Spring is often late in the north Peace. This year winter has lingered longer than most and all of us were relieved when warmer temperatures finally began to erode the snow banks and the grass began to re-emerge! This morning Mother Nature, in a particularly cruel twist, brought back winter for one last blast. Five centimeters of snow fell over freezing rain with 50 km winds and blowing snow making driving a nasty challenge. All this on the second to last day of April!
Our district people took the event in stride. Buses were cancelled. Contingency plans were rolled out as staff, students and parents dealt with the situation. We're a resilient bunch up here. In my 24 years working in the district I have witnessed snowfalls in every month on the calendar. Our ability to cope with such events is one of the things that makes working here so interesting.
Not everyone appreciated the challenge. Quite frankly, snow in late April is quite hard to take, even for me, and as anyone who's seen my penguin presentations knows, I like it cold. For the most part, however folks took the event in stride. By tomorrow, the sun will (hopefully) be back and today's event will be just another story about living in the north.
Being resilient helps with more than coping with adverse unseasonable weather. Positive Psychologist Shawn Achor identifies several strategies for dealing with life's challenges. Amongst them are ideas like: no matter how bad things are; always try to identify a positive outcome or a way to find an opportunity, even if it�s just to acknowledge that the challenge can be seen as an opportunity to grow. Find ways to keep motivated, even if it means getting motivation from different parts of one's life. Focus on what's within our control. We might not be in a position to decide what the outcome will be, or to have any control over the situation but at the very least we can choose our attitudes and reactions.
I'll admit, looking outside first thing in the morning to encounter a howling blizzard is not my preferred way to start the week. Seeing how well our people coped with the challenge, however was great. I feel fortunate to be working with and for such resilient and optimistic people.
Monday, April 29, 2013
A couple of good readings
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/answer-sheet/wp/2013/04/28/obamas-big-second-term-education-problem
Obama�s big second-term education problem
http://www.theatlantic.com/national/archive/2013/04/the-coming-revolution-in-public-education/275163/
The Coming Revolution in Public Education
And if you don't follow Larry Cuban's blog: http://larrycuban.wordpress.com/
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/answer-sheet/wp/2013/04/28/obamas-big-second-term-education-problem
Obama�s big second-term education problem
http://www.theatlantic.com/national/archive/2013/04/the-coming-revolution-in-public-education/275163/
The Coming Revolution in Public Education
And if you don't follow Larry Cuban's blog: http://larrycuban.wordpress.com/
How To Be Protected Within School Grounds
Brenna is deciding to purchase defense spray online and has asked me which sort to choose. My youngest sibling is going to college soon and was advised to arm herself with some type of personal defense. It seems even a short walk from the college library to the dorm can be dangerous sometimes.
Defense spray, being non-fatal, is preferred by college kids. And they feel much less bad about utilizing it because it will not result in irreversible harm. A burning sensation on the eyes and also skin, discomfort and also gagging are only momentary effects which wear off. Thus, my sister seems confident she can handle one of these tools.
Her pal, Shane, already had a tiny self defense spray and has made use of it one time with awesome results. She fumbled a little bit with the 4 oz. pepper spray but still hit the bad guy with a one-second burst to the face from three feet away. It is great, though, even coming from a length of 15 to 18 feet.
That little canister, she can conveniently hold in her hand or stuff inside her pocket for quick access in case she needs this. Shane is presently far more confident regarding utilizing her pepper spray.
Our brother residing in Los Angeles is a law enforcer. He carries pepper spray gel along with him. This is not the same as the normal liquid spray because gel sticks similar to glue towards the target. And the more they attempt to wipe it off, the more strong it becomes.
The pepper gel with flashlight which Burt utilizes consists of 10% oleoresin capsicum, making this doubly powerful. Burt once tested this 10 percent defense spray coming from a distance of 15 feet and he got the crook.
Brenna is inclined a lot more toward a 1/2 oz. defense spray with injection molded holster. First, this is a powerful self defense spray also with 10% OC content. Second, it emits a fine spray that is believed to be more effective compared to the normal self defense sprays utilizing coarser grains.
