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Size1200 ft²
Floor No.6(with elevator)
- Internet/WiFi
- Washer/dryer
- Elevator in building
- Towels
- Kitchen
- Pets allowed
- Pool
Accommodation summary
|h Ave, 10029 New York, United States
|Property type
|Private room
|Property ID
|Acceptance rate
|Response time
|A few hours
|Calendar updated
|2 weeks ago
The spacious and attractive bedroom features a comfortable double bed, a flat-screen TV and an shared bathroom. Guests are welcome to make use of the stylish lounge and the fully fitted kitchen.
Central Park North Subway Station is just a 5-minute walk away, and provides access to lines 2 and 3. 110 St Subway Station is also just a 5-minute walk away, and provides access to lines 4 and 6.
In the surrounding area, guests will find restaurants to enjoy. The nearest supermarket is just a 3-minute walk, making it easy to stock up on essentials. Please note that I have a Dog and a Cat. Not suitable for non animal lovers.
House rules
US$150 CASH Security Deposit required at check-in. This will be returned upon check -out providing there is no damage done .
A cleaning, wifi, electricity of $125 is due upon your arrival in US cash.
Lost keys incur a $75 replacement fee.
No smoking.
No wearing shoes indoors. Only bedroom slippers
No parties.
No extra guests are allowed.
There will be a added charge of $10 per day for usage of gas if you are cook and prepare meals
No Children under the age of 15 years old allowed without permission from the owner. There will be additional charge for children under the required age. along with an additional deposit in the $200 upon your arrival.
There will also additional charge of $10 per day for usage of gas if you are cooking. This fee is paid in advance.
|Price for > 1 guests
|$ 205 HKD per guest/night extra
|Check-in after
|On arrangement
|Check-in before
|On arrangement
|Check-out before
|On arrangement
|Cancellation Policy
Reviews of this property
We really enjoyed our stay at Summer's apt. She is a great host who made us feel like home, and add to that excellent tips on getting around in the city. Comfortable and clean apt. Nice view on Central Park and well located near transit system. We'll recommend to our family and friends.
It was my wife's first time in NYC and after looking through numerous places, we decided on staying at Summer's other place (called Sabrina's place)....and boy are we glad we did !! We had such a perfect experience and wonderful time !! Something we will cherish and remember for the rest of our lives. Our host was very welcoming and respectful. She would always make us feel at home and would greet us in the morning with her beautiful smile...and a nice cup of coffee whenever we felt like it.
The apartment is in the PERFECT PLACE: right across the street from Central Park (calmer and less noisy), 2 minutes walk from the subway (train), seconds from bus stops, minutes walking from numerous restaurants (you HAVE TO try our host's breakfast recommendations: "Le Pain Quotidien"...supremely delicious and even healthier organic food...WOW !!!)
Apartment is clean, beautiful and cozy. And the bed, wow the bed...well it is ROYALLY comfortable!!! Absolutely guarantees a good night sleep.
I mean, if your are not happy with Summer's place , I wonder what would !!
Soooooo deserving of all the praise and comments !!
Thank you sooo much for everything. We will never forget how beautiful a time we had.
Highest regards
Marc-André and Marie-France
We really enjoyed our stay at Summers place!
Thank you very much for the nice talks and delicious coffee in the morning ;-)
We had an amazing time. The location is really perfect, on the edge of Central Park, the subwaystation closeby and also some nice restaurants in the neighborhood.
Summer can tell you all about NYC, especially where to shop :-)
Last but not least....Chet Baker in the morning!!
We took some beautiful memories with us back to Holland!
Jens and Saskia
We enjoyed our stay in Summer's place. The apartment is beautiful, cozy and neat. It is very well located in upper Manhattan right in front Central Park. It is very easy to get around because the subway and bus stations are near. Our host was awesome, supportive and caring with us. She made us feel as if we were at home. Of course, we would love to return.
We had a really great time at this apartment! We were a little confused in the first place that we had to share the bathroom with 2 other travelers and the host BUT her lovely, nice & helping personality totally changed our former insecurity. Our room was neat & beautifully furnished, just as the rest of the apartment. I would totally recommend this room to anyone who wants to have a pleasant stay in New York City with a host, who gives you all the advice you need to have a great time in the city that never sleeps :)
My partner and I stayed here in the beginning of September for a week. The weather was gorgeous really nice and sunny every day apart from one day when it rained but it was still quite warm. It is easily located and close by to 2 subway stations. You can either travel up to the Bronx or to downtown Manhattan or to Brooklyn.
It would roughly take 10 minutes on a number 2 to Times Square and you can get a 1 and 3 to Soho and that will take roughly 25 minutes.
The apartment is facing Central Park with lovely views. The apartment is modern spacious and tidy. We got our own room and shared the bathroom.
The host was fantastic, really warm and inviting. She made us feel at immediately at home. She was full of recommendations and advice on places to go and things to see.
I would highly recommend staying here and if we are ever to go back I would definitely stay here again. Thank you so much for an amazing trip.
Outstanding location with buses at the door and the subway a short "walk in the park", staying with a New Yorker gave an extra dimension to our stay.
Our host was great and so inclusive, you felt a part of the family , She knew the little details a traveler needs before you asked, so her arrangements and recommendations helped get the most out of every day.
Living with the community on 5th Ave, at Central Park with all the food, music, people, the museums and the excitement of Harlem just up the road, leads to an unforgettable stay, not to mention the easy access to everything else NYC has to offer, Thanks PJ. It' s been a privilege to meet and stay with you.
Wir waren für 18 Übernachtungen im September in der Unterkunft. Das Apartment liegt günstig zu den Nahverkehrsmitteln und unmittelbar am Central Park. Die Einrichtung ist geschmackvoll. Alles ist sehr sauber. Es gibt 3 nette zutrauliche Haustiere eine Katze und 2 kleine gepflegte Hunde. Die Gastgeberin gibt gute Ratschläge für den Aufenthalt und versteht es eine entspannte Atmosphäre zu schaffen. Es ist immer leise angenehme Musik zu hören. Zeitweise waren auch andere Gäste in der Wohnung. Trotz eines Bades konnte man sich aber gut arrangieren. Wir haben uns wohl gefühlt.
- Quality assured accommodation
- Every host is verified by telephone
- Secure payment via SSL encryption


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At Draka, we fully understand the importance of fire performance cables. This is why we are deeply committed to a policy of ongoing product development through investment in innovation. This is not just because we want our products and range to be consistently improved, so that they are better able to satisfy your needs, but because we understand that lives are at stake and that the performance and effectiveness of our products can help prevent loss of life.
In short, at Draka we know that the safety of occupants and users of public, commercial and industrial premises is of paramount importance. One factor that can play a key role in making buildings and occupants safer is the appropriate use of fire performance cables for critical safety systems, including fire alarms, emergency lighting, PA systems, CCTV systems and other emergency power supplies.
Moreover, the correct selection and installation of these vital safety cables ensures that, in the event of an emergency, systems can continue to function and people will have time to leave the building safely, as well as helping the emergency services to operate effectively. A perfect example of how our policy of continuous innovation produces better, even more effective products, is the introduction of Firetufplus, which provides enhanced cable performance with all the benefits associated with pliable alarm cable.
Firetuf cables set the standards for others to follow.
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subset: commoncrawl


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Units of Study Offered in Japanese Studies
JPNS1611 - Japanese 1
Winter Main, 2011 | Credit Points: 6
Coordinator: Seiko Yasumoto
This beginners' unit introduces basic communication skills in understanding and speaking Japanese. Students will also learn to write the two Japanese syllabaries and approximately 60 kanji characters and to recognise at least 100 kanji characters in context. Relevant socio-cultural information is integrated with the language learning. This unit also includes a weekly culture lecture.
continuous class assessment (i.e. weekly quizzes, speaking, writing, listening tests) (equivalent to 2000wds) (50%), 1x2-hr exam (50%)
Genki I, Eri Banno et al
The Japan Times
2x1-hr lectures/week, 2x1-hr tutorials/week
JPNS1111, any HSC Japanese Course
A timetable is not available for this session.
Please refer to the list of Units of Study on the left-hand menu to view the units on offer for the relevant academic year.
The information displayed above is indicative only as online information is subject to change without notice. The Faculty Handbook and the University of Sydney Calendar are the official legal source of information relating to study at the University of Sydney


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Attacks on the Press: Press Braces as Iran Vote Looms
The 2009 vote seemed open for the press. Then came the brutal crackdown. By D. Parvaz
The 2009 vote seemed open for the press. Then came the brutal crackdown. By D. Parvaz
Also Available in
Do you believe the free flow of information must be protected? Sign the #RightToReport petition and demand that President Obama immediately:
1. Issue a presidential policy directive prohibiting the hacking and surveillance of journalists and media organizations.
2. Limit aggressive prosecutions that ensnare journalists and intimidate whistleblowers.
3. Prevent the harassment of journalists at the U.S. border.
Or click here to see the full petition, and join leading journalists like Christiane Amanpour, The Guardian's Alan Rusbridger, Editor of the AP Kathleen Carroll, and Arianna Huffington in signing on.


text:
A Catholic Digest classic article from July 1954 Photo from Photos.com At 5:15 pm, August 28, 1922, people listening to WEAF-AM radio in New York heard Mr. Blackwell of the Queensboro Corporation encourage New Yorkers to leave the crowded, congested living areas of the city. "As you value your health and your hopes and your home happiness," he… read more »
Entries Sought for Family Rosary's 2012
National competetion encourages children to express faith through art, poetry and prose Photo from Photos.com EASTON, Mass. – The call for entries has been announced for the 2012 "Try Prayer! It Works!" Contest. In this national competition sponsored by Family Rosary, children are encouraged to express their faith through art, … read more »
What Do You Call That Thing You Ride In?
A classic Catholic Digest article from August 1950 Photo from Photos.com As Hurricane Irene ambled up the east coast of the U.S., our markets were full of people desperately hunting for artificial electrical organs. That, at least, would have been what they were looking for if Alessandro Volta's original name for batteries had been … read more »
Chicago's Mercy Home for Boys and Girls Wins Catholic Digest's 'Love Your Neighbor' Award
New London, Conn. (September 13, 2011)- Each year, Catholic Digest readers choose a Catholic charitable organization to receive the annual Love Your Neighbor Award. This award recognizes the invaluable work of Catholic charities around the world and is accompanied by a $5,000 cash gift. Founded in 1887, Mercy Home is dedicated to providing a solution for … read more »
Sister Gabriella Williams is Named Winner of National Lumen Christi Award
Sister Gabriella Williams, O.P. and Diocese of San Bernardino to Receive Two $25,000 Grants from Catholic Extension for their Ministries Photo from Photos.com CHICAGO – Sept. 13, 2011 – Catholic Extension today announced that Sister Gabriella Williams, O.P. of the Diocese of San Bernardino, Calif., has been named the winner … read more »


