This one has me livid. . .
Kindergarten is supposed to be a special time in a child's life. The bright fresh faces, the 'big' kid clothes, learning the foundation for your education and the years ahead.
But for 5 year old Alex Barton, he learned about the cruelty of others. You see, he is special needs. He is being evaluated for Asperger's Syndrome.
The teacher decided to have him voted out of the class, survivor style.
Morningside Elementary teacher Wendy Portillio was way out of line on this one. Disciplinary action won't change what has been done.
For more information please visit CBS News http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/05/27/earlyshow/main4130288.shtml
Please allow me a moment to step up on my soap box.
Homeschoolers are a very active part of our communities. We pay the same educational taxes, and we follow our state's requirements to be homeschoolers. Generally when there is any type of educational contest it is either stated homeschoolers may participate - or you need only contact to get the okay.
Not for Subway. You see they have this contest going and if you are a homeschooler - your child cannot participate.
The prize involves sports equipment to be donated to the child's school. Now I can completely relate to the fact that Subway doesn't want to donate $5,000 in sports equipment to a family. However - it could state that it must be donated to a local co-op, park, athletic program or something. Why just flat out exclude homeschoolers? I mean my child cannot even go enter with their receipt and get a free book?
Subway has me fuming over this one. I personally refuse to spend another penny at Subway. Why would I want my homeschooler to eat their sandwhich if my homeschooler isn't good enough to enter their contest?
So - if you are upset like I am - let them know that it is unfair to exclude us. Let your voice be heard! http://www.subway.com/Applications/CustService/frmCustomerService.aspx
Now because I don't believe in offering my opinion without proof - here is their contest: http://www.subwayfreshbuzz.com/kids/contest.aspx
Other sources: http://www.worldnetdaily.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=65217
I was recently contacted by a company called Grown Up Girl. Like many companies they were looking for an opportunity to reach the homeschool community. They had a truly unique product - so I just had to find out more. . .
First - let me say that all my emails with the representative were wonderful. She was nice, polite, and it was a great experience. Too many companies forget customer service. She is not an example of this.
Grown Up Girl targets parents of pre-menstrual girls. They offer products to help educate girls about their period. One of their products is called the Period Pak. Having a nine-year old daughter at home, I had to check this out.
So I get this box in the mail and open it up. The first thing I notice is how the product is packaged. It looked like a bakery or boutique box to me.
So being the mother that I am - I am going to completely inspect it before my daughter even gets to see it. . .
I found the following contents:
Pink Tissue Paper (nice touch)Booklet: Grown Up Girl a girl's guide to becoming a woman (20 or so pages with some illustrations and calendars you can photocopy)8 pads & 2 panty linersCongratulatory CardDiscreet Pad or Tampon holder
The booklet was very well written. It was in language I thought was quite appropriate for the 8-12 age range. It didn't talk DOWN to the reader, nor did it rely on complete medical terminology to explain things. It includes things like a story of a girl needing a pad in an emergency and how to track your period. The calendars in the back have no months or days - so could easily be photocopied, cut and stapled together to make a 12 month track. I would have hoped for the index card style where you could list a whole year on one.
The pads - there was an assortment of pads. I am going to assume that this is to help girls find the style they prefer. You can order one where they include tampons. I have to admit - there was one minor disappointment here. . . there is no way to identify which is which. An accompanying card that says something like "Pink wrapped pads are brand X style Y" would be nice. But hey - that's just my opinion.
Congratulatory card is a nice touch. Personally I'd give the kit to my daughter without the card until the time came.
The denim pouch is a VERY nice touch. You can shove some pads or tampons or both in it. It is one of those styles that you just cannot go wrong on. It would fit nicely in a purse or backpack. It looks like it can even be washed if needed.
Overall - I think it was nicely presented, informative, and a neat gift. However the price tag and the packaging make me think that this is more of an upper middle class gift rather than one all moms could afford. I'd like to see them possibly sell the booklet and pouch away from the kit.
On a four star level (4 being superior, 3 excellent, 2 good, and 1 satisfactory):
Customer service - 4 starsProduct uniqueness - 4 starsPackaging - 3 1/2 starsProduct - 3 starsPrice - 2 starsWould I recommend this product - yes.
Thank you to Grown Up Girl and Sonia for the opportunity to review your wonderful product.
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