It is sooo important that everyone gets out and goes and votes for this years school board. They say that normally only around 300 or so individuals actually get out and do it... hardly any from the Kempner area. Lets show them that we are here and do care about whats going on - We know its hard to do with everything that is going on in the society today but one thing we can do to make a difference is vote here at home!
Early voting is now and the Election is May 9th! Yes a Saturday - hopefully we can all get out and show them the numbers are there!
Dan Claussen is running against Max Keele
Mark Bishop is running against Andrew Irvin
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Art & Music Classes needed - Please read!
Recently a friend informed me of some disturbing changes being made this coming year to the elementary school program:
Lampasas ISD, starting in the 2009-2010 school year, will have 3 elementary schools. The teachers were dispersed throughout the campuses and were told there would not be art teachers in the elementary grades, unless they possibly used an aid to teach it.
For approximately 30 years we've had a certified teacher for elementary art at LISD.
Mr. Dunn told Mrs. Bear, one of the present Hanna Springs art teachers, she could teach 1/2 time music and 1/2 time art at Taylor Creek. This is wonderful that the campus will get a little of both, but it is not enough time to give the kids the full benefit of either program.
Mr. Bear, another art teacher at Hanna Springs, was moved to Middle School to teach Special Ed.
The following are reasons why we need elementary art as a separate class, taught by certified teachers:
The majority of our students are so motivated by going to art that we often hear parents say they NEVER have any trouble getting their child to school on a day they have art class. Therefore, attendance may become a bigger problem and could cause the district to lose money.
There are few subjects that motivate kids struggling in academics, but art is one of them. Seldom are there behavior problems in art classes. The kids DO NOT WANT TO MISS THE CLASS! Even Special Ed. students thrive in these classes. The teachers and nurses often see "miraculous" healings when a student is reminded they have art class on that day.
Art classes are so much more than cut, color and paste. We sculpt, weave, paint, and draw, only to name a few of the things we do. We learn about art history and art culture. We learn how the arts have influenced our world and how art skills can be implemented in the work place. Art promotes higher level thinking skills.
It is a wonderful emotional release. Kids thrive in this setting when they may struggle everywhere else. Many of the kids who come from the lower socio-economic backgrounds have often times never had the opportunity to work with a variety of art materials until they get in elementary schools. Some districts fund their fine art programs with Title 1 money.
Many times students will settle their behavior down for a classroom teacher if they know they might miss their art class, so discipline could be a bigger problem.
Teachers have been told over the last 5 to 8 years that we need to cut out the "artsy/crafty" things from the school day. With the pressure to pass the TAKS tests there is not extra time in the school day for art instruction and major projects. If teachers do take the time for the art projects next year, it is possible that some might let academic subjects "slide" in order to get the art activities worked in.
Art and music teachers are held to the same standards as academic teachers. They have state mandated TEKS to follow and cover thoroughly. Classroom management and organization is of the greatest importance in order to accomplish the projects and cover the curriculum while serving large numbers of students. Certified teachers and experience in these areas are a must to have successful programs.
CHECK IT OUT FOR YOURSELF. If you agree this is a problem, please send a letter to the school board or talk to the school board in person.
Thanks!
Anonymous Community Member
Lampasas ISD, starting in the 2009-2010 school year, will have 3 elementary schools. The teachers were dispersed throughout the campuses and were told there would not be art teachers in the elementary grades, unless they possibly used an aid to teach it.
For approximately 30 years we've had a certified teacher for elementary art at LISD.
Mr. Dunn told Mrs. Bear, one of the present Hanna Springs art teachers, she could teach 1/2 time music and 1/2 time art at Taylor Creek. This is wonderful that the campus will get a little of both, but it is not enough time to give the kids the full benefit of either program.
Mr. Bear, another art teacher at Hanna Springs, was moved to Middle School to teach Special Ed.
The following are reasons why we need elementary art as a separate class, taught by certified teachers:
The majority of our students are so motivated by going to art that we often hear parents say they NEVER have any trouble getting their child to school on a day they have art class. Therefore, attendance may become a bigger problem and could cause the district to lose money.
There are few subjects that motivate kids struggling in academics, but art is one of them. Seldom are there behavior problems in art classes. The kids DO NOT WANT TO MISS THE CLASS! Even Special Ed. students thrive in these classes. The teachers and nurses often see "miraculous" healings when a student is reminded they have art class on that day.