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The best places to stay in four price ranges: budget ($), moderate ($$), expensive ($$$), and luxury ($$$$)
Harborside Inn
"This location is unbeatable for it's proximity to all that is happening downtown. It's mere steps from Quincy Market and the new waterfront."—Mara Vorhees, author, Lonely Planet Boston. A recent renovation and expansion upgraded every facet of this great value hotel. Rooms are usually 20-30 percent below competing hotels. 185 State Street; tel. 888 723 7565 or +1 617 723 7500. www.harborsideinnboston.com
Hotel 140
Opened in 2005; 54 rooms spread across three floors of the 140 Clarendon Building; while the Boston YWCA headquarters lend a bit of an industrial feel, the combination of value and location make it a top choice; fitness center and complimentary Internet. Stuart Street Grille on site. 140 Clarendon Street; tel. +1 617 585 5600. www.hotel140.com
Charlesmark Hotel
"Nice contemporary style; feels like a hip spot with its bold red–and–white color scheme in the public areas and bright lights. This is not the Back Bay of brownstones and antiques."—Mara Vorhees. 40 small rooms; great location within sight of Copley Square; complimentary continental breakfast; premier movie channels; redone in 2002. Charlesmark Lounge on site. 655 Boylston Street; tel. +1 617 247 1212. www.thecharlesmarkhotel.com
John Hancock Hotel & Conference Center
Closed to outside guests during April's Boston Marathon as it hosts a slew of John Hancock Insurance–sponsored runners and their trainers. "The rest of the time it's quite the little find for business travelers and value-minded tourists in search of a convenient Back Bay address."—Marie Morris, author, Frommer's Boston. In the shadow of the John Hancock Tower; historic building; former clubhouse of the University Club of Boston; 64 rooms; complimentary Wi-Fi. 40 Trinity Place. tel. +1 617 933 7700. www.jhcenter.com
The Chandler Inn Hotel
"A fantastic location between the South End's trendy Tremont Street and Back Bay."—Marie Morris. Ask for one of the updated Eric Roseff-designed deluxe guest rooms with plasma televisions, iPod docks, and marble bathrooms. Complimentary Wi-Fi; 55 rooms. 26 Chandler Street; tel. +1 617 482 3450. www.chandlerinn.com
Newbury Guest House
"Impeccably maintained; the quintessential Boston townhouse."—Marie Morris. Located on Boston's swankiest shopping street; hardwood floors, stained-glass doors, and comfy lobby furniture make it a home away from home; has on-site parking by prior arrangement; complimentary continental breakfast; 32 rooms. New French café downstairs. 261 Newbury Street; tel. 800 437 7668. www.newburyguesthouse.com
Bulfinch Hotel
"The flatiron-style building has a unique triangle-shape and the décor captures the flavor of the old industrial neighborhood but with modern walnut furniture and clean lines."—Mara Vorhees. 79 rooms; close to the North End and the TD Banknorth Garden; part of the Bulfinch Triangle neighborhood reborn after the massive highway relocation project known as "The Big Dig;" opened 2004. Flat Iron Tapas Bar and Lounge on site. 107 Merrimac Street; tel. +1 617 624 0202. www.bulfinchhotel.com
82 Chandler Street Bed and Breakfast
"The location and price are the selling points here, but even if the rooms are no-frills they're happily white-glove clean."—Paul Eisenberg, editorial director, Fodor's New England guides. Small bed-and-breakfast offers three rooms and two studios; ask for the room on the top floor with the fireplace and bay windows. 82 Chandler Street; tel. +1 617 482 0408. www.82chandler.com
Beacon Hill Hotel and Bistro
"There are two beautiful townhouses here that yield a dozen rooms and a suite. They get a ton of natural light if you like that kind of thing. The rooftop deck is a find and you'll actually want to sit there."—Paul Eisenberg; mere steps from the Public Garden and Boston Common at the foot of Beacon Hill. Beacon Hill Bistro on site. 25 Charles Street; tel. +1 617 723 7575. www.beaconhillhotel.com
Jurys Boston Hotel
"They've done a great job converting a police headquarters into a fine hotel."—Mara Vorhees. A $64 million renovation blends the Irish hospitality of the Jurys Hotel chain with modern amenities: complimentary Wi-Fi, a state of the art gym, and a host of business services; 225 rooms. Stanhope Grille, Cuffs—An Irish Bar and Il Barista Coffee Bar on site. 350 Stuart Street; tel. +1 617 266 7200. www.jurysdoyle.com/boston-hotel
The Fairmont Copley Plaza
"A jewel-box of a building with a 'your wish is my command' type of service."—Marie Morris. Spoiling visitors for nearly 100 years, the Fairmont Copley Plaza is the high-water mark for service; Catie Copley (a dog) is available for walks and petting. Ambience is old Boston: marble columns, ornate chandeliers, and gold leaf; 383 rooms, including 18 suites; The Oak Room restaurant and The Oak Bar on site. 138 St. James Avenue; tel. +1 617 267 5300. www.fairmont.com/copleyplaza
Nine Zero Hotel
"Modern flair and edgy design are at play here with bold colors and striking textures and very modern furniture."—Mara Vorhees. 190 eco-friendly, modern, high-tech rooms with complimentary Wi-Fi, cordless dual-line phones, and WebTV; encourages guests to bring their pets. KO Prime restaurant on site. 90 Tremont Street; tel. +1 617 772 5800. www.ninezero.com
The Liberty Hotel
Housed in a former jail, the Liberty Hotel is one of the newest additions to Boston's hotel scene. Guests do time in 298 rooms and suites tricked out with mahogany and steel; many original "furnishings" including iron catwalk and steel bars in the lobby and meeting spaces. Alibi Bar, Clink Restaurant, and a new restaurant tentatively called Scampo Restaurant on site. 215 Charles Street; tel. +1 617 224 4000. www.libertyhotel.com
Charles Street Inn
"Rooms are individually decorated; they capture that old-fashioned Boston-Brahmin feel of nineteenth-century well-to-do Boston."—Mara Vorhees. Nine large rooms decorated in tasteful Victorian antiques; 1860 townhouse; complete with DSL and complimentary Wi-Fi; in the heart of Boston's charming Beacon Hill neighborhood; mornings start with breakfast and a paper delivered to your door. 94 Charles Street; tel. +1 617 314 8900. www.charlesstreetinn.com
About Boston and the United States
Get travel tips, see photos, take a quiz and more with National Geographic's Ultimate Guide to Boston.
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You missed it This great deal for RedEnvelope.com is over. But don't despair, we've got more great deals every day.
$40 to Spend Online on Unique Gifts
75% recommendedin LivingSocial customer ratings
From the family brunch ritual to the endless chants of, "Let's do whatever you want to do," every mom looks forward to her red letter day. Guarantee her seal of approval this Mother's Day with this deal from RedEnvelope.com: $20 for $40 to spend online on unique and personalized gifts. Celebrate the family tree with a charming piece of jewelry, like a nested necklace engraved with her children's names. Or, find colorful custom wall art that features little ones' handprints, as well as picture frames, throw pillows, tote bags, and more. Whether you surprise her with a personalized pie dish or just spoil her with gourmet chocolate-dipped strawberries and fresh flowers, this deal will deliver pure joy on her dedicated day.
PAID VALUE EXPIRES ON May 29, 2022
PROMOTIONAL VALUE EXPIRES ON July 31, 2012


