyn1375]

Thank you Kayleigh – I agree. And again, not everyone can afford a home in this city with a yard! JenV – If what I can afford is a condo or apt, then I shoudln’t have a dog? What kind of comment is that? I guess I should expect that from you as you are the one who wishes a dog would bite me. Nice.

[mlyn1375]

Wow! What nasty comments, and yes, I do have the gall to ask the question. First, I don’t have a yard and secondly, I do not have an overbred, vicious dog. What a presumptious, stupid thing to say. I was simply asking a Todd a question, as I get sick of “do-gooders” at parks when I’m walking my dog. “S” hit the nail on the head with his/her comments – there just isn’t a lot of options.