Burt promises to guide our own sister the moment she makes a decision to buy pepper spray on the Net so I am not worried in any way.
Defense spray, being non-fatal, is preferred by college kids. And they feel much less bad about utilizing it because it will not result in irreversible harm. A burning sensation on the eyes and also skin, discomfort and also gagging are only momentary effects which wear off. Thus, my sister seems confident she can handle one of these tools.
Her pal, Shane, already had a tiny self defense spray and has made use of it one time with awesome results. She fumbled a little bit with the 4 oz. pepper spray but still hit the bad guy with a one-second burst to the face from three feet away. It is great, though, even coming from a length of 15 to 18 feet.
That little canister, she can conveniently hold in her hand or stuff inside her pocket for quick access in case she needs this. Shane is presently far more confident regarding utilizing her pepper spray.
Our brother residing in Los Angeles is a law enforcer. He carries pepper spray gel along with him. This is not the same as the normal liquid spray because gel sticks similar to glue towards the target. And the more they attempt to wipe it off, the more strong it becomes.
The pepper gel with flashlight which Burt utilizes consists of 10% oleoresin capsicum, making this doubly powerful. Burt once tested this 10 percent defense spray coming from a distance of 15 feet and he got the crook.
Brenna is inclined a lot more toward a 1/2 oz. defense spray with injection molded holster. First, this is a powerful self defense spray also with 10% OC content. Second, it emits a fine spray that is believed to be more effective compared to the normal self defense sprays utilizing coarser grains.
Burt promises to guide our own sister the moment she makes a decision to buy pepper spray on the Net so I am not worried in any way.
About the Author:
Lan G Buoye has been training people how to operate self defense products to protect themselves for years. There are dozens of options, like stun guns, pepper sprays and personal alarms. He provides full help and instruction on how to operate the products. More Information
Sunday, April 28, 2013
Steps To Attain Water Treatment Certifications
Today, numerous work positions are looking for people who hold water treatment certifications. The accreditation are easy to obtain after finishing a training course in an institution of higher learning. In order to attain the license, applicants must take the course which takes about a year.
There are various institutions that offer the license to qualified applicants. Among such bodies is the National Sanitation Foundation International. The foundation is renowned for its distinguished experts in health and environmental sciences. They are fully staffed by professionals who have extensive knowledge in the field of toxicology, environmental health, and chemistry.
There are five steps that persons must follow while seeking to attain the legal authorization documents. The initial step should be to join a learning institution that offers a fluid treatment program. Many institutions across the globe offer this program to learners. In some countries, it is taken as a compulsory supporting course in some colleges.
Taking the course is not extremely costly. The cost of tuition may differ in different colleges located in different states. However, the average cost of taking this program is affordable and can be met by students.
The program takes a period of four quarters in numerous community colleges. However, the course may take a longer time in some schools due to their curriculum arrangement. It is advisable for an applicant to consult college counselors from different institutions about the course entrance credits.
After enrolling for the program, a learner must sit for the program examinations. In most countries, exams are done two times in a year. This is normally a written test and can only be taken if a learner has completed all classes successfully. In some cases, a learner must submit class attendance records to be allowed to sit for the examinations.
After completing the examinations a learner may opt to apply for a flagging license. It is a supporting license that an applicant can apply for while waiting for examinations results to come out. The accreditation supports the prime license and increases the chances of an applicant to attain a job. It is cheap and easy to obtain.
Attaining a CDL Class B accreditation is the fourth step an applicant should consider. A CDL license is not paramount in many employment positions. However, it acts as a bonus qualification in the portfolio and increases the possibilities of attaining an employment position.
The final step a job seeker must take should be to complete a license application process. This should be done upon successful completion of the relevant examinations. After an applicant attains the license, he or she can start looking for a job.
Persons that have attained the license are employed in various fluids purification companies. In most cases, they are recruited as purification operators in charge of protecting the public health. This ensures that the society has clean fluids for consumption.