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Take one small island and maroon it miles from anywhere, cut off by freezing seas and Atlantic currents.
Populate it with Viking descendants, power it with volcanoes and add in more Nobel Prize-winners per capita than anywhere on the planet. That's pretty much Iceland, a kooky outlier that's rocked the global travel scene. Partly this is down to geography. Iceland bubbles like a volcanic laboratory, with geysers, mud pools, badlands, glaciers and black sand beaches turning the landscape into some Dr Seuss fantasy world. And partly it's down to people: a friendly, eccentric bunch who love live music, green thinking and hotdogs with remoulade and raw onions (yep, really). Once seen, never forgotten – that's an Iceland tour.
Top Iceland travel deals
|Trip name
|From USD
7 Jun 2017Iceland Discovery
|View Trip
24 Jun 2017Summer Iceland Family Adventure
|View Trip
Our Iceland trips
10 Days From $2,896
Travel to Iceland and tour this North Atlantic island. Visit Reykjavik, Hvolsvollur,...
5 Days From $1,150
Travel to Iceland and tour this North Atlantic island. Visit Reykjavik, Hvolsvollur,...
6 Days From $1,370
Discover the unique beauty of Iceland. Visit the Gullfoss waterfall, trek across the...
10 Days From $5,995
Fly from Iceland to Greenland and encounter breathtakingly beautiful landscapes,...
8 Days From $3,240
Get to know the colours of Iceland on a winter adventure that takes in belching geysers...
7 Days From $2,264
Discover why Iceland is known as the land of fire and ice on this spectacular holiday....
18 Days From $7,440
From Reykjavik to Ottawa, explore the wildlife-rich fjords and Inuit communities of...
14 Days From $6,296
As the northern lights dance above, explore Northeast Greenland National Park and...
15 Days From $8,790
Join the ranks of the few that have explored the Arctic extreme of Europe – Greenland....
10 Days From $6,090
Take a cruise around Greenland's Disko Bay and witness Itilleq Fjord, Ilulissat...
13 Days From $7,695
Discover the wild beauty of the Arctic in Spitsbergen, East Greenland and Iceland. Be...
Iceland tour reviews
Our Iceland trips score an average of 4.44 out of 5 based on 45 reviews in the last year.
Iceland Discovery, May 2017
Rebecca Carpenter
Iceland is stunningly beautiful with such a variety of rugged and wild scenery. Game of thrones meets Lord of the Rings. Well worth the trip if you can afford it. Food and optional extras are outrageously expensive. Plan your budget well ahead!
Review submitted 21 May 2017
Northern Lights Escape, February 2017
Melissa Aesthetica
The trips are rather expensive. However, it was worth the money especially for a first-time trip to an unfamiliar destination, or if you have concerns regarding safety and/or cultural differences.
Review submitted 09 Apr 2017
Articles on Iceland
May 23, 2017
6 experiences every traveler should have in...
The volcanic island has exploded onto the radars of travelers in recent years, but...
Apr 06, 2017
6 hot springs in Iceland much better than the...
When you think of hot springs in Iceland, you think the Blue Lagoon. Unfortunately...
Mar 27, 2017
Why Northern Iceland is the next big thing
For those willing to venture more than just a couple of hours from Reykjavik, the...
Mar 15, 2017
In photos: Iceland's diverse, spectacular...
We could ramble for years about how dramatic and dazzling Iceland is, but we'll...
Oct 31, 2016
Why everyone is talking about Iceland right now
How one of the world's smallest, coldest countries became a tourism powerhouse.
Oct 16, 2016
Why everyone is talking about Iceland right now
How one of the world's smallest, coldest countries became a tourism powerhouse.
Oct 13, 2016
10 epic destinations to make you feel small
These are the moments we live for as travellers – finding those spectacular place...
Oct 05, 2016
How to spend 5 days in Iceland: your ultimate...
Now that I've visited the country I spent the past year daydreaming about, I can...
Oct 05, 2016
How to spend 5 days in Iceland: your ultimate...
Now that I've visited the country I spent the past year daydreaming about, I can ...
Jun 01, 2016
Trendsetters: Europe tips from the UK's top...
There are 36 countries within a 3-hour flight of the UK. That's pretty awesome,...
Apr 19, 2016
Life in the north: our top 6 Arctic wildlife...
One thing the Arctic does have is wildlife. Lots of it. On a size and scale that...
Mar 01, 2016
Iceland's tourism board just released a video...
Need a lesson in hot tubbing 101? Iceland Academy's got your back.
Jul 16, 2015
Reykjavik calling: seven reasons you need to...
Apart from being a game winner in Scrabble and relatively easy to pronounce (at...
Jun 14, 2015
Five Game of Thrones locations you can actually...
Think you can guess your fav show's shooting locations? You know nothing, Jon Snow.
May 20, 2015
The day the music died: Eurovision's 13 worst...
In honour of this year's entrants (and in the hopes they will learn from past...
Sep 18, 2014
5 of our favourite small towns in Iceland
One thing should be made perfectly clear before diving into this list: every city,...
Jul 30, 2014
Watching the Northern Lights in Iceland
Aurora Borealis or The Northern Lights is a natural phenomenon where no one...
Iceland travel highlights
Walk amid the strange, other-worldly volcanic landscapes of Snaefellsnes
Enjoy an exploratory tour of the northern port town of Akureyri
Skaftafell National Park
View glaciers, lagoons, icebergs and waterfalls in Skaftafell National Park
Lake Myvatn
Experience the remote lava fields, mineral baths and volcano cones of northern Iceland
Lose yourself in the beauty of Jokulsarlon, Iceland's famous glacial lagoon
Iceland holiday information
At a glance
Best time to visit Iceland
Geography and environment
Natural Phenomena of Iceland
Health and Safety
Further reading
Handy links
Iceland travel FAQs
Australia: No - Not required
Belgium: No - Not required
Canada: No - Not required
Germany: No - Not required
Ireland: No - Not required
Netherlands: No - Not required
New Zealand: No - Not required
South Africa: Yes - in advance
Switzerland: No - Not required
UK: No - Not required
USA: No - Not required
Tipping isn't expected in Iceland. Hotels, restaurants and cafes already include a service fee within the bill, so tipping extra isn't necessary.
Travellers will be able to access the internet in cyber cafes and Wi-Fi hotspots in Iceland's cities and large towns. Rural and remote areas may have less internet access, so be prepared when travelling away from cities.
Travellers will be able to use their mobile phones in Iceland's cities. Remote and isolated areas may have less mobile receptivity. Ensure global roaming is activated before leaving home if you wish to use your mobile while travelling.
Modern, flushable toilets are the standard in Iceland. Expect to pay a small fee when visiting public toilets.
Hotdog = 200 ISK
Glass of beer = 600-800 ISK
Simple lunch at a cafe = 500-1500 ISK
Dinner in a restaurant = 2000-4000 ISK
Tap water is considered safe to drink in Iceland unless marked otherwise.
Credit cards are accepted widely in Iceland and are used frequently by locals to pay for just about anything. Paying with a credit card at shops, guesthouses, supermarkets, restaurants, cafes and to pay for taxi rides shouldn't pose a problem.
ATMs are usually easy to find in Iceland's cities and villages and generally accept most foreign cards.
Absolutely. All passengers travelling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their trip. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey.
For more information on insurance, please go to: Travel Insurance
- 1 Jan New Year's Day
- 24 Mar Maundy Thursday
- 25 Mar Good Friday
- 27 Mar Easter
- 28 Mar Easter Monday
- 21 Apr First Day of Summer
- 1 May Labor Day
- 5 May Ascension
- 15 May Whit Sunday
- 16 May Whit Monday
- 17 Jun Independence Day
- 1 Aug Commerce Day
- 24 Dec Christmas Eve
- 25 Dec Christmas Day
- 26 Dec Boxing Day
- 31 Dec New Year's Eve
Please note these dates are for 2017. For a current list of public holidays in Iceland go to: http://www.worldtravelguide.net/iceland/public-holidays
Responsible Travel
Intrepid is committed to travelling in a way that is respectful of local people, their culture, local economies and the environment. It's important to remember that what may be acceptable behaviour, dress and language in your own country, may not be appropriate in another. Please keep this in mind while travelling.
Top responsible travel tips for Iceland
1. Be considerate of Iceland's customs, traditions, religion and culture.
2. For environmental reasons, try to avoid buying bottled water. Instead, fill a reusable water bottle or canteen with filtered water.
3. Always dispose of litter thoughtfully, including cigarette butts.
4. Learn some local language and don't be afraid to use it - simple greetings will help break the ice.
5. Shop for locally made products. Supporting local artisans helps keep traditional crafts alive.
6. Refrain from supporting businesses that exploit or abuse endangered animals.
7. Please ask and receive permission before taking photos of people, including children.


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National Champ Degenhardt is back home
LA CROSSE, Wis. - AJ Degenhardt grew up in La Crosse, but But Badgers fans grew to love him. The Logan High School grad played on the '06 Badgers national championship team. Now, he's back home, as an assistant coach with the Coulee Region chill.
"I played high school hockey here on the Co-Op team and got my start here," Degenhardt said. "The area's been good to me and I'd like to give back in the same sense and give them a good solid product that people can come and enjoy here."
Degenhardt is well prepared to do so, no thanks to his first job out of college.16583032
"I actually did insurance sales for half a year and found out there are some sales involved and recruiting and found out insurance wasn't for me and my passion's always been hockey."
Degenhardt made a few coaching stops, always aiming to return to La Crosse.
"As soon as the team came here, I knew if there would be an opportunity, it would be exciting to do," he said. "I always wanted to keep an eye on it."
New Chill Head Coach John Hamre hired AJ Degenhardt only a few weeks before tryouts started this summer. But they shared a common bond on the ice long before that, through Badgers Head Coach Mike Eaves.
"About 10-12 years ago, I worked for and with him in the National Team Program, and several years ago, Mike was AJ's formative college mentor, if you will. So we have a common thread in our histories," said Hamre.
"He's a great coach, there's obviously things you want to take from everybody along the way," Degenhardt said. "You take bits and pieces from them but at the same time, you want to make your own identity too."
As for his ultimate goal?
"I know I want to coach at a high level and I take my opportunity day by day. So right now I'm here to learn and help out the kids at this level and you never know where it's going to go. Everyday something can be different in the coaching world."


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It's raining gacha goodies!
Yes it's almost THAT time again! In only 2 days The Arcade will open it's virtual doors to a new round of amazing gacha goodies! Better hang on to your virtual wallet for this round, because you will want EVERYTHING! There's a truckload of pure must haves!
Be sure to check out The Arcade Shopping Guide to get a preview of all the amazing goodies you will soon be able to collect!
Hair: Surfer Roza (prize 10) – Clawtooth (Bubbles Clawtooth) *NEW @ The Arcade
Skin: Luria (12) – Glam Affair (Aida Ewing) *NEW @ The Arcade
Freckles: Fullbodyfreckles – PXL (Hart Larsson)
Eyes: Horizon light brown – IKON (Ikon Innovia)
Dress: Bibbe dress (white/black) – Baiastice (Sissy Pessoa) *NEW @ The Arcade
Cape: Spirithood white RARE – Tableau Vivant (M4ri1yn Magic) *NEW @ The Arcade
Leggings: Counting stars – Apple May Designs (Apple May)
Skates: Vintage rollerskates clasic – The Secret Store (Maylee Oh) *NEW @ The Arcade
Necklace: Wild honey bee black – MG (Maxi Gossamer) *NEW @ The Arcade
Umbrella: pose prop RARE – Pixel Mode (Tya Fallingbridge) *NEW @ The Arcade
Location: Sankt Moritz, 2304 RAIN (Squonk Levenque) *NEW – go explore!


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With all due respect, the last time I saw him do 25 back flips was well before his own draft.
((Damn, someone beat me to the point))
With all due respect, the last time I saw him do 25 back flips was well before his own draft.
((Damn, someone beat me to the point))
I remember him saying something like his weight gain last year was "becoming a man"...or something like that.
"You killed my family, and I don't like that kind of thing."
He was 290 last season when the offseason started. He looked to me all season to be a bit slower and a little stiffer. But did seem stronger.
Probably a balancing act to find where they want him.
Coughlin seems to want him at ~275. So I'm sure he will come in closer to that weight this offseason and we will see how he does. He has to learn how to fight through double teams as well.
But I'm not sure conditioning is the proper word there, he played way more snaps than any of the other DL, and he's much heavier than they are
I guess every year people talk about draftees and how "if they just BULK-UP. . .". I guess we're seeing here the upper limits of what is effective for a player.
he gained weight last year... he was also doubled teamed alot last year
2015 season tbd
they mentioned that a few times during the season. Even Fewel eluded to that when JPP had to taker a bigger role when Tuck was hurt. mentioned all the extra plays was taking its toll on him later in the games.
"Measure Twice......Cut Once"
You couldn't be more full of **** if you were break dancing in a Port-a-Potty.......Kruunch
If thats the case, then you can blaim the performance of the entire defense on conditioning. We went down this road a few years ago too, Coughlin brought in new conditioning specialists, and it actually helped the following season. Perhaps thats why Rolle is still on the roster, and Tuck for that matter.