Art classes are so much more than cut, color and paste. We sculpt, weave, paint, and draw, only to name a few of the things we do. We learn about art history and art culture. We learn how the arts have influenced our world and how art skills can be implemented in the work place. Art promotes higher level thinking skills.
It is a wonderful emotional release. Kids thrive in this setting when they may struggle everywhere else. Many of the kids who come from the lower socio-economic backgrounds have often times never had the opportunity to work with a variety of art materials until they get in elementary schools. Some districts fund their fine art programs with Title 1 money.
Many times students will settle their behavior down for a classroom teacher if they know they might miss their art class, so discipline could be a bigger problem.
Teachers have been told over the last 5 to 8 years that we need to cut out the "artsy/crafty" things from the school day. With the pressure to pass the TAKS tests there is not extra time in the school day for art instruction and major projects. If teachers do take the time for the art projects next year, it is possible that some might let academic subjects "slide" in order to get the art activities worked in.
Art and music teachers are held to the same standards as academic teachers. They have state mandated TEKS to follow and cover thoroughly. Classroom management and organization is of the greatest importance in order to accomplish the projects and cover the curriculum while serving large numbers of students. Certified teachers and experience in these areas are a must to have successful programs.
CHECK IT OUT FOR YOURSELF. If you agree this is a problem, please send a letter to the school board or talk to the school board in person.
Thanks!
Anonymous Community Member
Friday, March 13, 2009
Time to campaign!
Please email lampasas@hotmail.com if you feel that you can help, the two runners that filed, Mr. Mark Bishop and Mr. Dan Claussen, get the support they need to get elected to the school board! We will need help with signage, phone calls, word of mouth, and anything else that you can think of! Any support is wecolme!
Will keep updating this blog with events such as forums etc and other board meetings to keep those that are busy informed of what's going on! Thanks for everyones support and well wishes! Here's to a good campaign!
Will keep updating this blog with events such as forums etc and other board meetings to keep those that are busy informed of what's going on! Thanks for everyones support and well wishes! Here's to a good campaign!
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
How Exciting!!!
We all had a very successful outcome from last nights gathering. Our next get together will be after the prospective runners file. Keep up with the Blog for more information on when and where!! We will keep you posted!! Thank you all for all of the support that has been received!!!
Sunday, February 22, 2009
From the Lampasas Voice Blog:
First off, we want to apologize for any misinterpretation that has resulted from this blog or the meeting last Monday night. Our ONLY intention was to hopefully bring together any potential candidates for the school board, as we had heard several in the community were considering a run, and get a view of who might be interested in running and which, or if any of them, had similar views and convictions.
Neither the blog nor the meeting was formed as an attempt at being a “lynch mob”. Yes, this term is one that we have all become familiar with over the last week, and frankly it has disappointed us deeply.
All that has happened here is that a very small portion of our community has met in hopes of putting our heads and voices together to possibly bring a change to our local school board. And in doing so, a very ugly spin has been brought upon our heartfelt, good intentions.
To finalize, we again want to emphasize that we are in no way a “vigilante group” or “lynch mob”, only a small handful of citizens who are truly concerned about the future of our school system, including teachers and students alike. And we are all of the same belief, that there IS strength in numbers and feel that we HAVE a chance to make a difference in the LISD.
Thank yall - Hope to see yall tomorrow at the meet and greet!
Neither the blog nor the meeting was formed as an attempt at being a “lynch mob”. Yes, this term is one that we have all become familiar with over the last week, and frankly it has disappointed us deeply.
All that has happened here is that a very small portion of our community has met in hopes of putting our heads and voices together to possibly bring a change to our local school board. And in doing so, a very ugly spin has been brought upon our heartfelt, good intentions.
To finalize, we again want to emphasize that we are in no way a “vigilante group” or “lynch mob”, only a small handful of citizens who are truly concerned about the future of our school system, including teachers and students alike. And we are all of the same belief, that there IS strength in numbers and feel that we HAVE a chance to make a difference in the LISD.
Thank yall - Hope to see yall tomorrow at the meet and greet!
