Family Names and No Child Left Behind

Mom, you got your own name wrong??? As I remember, it wasn't Margaret Faye, but "Mart Faye".
My middle name, Piper, is Grandfather Belvin's middle name. Luckily, mom wouldn't let dad name me the full name he wanted to after Grandfather Belvin- Norfleet Piper. Of course, Chelle calls me "Piper" as did Grandmother Belvin to Granddad Belvin. Of course, I'm nothing like that man. No offense, but Thank God!
Joyce, I can't give you all the total details of the No Child Left Behind Act, but I think Georgia's version is the Kids have to Work at a Higher than usual to Catch Up with the Rest of the Country Act. Everybody knows that Ga is low in the academic rankings, 47th or 48th I think (we actually gained one spot last year). However, we're in such a big hurry to catch up, instead of trying to make a little progress each year, we're pushing the kids too hard. All the 4th and 5th graders in Chris' school have to do a science project for an upcoming County Science Fair. The standards for the work by these 4th and 5th graders are the same ones I started having to do as a freshman or a sophomore in high school when my biology teacher was also a professor at Eastern Va Med School. We're burning these kids out. I don't mind helping with home/school work, but I really thought I was doing science projects when I graduated school. We couldn't even do the standard Belvin Solar Power science project that Howie and I both did in 2 different grades because Chris has to use the scientific process, hypothesis, experiment log, research log, etc. All 3 of my kids' academic requirements are way beyond what we were doing at the same ages. It's ridiculous sometimes. Cortlyn's Kindergarten teacher told me that Liberty County (Ft Stewart) schools were having to change curriculums in the middle of the semester to keep up with State requirements and even the teachers weren't able to get the teaching materials in a timely manner to keep up with the requirements. Here in Bibb County, even special education children have the same requirements as your average child with no special needs. We have an end of the year test for each grade and the special ed kids in each grade have to score the same on the test as the other 3rd graders. Michelle's sister, Dianna, has some 6th graders who are 16 reading on a 2nd grade level (due to special needs) that are expected to achieve regular 6th grade standards. She teaches what is called "Psycho Ed". Dianna's my size and is trained to take down students Ricky's size.
On a positive note, not to rub it in, I'm excited about the next four years and feel okay to keep serving in the military. If Scary Kerry had won, I don't what I would've done. I see North Carolina carried Bush, despite the Hickory vote. Just kiddin'. And the Republican party has retained control of the Ga State Senate and captured the Ga State House for the first time since the ugly, post-Civil War Reconstruction days. I must admit though, had we lived in the 3rd US Congressional District, I would have voted for the Democratic incumbent, Jim Marshall. He was a decorated Army Ranger during Vietnam and has done alot for veterans, disabled Vets, small hospitals, etc. in the past. I was actually ashamed to be connected with the Republican challenger and all his attack tactics. Anyway, I understand that Bush and Kerry agree this election has divided the country and that the two agree that they need to work together to unify the country. Anyway, that's all I got to say about that.
Mom and Joyce, will e-mail you about your popcorn orders and am still waiting to hear from everyone else. Of course, Howie, I know you've got your own cub scout and his pack to support. Oh, did I tell ya'? I'm Chris' Asst Den Leader. Although, given how many den leaders' meetings and Pack Meeting I've had to cover down for Jeff (Chris' Den Leader) before I was Asst Den Leader, I may end up acting as Den Leader. Well, gotta' run help Chris with his research. I have drill this weekend. Hopefully, it'll end on Sunday as scheduled and we won't be activated a month ahead of schedule as rumored.