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Today's post is part of a weekly series called "Travel Toss-Up," in which we ask you to take your pick between two amazing travel experiences.
This week's toss-up offers a choice of two colorful shopping experiences.
Would you rather…
… wander through the chaotic souks of Old City Jerusalem, or …
… browse the offerings at the Jean-Talon Italian market in Montreal?
Jerusalem's Old City is home to sprawling Arab souks selling everything from exotic spices and brightly colored pottery to traditional headdresses and ultra-modern T-shirts. In the heart of Montreal's Little Italy neighborhood, Jean-Talon Market offers a mouth-watering selection of fruit, vegetables, bread, chocolate, maple syrup and other locally sourced foodstuffs.
Photos: 12 Delicious Destinations for Foodies
Vote for your preference in the comments below!
— written by Sarah Schlichter


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Stanislaw Krysztal
The knowledge, passion, and expertise that our founders and product inventors bring to our creative development drives LUSH to create such innovative products. However, we owe a great deal of gratitude to the experts and consultants who helped us grow to where we are today. Stanislaw Kryztal is one of those people.
Stan Krystal taught Mark, Mo, Rowena, and myself. He was a great inventor and teacher working with Mo on the shampoo bar and soap base. It was his experience that helped so much when having spent months working on the pourable soap Mo couldn't stop it sweating. "Just ignore it", he said, she did and it has never been a problem since.
Stan learned cosmetic chemistry in 1935 when the Picker family employed him to help them develop American cosmetic ranges in Britain. After three months extra training in the U.S.A. Stan produced face powder, rouge, and little lipsticks from the upper floors of premises in Tabernacle street.
Over the next 40 years Outdoor Girl, Miner's, Gala, No 17, Mary Quant and Cosmetics a la Carte all benefited from Stan's skills. He produced the first experience of cosmetics for millions of women as well as developing a large business. This helped Rowena when he taught her how to formulate color cosmetics.
We had been looking for a consultant cosmetic chemist that could cope with our unorthodox style and after a series of false starts, we asked the venerable Mr. Krysztal to visit us. As he walked round the garages and sheds which at the time we called home, he should have laughed. Instead he joined the team. He first thought of pressing the worm-like SLS noodles into a bar. He didn't know quite what to do with them after that, but that's where the team came in. That Stan didn't agree with stupid ideas like retirement was to benefit us for over a decade, and he would have loved LUSH and 'B Never Too Busy To be Beautiful' His expertise lives on in so many of the lovely products we make.
We don't know where in Poland Stan was born, but we do know he studied in Warsaw. He was very proud when as he put it "the Russian empire" came to an end and Poland became a democracy. He would have been elated to see so many of his countrymen now working for the company making tons of the products he helped invent. If Stan taught us lots about cosmetics, his most admirable quality was his attitude – constantly living in the present, looking forward to the future. At 86 he was still travelling widely, building a new lab in his flat and sending us 20 point memos where every point was uncomfortably valid. We still see him as our teacher and are proud of this Polish heritage.


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October 2011 Indie Next List
"This is the story of three inseparable college friends -- Pen, Cat, and Will -- who finally go their separate ways until Will and Pen get a mysterious summons from Cat to their college reunion. What they find there is each other, but no Cat, only Cat's forlorn husband, Jason -- the catalyst for the trio's split six years earlier. Jason tells them a story that sends them on a journey that changes everything. With these characters, de los Santos demonstrates that people aren't perfect, and that sometimes they aren't true to their friends or even to themselves, but that everybody -- even the most flawed among us -- deserves a version of 'happily ever after.'"
— Jill Miner, Saturn Booksellers, Gaylord, MI
It's been six years since Pen Calloway watched Cat and Will, her best friends from college, walk out of her life. Through the birth of her daughter, the death of her father, and the vicissitudes of single motherhood, she has never stopped missing them. When, after years of silence, Cat—the bewitching, charismatic center of their group—urgently requests that the three meet at their college reunion, Pen can't refuse. But instead of a happy reconciliation, what awaits is a collision of past and present that sends Pen and Will on a journey around the world, with Pen's five-year-old daughter and Cat's hostile husband in tow. And as Pen and Will struggle to uncover the truth about Cat, they find more than they bargained for: startling truths about who they were before and who they are now.
With her trademark wit, vivid prose, and gift for creating authentic, captivating characters, Marisa de los Santos returns with an emotionally resonant novel about our deepest human connections.
Praise For…
"The mix of perfectly realized personalities and genuine emotion make this a winner."
-Publishers Weekly on FALLING TOGETHER
"Readers who enjoy the connection forged through the ties of family and friendships should find much to savor in de los Santos's comforting, leisurely paced novel."
-Library Journal on FALLING TOGETHER
"A satisfying novel about friends rediscovering one another—and confronting unwelcome truths—at their college reunion."
-People on FALLING TOGETHER
"[FALLING TOGETHER] is a good, solid read that succeeds in being both funny and heartbreaking. De los Santos has a knack for best-friend banter and stays true to the emotions involved in letting go of treasured relationships."
-Booklist on FALLING TOGETHER
"Falling Together explores the ways our familial relationships and friendships affect who we are and who we're becoming…the appeal of de los Santos' books remains the intimacy with which the reader gets to know each character."
-BookPage on FALLING TOGETHER
"Brimming with the author's trademark wit, vivid prose and captivating characterizations, FALLING TOGETHER brilliantly explores our deepest human connections and confirms Marisa de los Santos as one of America's most exciting contemporary novelists."
"Prose that shines in moments of tenderness."
-People on BELONG TO ME
"By the book's end, humanity is discovered in the unlikeliest places, and Cornelia learns that tempting as it is, you can't always judge a woman by her hairstyle."
-New York Times on BELONG TO ME
"De los Santos keeps us totally engaged with these fragile creatures, who get under our skin and, ultimately, into our hearts. Highly recommended."
-Library Journal (starred review) on BELONG TO ME
"Witty and intelligent."
-Kirkus Reviews on BELONG TO ME
"Fans of de los Santos's previous heartfelt novels will rejoice to learn of her new one, and those readers just discovering her with Falling Together will be thrilled to hear that she has a backlist they can devour."
-SheKnows.com on FALLING TOGETHER


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One who partakes in activities that could be considered immature, "redneck", or "total frat move-ish". These individuals often have 6 inch lift kits and/or a large profusion of tobacco stuffed inside of their bottom lip.
The plaghs are in the weight room, dipping and lifting.
by plaghplaghplagh November 19, 2010


text: Does anyone know where I can find a parts catalog for my Suburban (2002) on CD or DVD? I have a parts catalog for my Mercedes. It's very helpful to have the part numbers before I go to the dealer and to be able to tell what parts are interchangeable with which models. I've seen some Chevy parts catalogs on eBay, but that are all for older models. Thanks. Tom


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Chrissy's Hair House
400 Illawarra Rd, MARRICKVILLE 2204
Strategically positioned in the heart of Marrickville, Chrissy's Hair House has been the preferred salon for many clients in the area. Owned and operated by Chrissy, the salon offers a…Book Appointment
Xcentrik Hair Design
34/36 Victoria Rd, MARRICKVILLE METRO 2204
Conveniently located in Marrickville, Xcentrik Hair Design is the preferred salon among clients in the area. The salon has showcased a team of the most trendiest hairstylists who can deliver…Book Appointment


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Report Word (78 KB)
May 23, 2012
Dr. Tom Burnham
State Superintendent
Mississippi Department of Education
359 North West Street, Suite 309
Jackson, Mississippi 39205
Dear Superintendent Burnham:
During the week of February 27- March 3, 2012, a team from the U. S. Department of Education's (ED) Student Achievement and School Accountability Programs (SASA) office reviewed the Mississippi Department of Education's (MDE) administration of the Title III program authorized by the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA), as amended. Enclosed is a report based upon the review of the Title III program.
The report includes a brief description of the scope of the monitoring review, recommendations and findings, and required corrective actions resulting from the review. The MDE has 30 business days from receipt of this report to respond to all findings cited in the report. We will review the State's response to determine if all findings have been addressed sufficiently and request additional information, if necessary. We will allow 30 business days for the State to submit additional information or work with the State to identify a reasonable timeline that allows the State to address and correct all findings. A State that has significant unresolved noncompliance findings or findings that are repeated from one monitoring review to the next may have a condition placed on the grant award.
Please note that the findings cited in the report reflect the status of compliance in MDE a: the time of the onsite review.
The ED team would like to thank Debbie Murphy, Marcus Cheeks, & Chris Norwood for their hard work and assistance before and during the review. We look forward to continuing to work with you and your staff to address the needs of English language learners.
Patricia A. McKee
Acting Director,
Student Achievement and School Accountability
cc: Debbie Murphy
Marcus Cheeks
Chris Norwood


