THUMBS DOWN: To all those who would think it’s acceptable to shout racial slurs from afar during a peaceful poetry reading. Poetic Magic experienced just this during a recent event in Lanier County. It is a shame that these poets, men and women of all ages and all races, were denied their right to speak freely, to reveal their poetry as a living art without fear of harm. Their mission is simply to contribute to cultural exchange and social tolerance through the power of the voice, not to spread hate.
THUMBS UP: To the Valdosta Police Department for making an arrest in the Sunday mass shooting at Hudson Dockett. Additional arrests are expected very soon. This incident resulted in the death of a Valdosta teenager and injury to at least 10 others, including children.
THUMBS UP: To J.L. Lomax Elementary School for participating in Plant a Row for the Hungry. This program teaches students about agriculture, where their produce comes from, and the importance of helping those who are less fortunate. The students donated sweet potatoes, tomatoes, eggplant and so much more to America’s Second Harvest of South Georgia Inc.
THUMBS UP: To Thomas Yawn for making and reporting weather-related observations on a daily basis from his home in Homerville for 21 years. He was presented the John Campanius Holm Award for his efforts. This is the second most prestigious award given by the National Weather Service.
THUMBS UP: To Lowndes County Commissioner Joyce Evans for hosting the Association of County Commissioners of Georgia District 11 at the new Lowndes County Judicial Complex. The group discussed everything from a possible T-SPLOST for transportation to funding for a statewide Trauma Care Network to water planning.
What We Think
What We Think: Thumbs up, thumbs down
- What We Think
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Leaving NCLB behind
Georgia schools may be sighing in relief today, following the announcement that the U.S. Department of Education granted a waiver to the state, along with nine others, from the rigorous requirements of the No Child Left Behind act.
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Don’t jettison landmark
While we respect the request to relocate the F-86 aircraft from outside Mathis City Auditorium to the new Moody Air Force Base Airpark, we would hope the city and MAFB would reconsider moving it.
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Shame in Berrien County
Unfortunately for Sherrie Williams of the Berrien County school-based health clinic, she talked to The Times and praised the program that she oversees. This pride in her work led to the loss of her job.
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Grading policy: A second chance?
In clarifying the Lowndes County Schools’ controversial grading policy, Superintendent Dr. Steve Smith spoke of second chances.
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Be up to any weather challenge
Georgia’s Severe Weather Awareness Week starts today and runs through Friday. The idea behind the week is to prepare Georgians for weather emergencies and how to keep these situations from becoming tragedies.
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Parents and schools
There is a lot of talk lately about school systems and grading policies, and how all of a child's problems come back to a lack of parenting. But is it really that simple? Can it be a case where the school systems are so focused on the problem few that the majority of students are ignored?
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Thumbs up, thumbs down
THUMBS UP: To Brooks County High School engineering and technology teacher Don Morgan and his students. They recently received national attention for their work with biodiesel fuel. They collect used cooking oil from area fast-food restaurants then process this oil into biodiesel. Morgan hopes to next interest the Brooks County school buses into running on the fuel created in his class. This classroom not only prepares students for the future but may prepare all of us for an alternative energy source.
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Take me out to the ball park
The Valdosta State baseball season begins today. The Blazers host Lindenwood at 2:30 p.m. Nothing beats quality baseball played in warm weather with a great venue like Billy Grant Field.
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What We Think: Signing Day
Wednesday was National Signing Day, the day when high school athletes across the country make official announcements about what school they’ve chosen to sign with.
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School policy fails expectations
Lowndes County Schools recently implemented new grading guidelines for students. These guidelines have left many parents upset ...
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Leaving NCLB behind