Community as a Partner - Mission Statement
Primary Focus: Promoting a healthy partnership between economic businesses, health and educational entities of Lampasas with its community of citizens based on the concepts of partnerships, collaboration, and empowerment. Together, the entities of a community can commit themselves to the achievement, promotion and protection of social justice for all members.
This philosophy, based on a 1972 Nursing model introduced and taught by B. N. Neuman, represents the core of a community by its people that together make up the whole. Included in this core, “the demographics of the population as well as their values, beliefs, and history”, which in return affects and influences the eight subsystems of the community. The eight subsystems of a community are further identified as the physical environment, education, safety and transportation, politics and government, health and social services, communication, economics and recreation. These eight subsystems are not separate but directly or indirectly influence each other on an ongoing basis and affect the general well being of the community as a whole.
A community, working together in partnership, can effectively identify issues of need and/or concern; as well as, collaborate in the design of interventions to address the identified need or concern.
This forum is built on the above philosophy and the growing need to build a healthy partnership between the community entities and it’s citizenry in order to address concerns and needs in a diplomatic process while allowing collaboration, empowerment and partnerships to grow.
On the forefront of issues identified, the need for a partnership between community members, the education/school system and school representatives have become transparent. A partnership that together in unison can assist in promoting a safe educational environment for all members involved while providing an avenue of discussion, identification, and intervention regarding areas of concern.
Tomorrow night the remaining individuals will meet and discuss what they think would be good for them and the election. Then they plan on sicking around to chit chat and discuss with those there the areas of interest that are important to the Lampasas community... Please join them at 7 pm at the Holiday House so they can start their election together with the others or as individuals (whatever they decide) the right way... by listening to the concerns of the town!
This philosophy, based on a 1972 Nursing model introduced and taught by B. N. Neuman, represents the core of a community by its people that together make up the whole. Included in this core, “the demographics of the population as well as their values, beliefs, and history”, which in return affects and influences the eight subsystems of the community. The eight subsystems of a community are further identified as the physical environment, education, safety and transportation, politics and government, health and social services, communication, economics and recreation. These eight subsystems are not separate but directly or indirectly influence each other on an ongoing basis and affect the general well being of the community as a whole.
A community, working together in partnership, can effectively identify issues of need and/or concern; as well as, collaborate in the design of interventions to address the identified need or concern.
This forum is built on the above philosophy and the growing need to build a healthy partnership between the community entities and it’s citizenry in order to address concerns and needs in a diplomatic process while allowing collaboration, empowerment and partnerships to grow.
On the forefront of issues identified, the need for a partnership between community members, the education/school system and school representatives have become transparent. A partnership that together in unison can assist in promoting a safe educational environment for all members involved while providing an avenue of discussion, identification, and intervention regarding areas of concern.
Tomorrow night the remaining individuals will meet and discuss what they think would be good for them and the election. Then they plan on sicking around to chit chat and discuss with those there the areas of interest that are important to the Lampasas community... Please join them at 7 pm at the Holiday House so they can start their election together with the others or as individuals (whatever they decide) the right way... by listening to the concerns of the town!
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Post from Patsy Stoneham
We are so blessed to live in this "Rural-Town America"--and if it "came down-to-it"--I know we would all stand together & fight for our rights, just as our soldiers are doing for us, to have the right to disagree here in Lampasas! We ALL want the best for our children, and our school, City, and County---we just have different ideas of what IS best, and that can be a good thing! I personally know most of the ones who are interested in running for our school board, and will vouch for them, that NO ONE is interested in "slinging MUD" - "us against them" attitude,as Mr Gholson stated --- NO ONE wants to deal with that, however, it has already started, and NOT from anyone interested in change---We should all keep the Christian attitude, and Golden Rule in mind--after all, isn't that what WE learned as children?
Patsy Stoneham
Patsy Stoneham
Friday, February 20, 2009
Post from David Gholson
I, David Gholson, would like to have my name removed from the Lampasasvoice group as a potential candidate for Lampasas school board. When I first thought about running for school board my reasons included a desire for “change” with LISD. I recognize that we have a community with a huge vested interest for LISD students and/or employees and that want to be informed and involved. Two important changes that I believe would benefit our community are the transformation into a children/employee/community-friendly district and much improved communication between LISD and the children/employee/community. This includes treating everyone equal regardless of how much they or their parents make, how they dress, or simply who they know; hence, my belief that an old Lampasas cowboy that wears blue jeans and cowboy hat to work every day has a chance to make a difference. I want this difference and change to be something positive for Lampasas and not an ugly “us” against “them” mud fight; therefore, after consideration I have decided that should I choose to run for school board, I will do so on my own beliefs and desires as an individual not associated with any group, but with just the best interest of our community in mind. Thank you for this opportunity. I would be glad to talk to anyone personally if they have questions.