The amount that people pay for water treatment certifications after completing all the qualification requirements is affordable. It may vary for different accreditation levels. Many states have four levels gauged by qualifications. The license can be attained in a day. It is either a domestic or a commercial license.
There are various institutions that offer the license to qualified applicants. Among such bodies is the National Sanitation Foundation International. The foundation is renowned for its distinguished experts in health and environmental sciences. They are fully staffed by professionals who have extensive knowledge in the field of toxicology, environmental health, and chemistry.
There are five steps that persons must follow while seeking to attain the legal authorization documents. The initial step should be to join a learning institution that offers a fluid treatment program. Many institutions across the globe offer this program to learners. In some countries, it is taken as a compulsory supporting course in some colleges.
Taking the course is not extremely costly. The cost of tuition may differ in different colleges located in different states. However, the average cost of taking this program is affordable and can be met by students.
The program takes a period of four quarters in numerous community colleges. However, the course may take a longer time in some schools due to their curriculum arrangement. It is advisable for an applicant to consult college counselors from different institutions about the course entrance credits.
After enrolling for the program, a learner must sit for the program examinations. In most countries, exams are done two times in a year. This is normally a written test and can only be taken if a learner has completed all classes successfully. In some cases, a learner must submit class attendance records to be allowed to sit for the examinations.
After completing the examinations a learner may opt to apply for a flagging license. It is a supporting license that an applicant can apply for while waiting for examinations results to come out. The accreditation supports the prime license and increases the chances of an applicant to attain a job. It is cheap and easy to obtain.
Attaining a CDL Class B accreditation is the fourth step an applicant should consider. A CDL license is not paramount in many employment positions. However, it acts as a bonus qualification in the portfolio and increases the possibilities of attaining an employment position.
The final step a job seeker must take should be to complete a license application process. This should be done upon successful completion of the relevant examinations. After an applicant attains the license, he or she can start looking for a job.
Persons that have attained the license are employed in various fluids purification companies. In most cases, they are recruited as purification operators in charge of protecting the public health. This ensures that the society has clean fluids for consumption.
The amount that people pay for water treatment certifications after completing all the qualification requirements is affordable. It may vary for different accreditation levels. Many states have four levels gauged by qualifications. The license can be attained in a day. It is either a domestic or a commercial license.
About the Author:
You can visit the website www.municipaltrainingcorporation.com for more helpful information about Process Of Acquiring Water Treatment Certifications
Saturday, April 27, 2013
Roles Procurement Specialists In Texas Undertake
Every organization should find a way of ensuring that it achieves its objectives. This requires the use of the right resources otherwise it would be difficult to achieve such goals. The interaction of different organizational resources is very central in guaranteeing the right results are achieved. For instance, firms should hire personnel who are qualified to undertake certain dockets since this ensures the decisions made regarding allocation of resources in such areas is quite objective. For instance, procurement specialists in Texas are in high demand to help organizations achieve various goals. These experts perform a wide range of tasks in different firms. The task performed is highly dependent on the industry in which the employer operates.
Organizations should have a particular order when purchasing various goods and services. The responsibility the person in charge of purchasing is to check quotations of various potential suppliers and vet them according to a predetermined criteria after which they develop recommendations on who should be selected. This is meant to guarantee a firm that the right products will be supplied at favorable terms.
Different business departments have different needs at different occasions. For example, some might be requiring items used in production while some may require replacements of certain home appliances. This requires such people to find ways of meeting the needs of various departments through sourcing for whatever items they may need. Through coordination from various departments, these professionals ensure that all products are availed promptly.
Different suppliers of products have different terms for whatever items they sell to different clients. These may however sometimes be negotiable especially when buying goods in bulk. There should be experts whose role is analyzing the terms and negotiating on ways they can get a better deal on various issues like repair and maintenance of such products.
Organizations should find ways of ensuring that they enhance their supply chain management systems to guarantee smooth, efficient and prompt delivery of various items. This requires them to have professionals who can study the trends in their industry and guide them in adopting various systems. This results to such firms achieving huge profits and lowering their operating costs.