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The ubiquity of worlds beyond our Solar System confounds us
Kevin Heng
An area of research that has attracted a lot of attention in the field of astronomy and astrophysics is planet formation: the study of how planets (in our Solar System) and exoplanets (orbiting other stars) form. Astronomers harness the power of telescopes with meter-sized or larger mirrors to search the night sky for exoplanets—and they find loads of them. In the past two years, NASA's Kepler Space Telescope has located nearly 3,000 exoplanet candidates ranging from sub-Earth-sized minions to gas giants that dwarf our own Jupiter. Their densities range from that of styrofoam to iron. Astronomers find them close to their parent or host stars with scorching temperatures of a few thousand degrees; they also find them distant from their stars, more than 10 times farther away than Jupiter is from our Sun. Perhaps most significant, the Kepler results demonstrate that rocky exoplanets are common in our local cosmic neighborhood—and by extension, our universe at large. Nature seems to have a penchant for forming exoplanets.
As astrophysicists, our goal is to construct hypotheses to explain what we see in nature. We create model universes and exoplanetary systems on paper and in our computers. When our hypotheses stand the tests of data and time, they eventually become accepted as theories. Hypotheses of planet formation are usually forged within two accepted paradigms: core accretion and gravitational instability. Core accretion is the "bottom-up" approach: Large objects form from smaller ones, eventually building up to exoplanets. Gravitational instability is the "top-down" method: Exoplanets form directly from larger structures in the primordial disks of gas and dust orbiting young stars. But when astrophysicists zoom in on the physical details, we find ourselves (and our hypotheses) flummoxed and, quite simply, outclassed by nature. Dust grains do not seem to readily stick. Even if rocks form, they then drift into the star much too quickly, fast enough to preclude their coalescence into larger objects. These larger, kilometer-sized objects, known as planetesimals, are in principle the building blocks of planets. For our Solar System, theorists struggle in modeling to form the rocky cores of the gas giants, Jupiter and Saturn, before the primordial gas of the natal disk dissipates. Even forming Neptune within the paradigm of core accretion takes too long due to its relative remoteness from the Sun. The devil is in the details and, unfortunately, they do matter when trying to construct synthetic exoplanets.
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© 2016 Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Society