Sincerely,
David Gholson
Sincerely,
David Gholson
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Voting!
Is everyone getting the chance to vote?? If not please put your vote in as a comment right below here and type out who you would like. There has been trouble with it and the prospective runners sure would like to see what you all feel! Thanks so much for stopping by and being a part of this!
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Board Meeting called today for Thursday!!
Passing on the information --- This comes from this link...
http://www.boardbook.org/apps/bbv2/public/index.cfm?memberkey=0141901
LAMPASAS INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT
Lampasas,Texas
Administration Building, 207 West 8th Street, Lampasas
February 19, 2009
6:00 PM
NOTICE FOR CALLED SCHOOL BOARD MEETING
The subjects to be discussed or considered, or upon which any formal action may be taken, are as listed below.
Items do not have to be taken in the same order as shown on this meeting notice. Unless removed from the
consent agenda, items identified within the consent agenda will be acted on at one time.
1. Declaration of Quorum, Call to Order and Pledge of Allegiance
2. Facilities Update
A. Finances
B. Canopies at Taylor Creek Elementary
C. Concession Stand at Lampasas High School
3. Personnel
A. Update on Elementary Transition
B. Possible Superintendent Vacancy
4. Adjournment
If, during the course of the meeting, discussion of any item on the agenda should be held in closed meeting, the Board will
conduct a closed meeting in accordance with the Texas Open Meetings Act, Texas Government Code, Chapter 551 (Attorney
Consultation 551.071, Real Property 551.072, Personnel Matters 551.074, Conference With Employees 551.075, Deliberation
Regarding Security Devices 551.076, Student Discipline 551.082, Employee Complaints 551.082). Before any closed meeting is
convened, the presiding officer will publicly identify the section or sections of the Act authorizing the closed meeting. All final
votes, actions, or decisions will be taken in open meeting. [See BEC(LEGAL)]
I, the undersigned, do herby certify that this Notice was posted in compliance with the Open Meetings Act at 4:00 p.m. on February 16,
2009, which is at least 72 hours prior to the date and time of the scheduled meeting.
Hope to see people there!!
http://www.boardbook.org/apps/bbv2/public/index.cfm?memberkey=0141901
LAMPASAS INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT
Lampasas,Texas
Administration Building, 207 West 8th Street, Lampasas
February 19, 2009
6:00 PM
NOTICE FOR CALLED SCHOOL BOARD MEETING
The subjects to be discussed or considered, or upon which any formal action may be taken, are as listed below.
Items do not have to be taken in the same order as shown on this meeting notice. Unless removed from the
consent agenda, items identified within the consent agenda will be acted on at one time.
1. Declaration of Quorum, Call to Order and Pledge of Allegiance
2. Facilities Update
A. Finances
B. Canopies at Taylor Creek Elementary
C. Concession Stand at Lampasas High School
3. Personnel
A. Update on Elementary Transition
B. Possible Superintendent Vacancy
4. Adjournment
If, during the course of the meeting, discussion of any item on the agenda should be held in closed meeting, the Board will
conduct a closed meeting in accordance with the Texas Open Meetings Act, Texas Government Code, Chapter 551 (Attorney
Consultation 551.071, Real Property 551.072, Personnel Matters 551.074, Conference With Employees 551.075, Deliberation
Regarding Security Devices 551.076, Student Discipline 551.082, Employee Complaints 551.082). Before any closed meeting is
convened, the presiding officer will publicly identify the section or sections of the Act authorizing the closed meeting. All final
votes, actions, or decisions will be taken in open meeting. [See BEC(LEGAL)]
I, the undersigned, do herby certify that this Notice was posted in compliance with the Open Meetings Act at 4:00 p.m. on February 16,
2009, which is at least 72 hours prior to the date and time of the scheduled meeting.
Hope to see people there!!
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