After being hired as a purchasing expert, you need to train other employees on what is needed of them to achieve positive results. This enables these organizations to do better given that they frequently lower their cost of operations while improving efficiency. However, the items they offer could be offered at lesser prices since they incur lesser product costs.
Firms should develop a concrete plan on what should be done when purchasing various products to avoid confusion on who is in charge. The development of such a plan should preferably be done by the person in charge of purchasing in close liaison with other departmental heads. This leads to better organizational performance since they do not waste time trying to come up with a new way of purchasing every time.
The roles undertaken by procurement specialists in Texas cannot be overlooked. They have helped many entities in competing effectively in crowded industries since product costs are among the determinants of how much an item would cost when processed. If you lower your costs during sourcing and purchasing, you can be sure of being able to beat competitors through cheaper products or higher profit margins.
Organizations should have a particular order when purchasing various goods and services. The responsibility the person in charge of purchasing is to check quotations of various potential suppliers and vet them according to a predetermined criteria after which they develop recommendations on who should be selected. This is meant to guarantee a firm that the right products will be supplied at favorable terms.
Different business departments have different needs at different occasions. For example, some might be requiring items used in production while some may require replacements of certain home appliances. This requires such people to find ways of meeting the needs of various departments through sourcing for whatever items they may need. Through coordination from various departments, these professionals ensure that all products are availed promptly.
Different suppliers of products have different terms for whatever items they sell to different clients. These may however sometimes be negotiable especially when buying goods in bulk. There should be experts whose role is analyzing the terms and negotiating on ways they can get a better deal on various issues like repair and maintenance of such products.
Organizations should find ways of ensuring that they enhance their supply chain management systems to guarantee smooth, efficient and prompt delivery of various items. This requires them to have professionals who can study the trends in their industry and guide them in adopting various systems. This results to such firms achieving huge profits and lowering their operating costs.
After being hired as a purchasing expert, you need to train other employees on what is needed of them to achieve positive results. This enables these organizations to do better given that they frequently lower their cost of operations while improving efficiency. However, the items they offer could be offered at lesser prices since they incur lesser product costs.
Firms should develop a concrete plan on what should be done when purchasing various products to avoid confusion on who is in charge. The development of such a plan should preferably be done by the person in charge of purchasing in close liaison with other departmental heads. This leads to better organizational performance since they do not waste time trying to come up with a new way of purchasing every time.
The roles undertaken by procurement specialists in Texas cannot be overlooked. They have helped many entities in competing effectively in crowded industries since product costs are among the determinants of how much an item would cost when processed. If you lower your costs during sourcing and purchasing, you can be sure of being able to beat competitors through cheaper products or higher profit margins.
About the Author:
You can visit the website www.1gpa.org for more helpful information about Roles Procurement Specialists In Texas Undertake
Friday, April 26, 2013
Each and Every Child: Reflections on the Equity and Excellence Commission�s report (part 1)
On April 15, 2013 I attended the �Reframing Reform: Achieving Equity and Excellence in Public Education� summit in Chicago. It was an engaging event with attendees from various education sectors, including not-for-profit foundations, policy makers, education researchers, school board members, and community organizers. A primary focus was the Equity and Excellence Commission�s report to Arne Duncan, �For Each and Every Child: A Strategy for Education Equity and Excellence.� The report is broken into five sections summarizing major findings and recommendations. The topics are: 1) equitable school finance; 2) teachers, principals, and curricula; 3) early childhood education; 4) mitigating poverty�s effects; and 5) accountability and governance. In future posts I will comment on these specific areas.
