The Exceptional Delaware Caption This Photo Contest

Here’s the deal, you need to comment on here with the best thoughts these three people are thinking in this picture. This is myself, Kevin Ohlandt, my son, Jacob, and Governor Jack Markell. This was the first time Jack and I officially met, and I’m sure he’s not too happy over the whole opt-out movement I’ve been pushing the past few months.

The winner will be announced in a week, and their thoughts will be published for all to see! Here’s the rules: you have to comment on here. No Facebook or Twitter submissions. A voting council of three will determine the winner. Have fun, and let’s keep it clean!

Tourette Syndrome Awareness Month Recognized By Delaware In House Concurrent Resolution 36

Today, the Delaware House of Representatives voted unanimously to pass House Concurrent Resolution #36, which recognizes Tourette Syndrome Awareness Month, running from May 15th to June 15th in Delaware. Sponsored by State Reps Debra Heffernan and Jeffrey Spiegelman, this is the first resolution of its kind for Tourette Syndrome in Delaware.

The Chairpersons of the Delaware Tourette Syndrome Association, Susan Breakie and Pam Levin, both gave stirring and moving speeches about Tourette Syndrome and the discrimination and bullying that occurs in schools for TS students. Levin gave examples of situations TS kids and adults have to endure, such as “stop moving around and do your work in the hallway” when a student is ticcing, or an adult with TS being rejected from a job opportunity based on their disability. Breakie stressed there needs to be more awareness and acceptance of Tourette Syndrome to break the stereotypes concerning the “swearing” disease, and how it is a neurological and neurobiological disease with no cure.

A few children with Tourette Syndrome attended the event, and after the legislative session, they got to meet Governor Jack Markell and received Delaware pins from the Governor. It was a highlight for many of the attendees year to have this very unique and once in a lifetime opportunity!

Especially for this blogger!

Governor Markell, Kevin Ohlandt and Jacob Ohlandt, 5/14/15

That Awkward Moment Jack Markell Could Not Opt Out Of

Governor Markell, Kevin Ohlandt and Jacob Ohlandt, 5/14/15

How did this picture come about? Stay tuned for my next article, coming shortly!

“Do you believe in Unicorns?” My podcast with the Caesar Rodney Institute

To all the folks who think I exist to “stroke my ego”, add this one to the list!

The DOE’s School Report Card & Accountability Scheme Wants “Community Input” For Their Predetermined Results

Melissa Froemming with the Delaware Department of Education wants community input on the School Report Card system at three different meetings, all in New Castle County. Which really helps the citizens in Kent and Sussex Counties. Thanks for that Melissa! This is all part of the agenda the DOE hatched last fall with their lame surveys. They purposely put horrible answers into the survey so their pre-selected answers would look like they were gaining feedback from parents and citizens. Then they had town hall meetings to feed the illusion of community input even more. Oldest trick in the book….

Grading schools from A to D is insanity. But what can we truly expect from the same state department that brought us Smarter Balanced, human capital, and priority schools? This latest venture is all part of the ESEA flexibility waivers. What happens when a school gets a D? Will they become a priority school based on this grade? Cause we all know how well the priority school initiative worked the last time DOE…

If you plan on going, please blast the DOE for this stupid and idiotic idea. And what’s the point of soliciting community input if you don’t have these meetings through the whole state? Just shows their lack of caring for parents, as usual….