Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Pennsylvania School Settles Sexting Case

If you are interested in learning a new word daily to increase your vocabulary try this one out: sexting. That is the term being used to describe the latest school vs. a minor case involving personal property, nudity and the classroom.

In this instance, a school's principal searched a student's cell phone, uncovered naked pictures of that student, and then handed the evidence into the authorities. I may not be a world-renown detective, but even I know that is a big no-no. How did a school principal not figure this out?

The case has now been settled out of court, with the student being awarded over $30,000 from the school. While the amount of money will help that student knock out a few thousand monthly phone bills, it could have been more given the public embarrassment she suffered due to what was found and reported to authorities.

I understand the tough ground teachers find themselves in today. Students of all ages are wielding smart phones that are a distraction to the classroom and drive teachers crazy. However, there is a fine line between taking someone's phone because they are using it in school and actually searching it AND handing that evidence over to the authorities. The principal could have simply taken the phone (even if he knew what was on it) and disciplined the student for using a phone in the classroom and maybe privately warned the student of her behavior. Instead, the teacher crossed the line, and hopefully this will serve a valuable lesson to other educators as to where to draw the line with confiscating student property.

Two Injured in Knife Attack at Penn Valley Community College


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A young man wearing a bullet-proof vest and wielding a knife injured two people at Penn Valley Community College in Kansas City on Tuesday morning. Casey Bresnik, 22, was charged on Tuesday evening with two counts of first-degree assault, a felony, and armed criminal action. The computer lab where the attack took place was being readied for Missouri Governor Jay Nixon, who was making a tour of Missouri to talk about the $57 million state program to expand Internet service throughout the state. The Governor got word of the attack upon landing at the downtown airport and continued on to Springfield.

Injured in the attack were Dean of Instruction, Al Dimmett, Jr., and Metropolitan Community Colleges Chancellor Mark James. Bresnik lunged at Dimmett and slashed his throat, James was wounded trying to retrain the attacker. Dean Dimmett was seriously injured and had surgery Tuesday. He is currently listed in stable condition.

Classmates described the assailant as a quiet (of course) student who sat in the back of his classes. He also has numerous tattoos including an anarchist's symbol on his hand. Witnesses described Bresnik playing with a knife in the moments before the attack. Nice security by the college when expecting the Governor of your state to make a speech shortly. His Facebook page reported is filled with nutjob ramblings including a reference to attending the G20 Summit in Toronto and being arrested there.

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Chiefs Beat Chargers


After a season filled with close (and not so close) loses, unanswered questions and a somewhat promising finish, the Kansas City Chiefs made starting out the 2010 season on the right foot a priority. The team did just that, upsetting AFC West juggernaut San Diego in the rain, 21-14.

The Chiefs hadn't won on opening day since this guy was in office, and more importantly, had lost to San Diego in its last five meetings. After falling to the Chargers by a combined 59 points last year, the Chiefs win was essential for the team to prove it will be, at the very least, no longer a guaranteed win for other teams around the league.

While the Chiefs played well, two aspects of the team are still troubling. First, the Chiefs continue to underuse Jamaal Charles. Despite showing his big-play ability time and time again, Charles continues to split carries with Thomas Jones. Jones is a steady, productive back, but Charles must be given more touches a game with his home run ability. Also troubling is the continued poor play from quarterback Matt Cassel. If the Chiefs are to make a push for the playoffs, it is important for Cassel to make plays and limit mistakes.

The good news for the Chiefs is the team is loaded with young playmakers to go along with Charles, most notably Dexter McCluster and Javier Arenas. Both have big-time return ability and have given the special teams a much needed boost. If the Chiefs can continue to run the ball effectively, find a few big plays from its special teams and Cassel can start playing like he gets paid to, a shot at the playoffs isn't out of Kansas City's reach.

Shawnee Mission School District to "Right Size"


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Shawnee Mission School District Superintendent Gene Johnson introduced 11 proposals to the public on Monday night. Among them was the closure of 5 schools and redrawing attendance areas for existing schools. Shawnee Mission, like many school districts is facing a reduction in state funding corresponding with a lower student numbers. The district has gone from over 45,000 students in 1970 to fewer than 28,000 last year due to an ageing population base. The schools slated to be closed are projected around half full for the coming school years, and/or would need significant upgrading due to age.

The School District has cut its budget by more than $20 million in the last two years, as well as cut 100 teachers. The new proposals would save the district over $2 million per year. Proposed closings are:

-Bonjour Elementary in Lenexa (built 1954)
-Showanoe Elementary in Shawnee (built 1960)
-Dorothy Moody Elementary in Overland Park (built 1966)
-Antioch Middle School in Overland Park (built 1955)
-Mission Valley Middle School in Prairie Village (built 1958)

All of the schools are quite old and were facing significant updating. Antioch students will be sent to Hocker Grove Middle School, and Mission Valley kids will go to Indian Hills. Over the coming weeks and months, there will be public meetings on each school area affected by the changes, Click here for the schedule.




Monday, September 13, 2010

2010 VMAs


Pop culture junkies had their full fill of entertainment last night, as the 2010 VMAs provided more controversy, outrageous wardrobes and record breaking tweeting. Hosted by Chelsea Handler, the 2010 VMAs were able to earn the show its highest rating since 2002.

The writers for these shows always seem to find ways to cook up drama, and this year's version was no different. Only a year removed from the infamous moment when Kanye West interrupted Taylor Swift's acceptance speech, the show featured both artists performing tonight, with songs that addressed the controversy of course. Eminem, Drake and Tom Brady look-alike Justin Bieber also performed, and the show opened with a skit with Handler and Lindsey Lohan.

As usual, Lady Gaga was rewarded for her crappy pop music and outrageous outfits by getting the most attention at the show. Over 9,000 of the synced MTV tweets were about Gaga (substantially more than any other celebrity) and it seemed like half the show focused solely on her. I'm not wishing for a Brittany Spears quality fall from grace, but it would be nice for Gaga to not be on TV, in print, etc constantly.

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