Hosted by the Center for Tax and Budget Accountability (CTBA), this summit presented multiple perspectives on the role of education reform and its outcomes on equity and excellence. Additionally, the keynote speakers provided thought-provoking presentations on getting reform right. The first speaker, Pasi Sahlberg, an educator and policy advisor in Finland, has advised over 45 countries, the World Bank, European Commission, and OECD. His presentation focused on how Finland moved from an educationally low performing country in mid-20th century to one of the highest performing countries in the world on various international metrics. Unfortunately, the steps taken by Finland stand in stark contrast to the direction taken by recent reforms in the United States, such as No Child Left Behind and Race to the Top. The second keynote speaker, Congressman Mike Honda (D-California), presented the Equity and Excellence Commission�s report and pointed out that the Commission listed �equity� before �excellence,� an outcome the United States has not been able to achieve for many socioeconomically disadvantaged and minority students. As stated in the opening of the report:
This report summarizes how America�s K-12 education system, taken as a whole, fails our nation and too many of our children. Our system does not distribute opportunity equitably. Our leaders decry but tolerate disparities in student outcomes that are not only unfair, but socially and economically dangerous. (pg. 9)
I concur that education in the United States is not equitable. We, as a nation, face a series of challenges and obstacles if we are to seriously pursue an excellent education for each and every child�perhaps the first of which is deciding how we define �excellent.�
By: Matthew Linick
Importance Of Graphic Design Degree
Individuals who are working in graphic and web designing find it helpful to have a graphic design degree. Web designers or graphic designers are behind the impressive layouts of websites that we see today. It is because of their persistent efforts that businesses find it easy to market itself on different types of platforms. Because of the developments in computer technology and fierce competition between companies, web designers are in high demand today than ever.
As a result of continuous enhancements in computer technology and IT, the websites of today have become very sophisticated. New systems, software and equipment are released after regular intervals. Companies and even individuals employ revolutionary technologies in animation, graphics and content management. Thus, we see unique designs of printed and web based materials that make the work of business marketing very easy. Firms expect the web designing professionals to make good use of various technology to create an identity for any company.
Because of the high demand of web designing professionals, people are giving consideration to this field. You will have to have a web design degree in order to start working in this field. First of all, you will have to enroll yourself with some well-known school that offers courses for this area. This will be an excellent beginning for you. With a good website design degree, you can have a flying start to your job. Once you finish your courses, you can think about various options in the professional market. You can either choose to work as freelance designer or work in some known company. Whatever path you select, you will make a good income through this profession.
You must not opt to work with some ordinary school. Go for a well-known school. You will require solid foundation and proper guidance if you want to succeed in this field and only a good school can help you in this regard. If you get a degree from a well-known institute, then your prospective employers will not have any doubts about your knowledge of the field. Most importantly, you will be able to demonstrate your skills in a better way if you become a part of a good degree awarding institute.
There is a world of opportunity awaiting smart, talented and imaginative professionals. Those who are masters of this field can demand high compensation and perks from different types of firms operating in the market. A website design degree can really be a source of pride and income in your future.
As a result of continuous enhancements in computer technology and IT, the websites of today have become very sophisticated. New systems, software and equipment are released after regular intervals. Companies and even individuals employ revolutionary technologies in animation, graphics and content management. Thus, we see unique designs of printed and web based materials that make the work of business marketing very easy. Firms expect the web designing professionals to make good use of various technology to create an identity for any company.
Because of the high demand of web designing professionals, people are giving consideration to this field. You will have to have a web design degree in order to start working in this field. First of all, you will have to enroll yourself with some well-known school that offers courses for this area. This will be an excellent beginning for you. With a good website design degree, you can have a flying start to your job. Once you finish your courses, you can think about various options in the professional market. You can either choose to work as freelance designer or work in some known company. Whatever path you select, you will make a good income through this profession.
You must not opt to work with some ordinary school. Go for a well-known school. You will require solid foundation and proper guidance if you want to succeed in this field and only a good school can help you in this regard. If you get a degree from a well-known institute, then your prospective employers will not have any doubts about your knowledge of the field. Most importantly, you will be able to demonstrate your skills in a better way if you become a part of a good degree awarding institute.
There is a world of opportunity awaiting smart, talented and imaginative professionals. Those who are masters of this field can demand high compensation and perks from different types of firms operating in the market. A website design degree can really be a source of pride and income in your future.
About the Author:
Are you interested in how a degree can make a difference? Why not try to visit graphic design degree or you may follow this related source.
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