EDU Trending: A Return to the Wild, Wild West?
Guns may be how the west was won, but they are not the answer for dealing with a gunman determined to slaughter children, teachers, and school officials. Yet after a mentally ill shooter critically wounded two kindergartners at a small religious school in California on December 4, another kill or be killed creed of the wild, wild west was proposed. State assembly member Bill Essayli, called for armed resource officers in schools statewide.
After Parkland, Florida legislators proposed that arming teachers was the answer. Despite the increased danger to students and staff, more than 20 states now allow teachers to carry concealed weapons.
Uvalde hired their own police force who, directionless, did nothing for over an hour when confronted with the tragedy at their elementary school. / Despite pressure from gun lobbyists, arming teachers or resource officers for half-cocked shootouts are not the answer. Prevention is.
First: Ban assault weapons. Second: Require universal background checks for all gun purchases. In other words, keep guns (especially assault weapons) out of the hands of those not qualified to have them. This approach is supported by a majority of US citizens, including NRA members. Yet, in the US Congress, too many Representatives and Senators safeguard their power and donor dollars by pledging fealty and their votes to the NRA and the gun industry. In the face of the willful, callous indifference of elected federal legislators, some states, like Connecticut, have instituted their own gun safety laws.
Twelve years after Sandy Hook, almost seven after Parkland, six after Sante Fe, and two after Uvalde - no viable federal gun control laws have been passed. Parents, siblings, and families still mourn their children who will never grow up to live their dreams. Others feel the clutch of fear every time they wave goodbye as their children leave for school. They have good reason to be frightened.
School shootings reached an all-time high (340) in 2023. And every year since 2020, gun violence is the #1 cause of death for children and teens. How many school shootings and candle lighting vigils will it take to move state and federal politicians to pass responsible, meaningful gun laws and protect the safety and lives of our children as if they were their own?
News for Your Views: And Reflection
What's Wrong with Boys? Micro-analyze. Over agonize. Is there something wrong with boys? Or with…?
Themed Popcorn: An enriching experience? Do themed popcorn containers a) Improve the movie-going experience? b) Entice customers to visit movie theaters more often? Or c) Do they just cost more? You may be surprised here:
Last year, I introduced: “The Heart Before Christmas” to show that whether you are in a good place or feeling low, reaching out to others to share friendship and joy is a good idea – especially during the holidays. So, here it is again with happiest holiday wishes from me to you.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PRmoK9boDQI&ab_channel=MerleSchell
The power of love. A Siberian tiger, named Boris, traveled 124 rough mountain miles, to find the love of his life, Svetlaya.
This story comes at the perfect time because the holidays are the season of love for friends, families, two people, or two tigers. Enjoy it. Cheer for them. See what happened. Then ask yourself: What would you do for love?
Question of the Day: New Year Resolutions
According to the YouGov 2024 poll, from 20 resolutions cited for 2025 what are the top two among a majority of people across all generations:
Improve mental health e. Learn something new
Improve physical health f. Save money
Be happy g. Travel
Pursue a career goal h. Improve relationships
For the correct answers, see www.merleschell.com/blog/professor-ai
From Me to You: One Thing I Can Do
To those of you reading this: If you have a teen or know a teen, please share this flyer and message about a project that will be totally their idea and creative expression. I think it will be a joyous and empowering experience.
Inspired by the book I published during the summer: Ten Things Teens Can Do to take control, love yourself, and find joy, here is One Thing I Can Do® - a fun way to start the New Year. Do something nice for yourself or someone else. As the flyer says, it doesn’t have to be big, but it should make you smile every time you think about it. Then choose how you want to describe what you did, why, and how you feel.
There is a web page created just for all of you who participate in the challenge and want to share the creative way you explain what you did. This is not a contest. It is about being happy and proud of yourself. But twenty teens whose names are drawn (on social media) will receive some prizes. So… Read the flyer. Do the challenge. Spread joy. Have a great time! And a very happy holiday!
If you have any questions, or want a copy of the flyer, please contact me at tenthingsteenscando@gmail.com
Wishing you and your family a holiday filled with laughter and love, and a New Year of health, happiness, and success. - Merle Schell