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Part of the intrigue with Dolphins first-round pick Dion Jordan is about potential, sure, but it's also a result of the mystery with how he'll be used. Unlike most incoming rookies, it's not just what he does on the field that will get people talking; it will be about how he does it.
Will the lanky speedster have his hand in the ground? Is he more of a stand-up edge rusher? Heck, when will he play? He could be a third-down specialist, at first, before eventually growing into an expanded role.
Jordan wasn't able to participate in OTA's and mini-camp while he finished up his degree, stoking some of speculation about his role, but he'll return to the field in less than two weeks when training camp opens.
In a recent interview with The Finsiders, that aired on Tuesday afternoon, Jordan said that he's spent some time since he finished up at Oregon with Dolphins defensive coordinator Kevin Coyle, talking about what type of role he'll have this year.
"He's mentioned to me numerous amount of times what he's planning on doing with me, the different types of schemes that the defense allows me to line up and do different types of things," Jordan said. "He's a very exciting guy."
While Coyle cooks up ways to use him, Jordan eagerly awaits what's up next: his first pro camp. Though it may be in a yet-to-be-determined role, he is looking to do one thing during his rookie season.
"Getting after the quarterback is a very important thing," Jordan said. "My ability to come off the edge and chase those quarterbacks down, and also being lined up with a bunch of guys who have tremendous ability to get after quarterback and make these big plays, not only on the front end but on the back end.
"If I can help out any way as far as doing whatever, alter a throw, whatever I have to do to make a play, that's what I'm willing to do."
Watch the rest of Jordan's exclusive interview with The Finsiders
RELATED: Dion Sims: I'm Going To Be Used A Lot
RELATED: 5 Position Battles To Watch In Training Camp
RELATED: Training Camp Preview: Quarterbacks
The opinions, analysis and/or speculation expressed by The Finsiders Blog represent those of individual writers, and unless quoted or clearly labeled as such, do not represent the opinions, policies or desires of the Miami Dolphins organization, front office, coaches and executives. Writers' views are formulated independently from any inside information and/or conversation with Dolphins officials, including the coaches and scouts, unless otherwise noted.
One Response to "Dion Jordan Looks Ahead To Rookie Season"
I worry about Dion. I think we may be expecting too much of a unproven rookie even considering his athleticism.
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Town Square
Are Choice Schools Creating Ethnic Segration? Shouldn't We Care?
Original post made by Fred, Barron Park, on Mar 25, 2007
Compare elementary school averages (no weighting for enrollment, sorry, just mean average of each schools %'s):
PAUSD: 24% Asian, 10% Hispanic, 59% White, 16% other/NR
Hoover: 57% Asian, 4% Hispanic, 22% White, 17% other/NR
Ohlone: 13% Asian, 4% Hispanic, 59% White, 25% other/NR
Escondido: 18% Asian, 15% Hispanic, 48% White, 19% other/NR
Source for all are school SARCs, available on the PAUSD web site here: Web Link
Palo Alto Unified School District - Community - About PAUSD - School Accountability Report Cards (SARC)
The Ohlone numbers are a little hard to interpret, since they have more in the "multiple or no response" category - but it appears they have materially fewer Asians and Hispanics (17% vs. 34% or about half the average). The Hoover numbers show 2.4x the number of Asians, with less than half the average of Whites or Hispanics.
Escondido is harder to guage - others may know the pure SI composition already. Compared to the average, though, it has 1.5x the number of Hispanics (15% vs. 10%) and somewhat fewer Whites and Asians. Compared to its neighbor, Nixon, it has 3x the Hispanics (15% vs. 5%).
So it appears that given "choice," parents self-select into more ethically segregated schools. This concerns me. One of the things I like most about the US, California, Palo Alto, and Barron Park's own Briones school, is the level of ethnic (and other) diversity they achieve. When we look at the benefits of public education, this mixing is one of our great public goods. A very happy moment for me was attending Briones graduation a couple years ago and being welcomed in each of the 17 languages spoken by the students there.
So if choice erodes this good, that's a concern. Especially since the erosion is both for those who chose a special program, and for those who stay behind. If groups congregate at choice schools, by definition, those left behind have a less diverse school class as well. And of course, once established, this segregation can be self-reinforcing (a la neighborhood tipping points).
Paradoxically, at least some of the history of "choice" or "magnet" programs was to achieve DE-segragation. I attended such a elementary school myself. And I believe the SI program was created, in part, to attract students to a school with excess capacity. But in fact, we are now allowing parents to choose a more segregated environment.
This of course may reflect on the Mandarin Immersion program, perhaps again under consideration. Would such a program disproportionately attract Asians? Does it require Mandarin speaking students, almost all of whom I would presume would be Asian? (I'm not baiting here, please speak up if you know the answers on those.) If the applicants to the school (and hence the students) were in fact disproportionately Asian, would that be ok?
I don't know how important the teaching differences are at the choice schools, to parents or the community. I'm sure they each have their strong advocates. But enabling K-5 ethnic segregation, feeding into the clique-ishness of middle school and high school, seems like an important factor to weigh against those preferences, both for existing and any proposed choice programs. Note that even a charter school must show "its means for achieving racial and ethnic balance reflective of the general population residing in the district" (source: Charter School FAQs, CA Dept. of Education). Don't we want at least that from our regular public schools?
a resident of Another Palo Alto neighborhood
on Mar 25, 2007 at 4:38 pm
Very good points that at least one member of the AAAG has put forward to the Board.
Two further comments.
The 4% Hispanic at both Ohlone and Hoover may (or may not but worth noting for consideration) are more than likely only there because they have to take in students from EPA
The figures for Escondido although may be interpreted as slanted due to SI are probably more affected by the demographics of the Stanford grad students from Escondido village and I believe it is not possible to get Escondido's make up divided by SI and non SI.
a resident of Barron Park
on Mar 25, 2007 at 5:05 pm
Thank you AAAG Member, for those insights. The Escondido number seems hard to intepret, but maybe somebody with direct experience with the SI program can comment on its composition. The Ohlone and Hoover numbers seem clear, though, and generally consistent with community impressions of those schools.
a resident of Crescent Park
on Mar 25, 2007 at 5:13 pm
Fred -
A dual immersion program typically requires 30-50% of its students to be native speaking. PACE's proprosal Web Link requires 30% of student be native Mandarin speakers. I don't think there are too many non-Chinese/Asian native Mandarin speakers, therefore by a MI choice or charter program would be at least 30% asian. Assuming a that starting in 2nd grade there would be a language fluency requirement, th ratio would be even higher in later grades.
I have enjoyed the ethnic mix at all of my children's schools. I think it contributes to the real world aspect of their educations. I find the statistics you posted some what sad, perhaps the choice schools should also be required to reflect more closely the ethnic mix of the PAUSD when choosing their students.
a resident of Another Palo Alto neighborhood
on Mar 25, 2007 at 5:27 pm
At least one of the MI proponents, Nico, claims no Chinese background but has ensured that her children are native Mandarin speakers because she has paid for a Mandarin speaking Nanny to teach them Mandarin since they were babies.
a resident of Barron Park
on Mar 25, 2007 at 6:04 pm
Oops - well, two bad typos in my original post. PAUSD white average is 50% (not 59%). Doesn't impact the argument, but anybody checking the math would realize the numbers don't add up! Also, my wife laughed out loud when she saw me posting about "Ethic Segregation" (instead of ETHNIC). All Kantians to the right, Aristotelians the left please!
a resident of Midtown
on Mar 25, 2007 at 7:12 pm
to AAAG member,
As a point of clarification, if you work you have to get help with your kids. Since I am pretty passionate about foreign language, when I went back to work part-time, I decided to hire a Mandarin speaking babysitter and found a Mandarin speaking daycare.
I also never said my kids WOULD "test as native speakers", I said they MIGHT.
a resident of Another Palo Alto neighborhood
on Mar 25, 2007 at 8:52 pm
Thanks for your clarification. I was working from memory and couldn't remember the details, but I think I got the gist of it. Sorry if it came across wrong.
a resident of Duveneck/St. Francis
on Mar 25, 2007 at 9:51 pm
Ohlone gets more mixed in the lower grades--which follows the general trend of the district. It's my impression that there's a relatively high proportion of "mixed" kids, such as Eurasian compared to the district in general and a somewhat lower rate of first-gen. Asian kids. Seems like a fairly high percentage of European parents, where people are familiar with educational approaches like Waldorf.
In contrast, Hoover's direct instruction, relatively hierarchical approach seems somewhat more akin to educational approaches in East Asia.
a resident of Another Palo Alto neighborhood
on Mar 25, 2007 at 9:57 pm
Not sure if it is exactly the same as Hoover, but the DI classrooms I have seen in the middle schools here are the exact formula for my own education i.e. rows of seats, teacher standing at the front beside a desk with a board and if I was lucky an overhead projector. Maps or charts on the walls at the front with little or nothing on the side or back walls, and writing lines if I was caught looking out the window!!
a resident of Ventura
on Mar 25, 2007 at 10:48 pm
Euro Parent -
You don't mention your age - and don't have to if you don't want to - but your post rings true for me as well. I grew up in the 1980s, at a time when I think a transition was underway towards more creative and collaborative work. I still had my share of classes that were mostly lecture and note taking with some full-class discussion, and then a few where we were starting to mix that up a bit.
I'd be curious to know what you know about "Euro" education today.
a resident of Fairmeadow
on Mar 25, 2007 at 11:12 pm
Looking at the district ethnicity report, you'll also see that
Addison: 15.5% Asian, 7.7% Hispanic, 67.1% White, 4.9% Decline to State
Hays: 18.5% Asian, 5.6% Hispanic, 66.1% White, 2.7% Decline to State
So, should we bus kids to be better mixed? At least in the neighborhood schools, where there's no choice in the curriculum, kids be interchanged easily, no?
No double standards here!
a resident of Another Palo Alto neighborhood
on Mar 25, 2007 at 11:33 pm
I'm with blah, blah. Diversity's great, but let's not make this ridiculous. There is no issue of segregation within PA.
a resident of Barron Park
on Mar 26, 2007 at 12:13 am
Thanks Unhuh and Blah Blah - two pretty good names you have ;-) I agree that there is a range of ethnicities at the schools - you could add the Barron Park and Briones are more heavily Hispanic, Fairmeadow more Asian, etc.
But these differences are caused primarily by housing patterns - where people live. This is a hard problem and a couple of decades of bussing didn't solve it (I was a kid who was bussed 35 years ago). So I'm not trying to crack that one; not sure how.
But choice schools make the situation worse than it needs to be by creating even more concentration. I would say having one choice school that has 2.5x one ethnic group and less than half of the other two; and another that has very few of the minority groups, but more of the majority - that's not great. What if Hoover became 70% Asian? 80%? 90%? Would that become a problem? What if MI came out, just by choosing randomly from the applicant pool, with 80% Asian kids - would that become a problem?
And things can be changed. At my college, the system for assigning freshman to upper-class dorm originally was preference based. But the self-selection weighed heavy on it - we ended up with black, Asian, and gay dorms, as well as the usual nerds, jocks, and preps. Eventually, the administration just did away with self-selection and assigned students randomly. Some hue and cry over that? Sure. But the judgment was that diversity in dorm-mates was worth losing some "choice." Maybe that is the case here too.
(I am of course not suggesting that PA assign kids to school randomly across town; neighborhood schools have their own importance.)
There is, in fact, segregation-by-choice in the choice programs to today. You may feel it is not an issue, but I do, especially since there is at least one more likely segregated program is in the pipeline.
a resident of Fairmeadow School
on Mar 26, 2007 at 12:22 am
Thanks, Fred, for the basic question, slightly paraphrased:
Is Hoover's high Asian population a problem?
I ask the corollary:
Is Addison's high Caucasian population a problem?
Please answer both questions and then we can have a fair conversation.
Then, the next thing is
What is the problem? What in specific terms is wrong with some higher concentrations in some schools? Are the kids "taught" to be different, or by their environment subject to prejudice or develop prejudices?
I like to think of it like restaurants.
Typically, more Asians go to Chinese restaurants. But the restaurants are open to everyone. People can choose to go whichever restaurant they want. Some people make racist remarks or biased comments about the Chinese restaurant or its customers, but that's a human nature thing. Not the fault of the restaurant.
And so it goes with "American" restaurants. Those may have a cross-section of customers like the local demographics, but they may have more Caucasians. Is that a problem?
Think about it. You are what you eat!
a resident of Barron Park
on Mar 26, 2007 at 2:24 am
BBB - I like the clarity of your questions. I'll try to give clarity in my resonse.
I do think your first two questions are different, in that we can easily impact Hoover but not easily Addison. If Hoover and Addison were both neigborhood schools, I would not have started this thread. To impact Addison (short of redrawing boundary lines), we'd have to send people away from their local school; to impact Hoover, we could send people BACK TO their local schools! If you substituted Ohlone for Addison, I would say they are both a problem, and the same problem.
To answer your question directly, I'd prefer that Addison and Hoover were both more representative of the city; in that sense, both are a "problem." But my focus is not just on "is there a problem"; it is also on "is there something we can practically do?"
With Addison, the options are limited. Assigning kids away from their local school is challenging for many reasons. There may be a chance to re-draw boundary lines, in which case setting the lines to try to achieve school diversity would be a good thing and I would support it.
With Hoover, the answers are somewhat more direct. I am not sure you could implement ethnic quotas or preferences - my sense is that it may not be legal (I am sure someone out there knows - please tell us). If you could, then that would be good. We could also choose to do away with the program, on the basis that it was creating a segregated student body.
In terms of "what is the problem" - I believe we learn to get along with different people through practice - running up against those darn annoying different people and figuring them out and how to get along with them. Public school is the place where this happens. If we segregate our schools, our kids don't get the benefit of experience, and society suffers. The fact that it happens by "choice" doesn't make it ok; the harm of the segregation has to be weighed against the value of the choice. On the other hand, if we all go to different restaurants, society is about the same.
I did a college admissions interview earlier in the year for a kid from Paly, the child of Chinese immigrants. He said one thing that upset him in high school was the pressure to stick with your own group (in his case, Asian math nerds) and how he was proud of himself for staying close with some of his non-Asian friends he had made in elementary school. Imagine if you were Asian and went to Hoover (or white and went to Ohlone) - you may well not even have those those other-ethnic friends to stick with. (No different at Addison, of course; just a harder problem to solve.)
a resident of Midtown
on Mar 26, 2007 at 8:23 am
Interesting thread. Four responses:
--It seems to me practical to solve the "segregation" at Addison and other neighborhood schools. We wouldn't have to bus that many.
--If there is an underlying moral imperative, then that applies equally to neighborhood and choice schools. If we SHOULD "desegregate" choice schools, then we SHOULD do it for neighborhood schools, too.
--The neighborhood and choice concepts are important to many people, so "desegregating" takes something away from them. It would be unfair to apply this to one set of families and not another. In other words, if it is a problem, it's not fair to solve in on the back of one set of families.
--I also get a warm feeling seeing my kids romp with children of many ethnicities and agree that having them educated in a multi-racial, multi-cultural environment is good for them. However, we as a country didn't go to the trouble of desegregating schools so that white folk could have that warm feeling. The reason was that kids from minorities, which suffered from the accumulated disadvantage of years of oppression, were not getting a fair shot at good schools. That is clearly not happening here in Palo Alto. As a legal matter, I think that shutting down Hoover because it has too many Asians would run into trouble because it turns the rationale for desegregation on its head.
a resident of Another Palo Alto neighborhood
on Mar 26, 2007 at 9:03 am
Yes, sadly you are right, my school days are long behind me, 50s 60s and into 70s and my experience with euro schools now is sadly anecdotal. I know that there is still the high emphasis on exams to the extent that these are now being re-introduced at younger ages (like 7 and 11) where they had been phased out. I know that there is a lot of talk in Britain that the standards for A levels (basically the exit exams) have such good pass rates now that the question exists as to whether these have been softened or teaching has improved. In Ireland there is now a soft year at age 15 or so, where the emphasis is put into broadening the spectrum so to speak getting the students involved in community service, learning something outside the norm academically, or other various projects, before the strenuous two last years of school are thrown on them.
However, actual classroom procedures are something I know very little about.
One thing that is very strong though is dress codes. The problem is nothing to do with gang identification, rather that it brings everyone down to the same level and takes away those who can afford to shop at the best and those who don't. A pair of navy trousers (not jeans) or navy skirt and sweatshirt over a polo type shirt with sensible shoes tends to be the norm for most schools, public or private.
a resident of Another Palo Alto neighborhood
on Mar 26, 2007 at 9:32 am
Kudos for getting one spelling mistake on this thread title corrected from ethic to ethnic, but shouldn't you have changed segration to segregatation also?
a resident of Another Palo Alto neighborhood
on Mar 26, 2007 at 9:46 am
Blah Blah Blah - Addison and Hays makeups are still within a reasonable range of being representative of the overall community. I believe some cases on the ACLU website have the courts saying that a range of +/-20% of the makeup of the community was considered representative.
So by that measure, Hoover is off the charts and if it were challenged, PAUSD would probably have a problem.
MI will be the same way. Particularly if they institute Mandarin testing for entrance, which would be more than just accidental self-segregation, it would be blatent discrimination.
There's a logic problem here that people want to avoid - if you build schools based on neighborhood boundaries you are not (intentionally) differentiating on race. (And PAUSD further attempts to mitigate this by voluntarily bringing in Tinsley to correct imbalances created by PAUSD socioeconcomic imbalances.)
If you build schools based on choice, or on language proficiencies, and you end up with racially segregated schools by intention, you are building self-segregated schools - by choice.
The moral question is - is it OK to intentionally build racial segregation by choice (choice of a few) - and what about the part of the population that remains out. What if we had three schools, and started a program that was preferred by 100% caucasian kids, which coincidentally left all the non-caucasian out, so we ended up with two all caucasian schools, and the other school was all non-caucasian 'by accident'. Would that right? (Please refer to Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia circa 1960.)
If its a question of right and wrong - a moral question - its wrong.
Boundary based schools are probably the best we can do to ensure representative diversity in our schools.
Its a slippery slope. Today it seems harmless, 5-10 years from now, we'll be looking at ethic violence, disparity in performance results, funding inequities, and be asking ourselves how we let it get out of hand. The question is - where's the line? Have we crossed it?
The Board of education has the responsibility to protect PAUSD from this ugly slide to segregated schools.
The board has the responsibility to protect diversity in this district - and by diversity I mean everyone works, plays, eats, learns together.
a resident of Duveneck/St. Francis
on Mar 26, 2007 at 1:59 pm
I think the other thing to look at is whether a school is becoming more or less diverse. I think you'll find that Addison and Ohlone are more diverse than they were five years ago. Hoover, less so. And as Observer points out, Addison, Walter Hays (and Ohlone) are within 20 points of matching the diversity of the district's student body. Hoover is really off in its own sector. It would be interesting to know why a school that was in line with the overall student population five years ago has become increasingly segregated. Has there been any outreach to maintain some sort of balance at the school?
Euro Parent, I wsn't talking about European schools in general, simply that there are some alternative educational approaches that developed in Europe--I know Waldorf is not mainstream in Germany, let alone England.
a resident of Another Palo Alto neighborhood
on Mar 26, 2007 at 5:05 pm
I think one of the reasons that we are discussing this is that at some stage Palo Alto can get a reputation for having a particular school dominated by a certain ethnic group which will possibly attract more people of that ethnic group into that catchment area. As an example, PAUSD honors jewish holidays because of the number of jewish staff and students here. As a result, Palo Alto attracts those jews to whom having jewish holidays honored is important. Therefore we end up with more jews. Having many jews in our schools is not a problem, having jewish people move to Palo Alto is not a problem.
In other words, doing things to attract one ethnic group attracts more of that group. If we had a completely vegetarian school lunch menu, we would attract more vegetarians. If we have excellent sports programs, we get people who want sport.
If we get MI as a choice or a charter, there is no doubt that we will attract Mandarin speaking families to move to Palo Alto. If that is the case, then our schools will start to reflect that right across the board.
a resident of Another Palo Alto neighborhood
on Mar 26, 2007 at 5:26 pm
oops now I did one too. Of course I meant segregation. It must be contagious.
a resident of Duveneck/St. Francis
on Mar 26, 2007 at 5:26 pm
In constructing your argument, you make an important but unacknowledged assumption: schools based on choice segregate intentionally.
Obviously, this is false. Your argument falls apart.
Families opt in to choice programs, and it may turn out that choice schools do not reflect the ethnic makeup of the city. Not a problem.
The fact that Ohlone is disproportionately white is not a problem; neither is the unbalanced enrollment at neighborhood schools.
a resident of Barron Park
on Mar 26, 2007 at 8:31 pm
First, so sorry about the typos in the title. Where's the spell checker when you need it?
SRS - Thanks for the comment. But how do we know intention of choosers? How do we know, for instance, that white families don't choose Ohlone because they like its ethnic composition? Or that Asian families don't choose Hoover for the same reason? If they did, would that be a problem?
I continue to believe that a severe case like Hoover poses a real challenge to the community - esp if the school has reached a "tipping point" where non-Asians feel unwelcome. I know a couple families that felt this way. MI would, I expect, create the same challenge of ethnic "clustering."
None of this requires malice on the part of anybody, btw - but by setting up the choice program, we allow it to happen much more easily than with boundary based schools.
a resident of Duveneck/St. Francis
on Mar 26, 2007 at 8:49 pm
Choice schools don't have to segregate intentionally for it to become an issue.
I think there's an issue with Hoover because it's becoming more segregated at a time when every other school in Palo Alto is becoming more diverse.
a resident of Green Acres
on Mar 26, 2007 at 9:07 pm
I hope you will consider going to the school board meeting tomorrow night, where the board will once again be talking about MI. You have been such a level voice in a tough forum, you could be a wonderfully mediating force. You also have intelligent things to say, whether I agree with them or not.
a resident of Barron Park
on Mar 27, 2007 at 6:42 am
Hello, everyone.
This is really a fascinating series of posts, and I am impressed by how respectful and measured the discussion has been. I know I'm coming late to the party, but I wanted to raise an issue that I think "BBB" touched upon (and to which Fred partially responded): "what is the problem?"
Or, perhaps phrased differently: why is it that we feel we need to rely on the public school system to provide our children with exposure to different ethnicities, origins, incomes? I'm probably being naive here, but I thought entrusting schools with the charge of teaching our children to read, write, and analyze was burden enough. Add to that list the daunting task of "properly" socializing them, and I'm afraid you are both setting the schools up to fail ("how can my son be so mean to other children when he attended public schools!") and foisting a responsibility that I (perhaps others, as well) think should belong to the parents.
My geometry and calculus are a bit rusty, and I'm looking forward to "outsourcing" that task to our fine Palo Alto schools. But when it comes to teaching respect for other people, cultures, and viewpoints...that's something I'm on the hook for.
a resident of Barron Park
on Mar 27, 2007 at 6:54 am
Ted, good to see Barron Park in the house ;-) And I'm glad you like the tone - everyone is working hard to be respectful and on point and I think we all find it a welcome change.
A lot of people in PA feel like you, I think. My office poll on this topic yesterday received a lot of shrugs - who cares about Hoover's or Ohlone's ethnic composition?
It may be a second order concern in fact - esp, as one poster above pointed out, since separate does not mean un-equal in our current context. Most de-segregation was meant to address in-equality.
But I'm not sure I agree. The melting pot is important, I would actually argue key, to the American experience. And if we have de-facto segregated public institutions, that's a problem to talk about and address. I think a discussion about how Hoover can recruit a more diverse mix of students is important and overdue (would love to hear from some Hoover-ites on that).
Note that this concept is enshrined in a lot of law and regulation (which you may not agree with). For instance, as noted above, a charter school MUST show "its means for achieving racial and ethnic balance reflective of the general population residing in the district" (source: Charter School FAQs, CA Dept. of Education).
a resident of Palo Alto High School
on Mar 27, 2007 at 7:01 am
Fred, so on your last comment on responsibility, who is really held responsible -- the district or the charter?
a resident of Barron Park
on Mar 27, 2007 at 7:06 am
Anon - really don't no the answer - it is not clear that EITHER is responsible for the result. The document I read simply said that the charter had to show how it would achieve the goal. Actually achieving the goal (and the consequences for not) is another topic that I didn't see addressed. Any charter school experts out there that can address?
a resident of Another Palo Alto neighborhood
on Mar 27, 2007 at 8:44 am
Parent says the issue with segregation is that it will attract more of the same (ie: vegetarians). I don't believe that's the issue at all. The issue is that whoever is here, no matter who they are, needs to understand that we all live, work, educate together, not separately. As soon as you start separating vegetarians from meatatarians in the cafeteria, then the next thing you know, they are separated in the playground, then in the classrooms, and then we separate them by schools, and then every group is its own special unique unit - and then the lack of culteral awareness, misunderstanding, fights, mistrust, and general stupidity breaks out.
The point is - walk the walk - keep the schools diversified. To whatever extent Palo Alto has diversity (and it does), then our schools should be relective of that so the kids learn that difference are no big deal - in fact differences fade in to the woodwork and everyone learns to get along naturally. On the other hand, create segregated schools, and see what kind of fighting breaks out. Take a look at some neighboring cities if you have any question about how that works.
By the way - the idea that it matters whether its intentional, by choice, by accident - bulloney! The end result is EXACTLY the same.
Those who think creating segregated schools by 'accident' makes it OK are just kidding themselves - because they want it that way probably.
a resident of Barron Park
on Mar 27, 2007 at 9:01 am
Observers - thanks for the thoughtful post. The one I am unsure of though, is the that people who don't object to segration have different motivations than anyone else. That's not my experience - as I mentioned, in my informal office poll, many sensible people, with no dog in this fight, thought self-segratation at Hoover was no big deal. I accept that reasonable people can disagree on this one.
a resident of Crescent Park
on Mar 27, 2007 at 9:08 am
One other issue at the Choice schools is that they give first preference to siblings, so it is not just an issue of "recruiting" a more diverse group, its the having space for them. Its the same as the kindergarten overflow - all the siblings get places, the Tinsley kids, not sure where teacher's kids fall in the mix, then the rest of the spaces are chosen by lottery if the school is over enrolled.
I don't think the segragation issue has been challenged, most Immersion school seem to be spanish and either reflect the composition of their district, or are not challenged because they are providing an opportunity for less advantaged kids - one of the original purposes of charter schools.
a resident of Barron Park
on Mar 27, 2007 at 10:00 am
Actually PA Mom, you raise a good point - we could look at other Mandarin Immersion programs, both in private schools around here, and charters in other communities, to see how their composition sorts itself out. Should give us a clue on how ours will look.
a resident of Duveneck/St. Francis
on Mar 27, 2007 at 10:01 am
Yes, Palo Alto mom, I also have the impression that charters are often set up with the idea of taking a stab at helping some disadvanted students in a district with a great deal of hopelessness in the local public schools owing to poverty and low achievement. That is clearly not the case here. I also believe charters have a mixed record of results. They do appear to be difficult to manage/operate. I also think it is unfortunate that some want to limit diversity in our schools.
a resident of Another Palo Alto neighborhood
on Mar 27, 2007 at 11:06 am
"By the way - the idea that it matters whether its intentional, by choice, by accident - bulloney! The end result is EXACTLY the same."
Good, Observer, then you've given up your previous position. Since intention is irrelevant, you'll agree that having segregation in choice schools is no worse than having it in neighborhood schools. If you want "desegregation," then you'll have to undertake it on a district-wide basis, and not try to achieve it at the expense of choice families.
I agree that mixing kids is a good thing, but the world is messy and benefits don't come in isolation. In this case, the good of having integration is in conflict with the good of having choice. It is simplistic to suggest that integration trumps choice; you need to look at the circumstances.
As Cockles points out, the purpose of desegregation is to help minorities overcome historical oppression. If you could point out how restricting Asians from attending Hoover--and lets be honest, that is what you're suggesting--would further that goal, you would have a point.
But whites do not have an oppression to overcome, and the white kids do pretty well in this district, so I don't think your argument gets much traction.
Parent is dead on here: The real reason this issue agitates some people is because our Asian population is increasing.
a resident of Meadow Park
on Mar 27, 2007 at 11:35 am
The issue of implementing MI? Or the ethnic segregation issue?
If the former, no, it is not racism that motivates many opponents, it is a whole bundle of reasons, mine being that it's not fair to put MI at the head of the line for attention and consideration when the district has published other priorities than language, based on a survey of the entire district (anyone who would contribute opinions on what should be the district's priorities). I'm not a racist, but I am a very strong believer in the democratic process and I will go to the mat any day to defend it. As far as I'm concerned, if the District had put developing choice programs, or even language programs, as a top priority, then I would have supported the implementation. That is not the case. The district has a long list of priorities and I think it should stick to them.
a resident of Another Palo Alto neighborhood
on Mar 29, 2007 at 8:43 pm
The NBC Today show has been filming at the Chinese American International School in San Francisco all day Thursday, including the Spring Performance of the K-2 grades at the Herbst Auditorium. When this segment airs on the Today Show please take a close look at the ethnicity of the students.
Perhaps Fred and OP could look at the ethnic diversity of other Mandarin Immersion programs rather than pretending to know the future distribution within a PAUSD program.
a resident of Duveneck/St. Francis
on Mar 29, 2007 at 9:22 pm
I haven't made specific predictions about the MI program. However, since you seem to think I should have some input--
if an MI program requires 30 percent native Mandarin speakers, the percentage of Asian kids is not going to go below 30 percent.
The one PACE survey I saw ages ago showed that the majority of people interested in MI for their kids at that time were of Chinese descent.
Do I think the program will be 100 percent Chinese? No. Do I think it will be under 50 percent? Only if Chinese-American kids are discriminated against in the English-speaker lottery process. Proportions close to those of Hoover? Well, those would jibe with those old PACE numbers.
I see one of the local Chinese-language academies on a weekly basis--the Asian/possibly non-Asian ratio is about 10 to 1. I'd think a PAUSD MI program wouldn't be as severely skewed.
But in line with the current demographics of the district? You're right, I'm skeptical. I don't think everybody's equally interested in MI and I think that will affect the program's demographics.
The real question is will anybody care? I haven't noticed any Hoover outreach programs to underrepresented groups. Fred mentioned "a tipping point" there. I think he's right. And I've seen the change in attitude from only five years ago.
I read an interesting stat a while ago--even as the country becomes more diversified, different areas are becoming less and less so. It's not all that easy keeping a balance.
a resident of Another Palo Alto neighborhood
on Mar 29, 2007 at 10:49 pm
Compare the demographics of a Mandarin Immersion program with another MI program, not with an after school or weekend "local Chinese-language academies." Are you comparing the ethnicity of the parents or the students? (There are many adopted Chinese girls.) If less than 50% of the parents are Asian, is this really outside the 20% rule as applied to Addison and Walter Hays?
a resident of Barron Park
on Mar 30, 2007 at 4:35 am
Anon, you make a fair point, we really don't know what MI will look like and thank you for gathering at least one data point.
If you agree that ethnic clustering is a problem (not clear if you do - though pointing out that other programs are diverse seems to acknowledge that you might be concerned), then we can agree that having choice programs aggressively outreach and promote ethnic integration in their workings is important, for all of the choice programs we might have. That's my primary point, not so much about MI in particular.
a resident of Another Palo Alto neighborhood
on Mar 30, 2007 at 8:45 am
Fred, if a program self segregates, what happens to diversity in the rest of the schools? Is the impact on the ones who didn't choose to segregate, but are now segregated by 'accident' OK?
Hypothetically, if we had only two ethnic groups, and one decided to self segregate, the other group would be segregated by default. Not their choice. So the 'choice' of one, is a violation of rights for the other.
Now say, the first group was 'white' and the second group was 'black'. Is it starting to ring a bell? (Think US history)
Segregation by 'choice' is a trampling of rights for someone - maybe of no concern to the group that wants it that way - but the rest are harmed. Yes, we are harmed if the Asian, Indian, Black, White, (any!) decide to opt out of our diverse neighborhood schools. Our school's diversity is harmed and our children's (and parents) abilities to learn to live together, understand each other, and get along is harmed.
We now have a representative on the Santa Clara County school board who I'm sure will deal with issues of racial divide and the true meaning and value of diversity.
I sincerely hope and pray it helps her understand the impact and unintended consequences of what she is suggesting here.
a resident of Duveneck/St. Francis
on Mar 30, 2007 at 2:21 pm
I hate this posting system--anything that takes longer than ten minutes to write gets chewed up.
I've never seen a non-Asian parent at the program
, but I don't see all the parents. I think the adopted-Chinese-girl thing is probably less of a factor than the biracial kid thing. Kids who look "non-Asian" to me from a distance could easily be biracial.
It's funny, we talk as if biracial kids didn't exist in any number. In my kid's class a third of the kids are mixed-race. Check the demographics at any school in Palo Alto and you'll see a reasonably sized missing chunk. Some of that may be "Decline to state" but I'm guessing that a lot of it is that these kids don't fit into one box. (Some Hawaiian friends of mine, where multiracial is more of a norm, used to write in "cosmopolitan".)
I'm with Parent of a prek on the self-segregation issue, but I don't think there's an easy answer. Balancing acts are tough and coercion (forced busing) had some bad repercussions. In my experience, you need local support and money (for the programs the keep people committed to a particular school.) I think the Menlo-Atherton principal does admirably with a tough job--class divides marked by racial divisions is a *tough* one to handle, though I think the rewards for the kids are deep and lifelong when it works.
I think Hoover could benefit from some outreach, However, I wonder if part of the issue at Hoover is that it's seen as a school for academic overachievers. A friend of mine once remarked that direct instruction might be just the thing for some kids who aren't seen as academic stars, but respond well to the structure. I think Hoover might be a better school for the community if it had a greater range of academic abilities. (Is there a place for a special needs program there? How does DI work for some learning issues? It seems like it would be a good fit for some?)
However, it would scrape off a few points off its sky-high API scores if it did that? How willing, as a community, to make that kind of sacrifice?
a resident of Another Palo Alto neighborhood
on Mar 31, 2007 at 11:41 am
Choice schools should be based on educational philosophy and not racial categorization. Hoover offers a structured, highly academic style of instruction and some cultures prefer that approach to education over normal tract in Palo Alto. Regardless of what students are recruited to attend the school, a choice school should stick with its advertised educational philosophy. Since choice schools are filled by lottery, one has to presume that the student population reflects the racial distribution of the applicants. Since these programs are available to all children in PAUSD, only a random draw discriminates the against an applicant.
On the other hand, neighbor schools are based on geography so it is possible to buy into a neighborhood school just as it is possible to buy into a PAUSD school by living within its district boundaries. If the opponents of choice schools were serious about ending segregation, they would consider the entire region of neighbooring school districts. Then PAUSD itself might appear to be a segregated school district.
a resident of Duveneck/St. Francis
on Apr 1, 2007 at 2:35 pm
You can't force out-of-district busing. Palo Alto has tried, however, to increase diversity, voluntarily, through Tinsley.
Segregation within a district, particularly one that seems unrelated to who bought a home where is, I think, an issue.
Right now, Palo Alto *is* a reasonably diverse district. It's a bit more white and more Asian than the state as a whole, but it's hardly what anyone would call segregated. Except by class.
I'm not suggesting Hoover change its educational philosophy, but that philosophy should be the emphasis instead of the extreme high achievement focus. I think there are kids that would benefit from Direct Instruction whose families would never apply to Hoover because of the school's ultra-competitive reputation.
There have been charter schools using direct instruction in some very marginalized, poor areas and they've been effective.
The Hoover lottery isn't random as it gives sibling preference like all the choice programs. If the numbers get skewed enough, sibling preference alone will create an unbalanced student body.
But I'm not suggesting quotas. They have their own problems. I would like to see some recognition for the value *for our kids* of diversity in schools and a conscious outreach effort made by the schools and the district to attract kids who would benefit from the educational philosophy but don't fall into a self-selected group.
In other words, if an applicant pools getting more and more one-sided, you need to so something about the applicant pool, not the selection process within the applicant pool.


text:
Categories: People
Dr. Baden came to IPFW in 1986 and held various positions in academic computing, including VAX programmer, coordinator of academic computing and manager of client support. He also held a visiting position in the anthropology department. His academic interest is in computer applications in archaeology. He received degrees from Miami University (A.S., 1973) the University of Toledo (B.A., 1976) and the University of Tennessee (M.A., 1982; Ph.D., 1987).


text: Would you trade a 4th or 5th round pick for an above average starting caliber guard with a decent cap number? Maye a better guard than we could get in free agency? If so we could get a RT, in round 1, draft a center/guard in the second and have a pretty revamped OL for next year.


text:
Lightning gain sole possession of first place
Luke Schumer drove in four runs while Drew Boland doubled twice as the Nisswa Lightning gained sole possession of first place in the North Division with an 11-1 win over Holdingford on Sunday, June 16.
Jason Roepke was 2-for-5 with a double for Nisswa, which moved one-half game ahead of idle Fort Ripley in the division race.
Lincoln Messner pitched six shutout innings, giving up just three hits and four walks with six strikeouts, for the victory.
Nisswa 11 10 1
Holdingford 1 4 2
7 Innings
WP: Lincoln Messner. LP: Derek Thielen.


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text:
vijay2 wins SANS Mentor of the Year award
From SANS website
(Bethesda, Maryland) June 9, 2010. The SANS Institute is proud to announce their Mentor of the Year award recipients. This year there were two award winners.
Zoher Anis and Christopher Crowley, both from Gaithersburg, MD, earned this coveted award.
The Mentor of the Year Award is given to SANS Mentors who excel in their leading SANS Mentor Training classes in their local communities. These Mentors are the shining stars of the Mentor Program and are on the path to become Certified SANS Instructors. Mr. Anis and Mr. Crowley personally trained approximately 50 local security professionals in the areas of IT security, network penetration testing, and ethical hacking. Their students have learned the tools and tricks to defend their organizations against the attacks that are launched each and every day against computer systems across the globe.
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text:
NetApp Logs Q2 EPS Beat; Light Guidance; CFO: Branded Rev Growth Shows Competitiveness
NetApp (NTAP) was moving between slight gains and losses after reporting fiscal second-quarter earnings.
It said it earned 66 cents a share on revenue of $1.55 billion.
Analysts were expecting the company to earn 62 cents a share on revenue of $1.6 billion.
For the current quarter, NetApp said it expects to earn between 68 cents and 73 cents a share, on revenue between $1.575 billion and $1.675 billion. The Street was looking for 73 cents a share and revenue of $1.69 billion.
CFO Nick Noviello told Barrons.com in an interview after the release that while the company's revenue came up just shy of expectations, that was due in large part to the federal political dynamic that brought about sequestration and the shutdown. He says that the company more than made up for that, citing the 5% year-over-year growth in branded revenue (a greater level of growth than seen by any of NetAppl's peers).
He notes that conservative guidance is appropriate, given that there is ongoing uncertainty in Washington D.C., but that NetApp's competitiveness is as strong as ever, as evidenced by the branded revenue growth and the strongest product margins in at least two years. Noviello also touts the nearly 300% year-over-year increase of clustered Data ONTAP nodes shipped and NetApp's flash portfolio, which he calls the most complete in the industry.
NetApp shares fell after the company reported a mixed fiscal first quarter in August and gave lackluster guidance. The stock is up about 48% in the past year.
Piper Jaffray downgraded the stock last week, but ISI Group had a different proposition last month—that Cisco Systems (CSCO) should buy the company. Cisco also reported this afternoon—read about its fiscal first quarter here.


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