Supersize Reconfiguration

Rory J. Koopmans, B. Admin., #203, 8912-156 Street, Edmonton, Alberta T5R 5Z2

March XXXIst, MMX

Hon. David G. Hancock, QC, MLA, Minister of Education, Progressive Conservative, Edmonton-Whitemud

Dear David:

Another idea that might help is to completely obliterate say 3 or 4 of the closed schools. Then place the students in say 2 or 3 completely brand new schools. Recalibrate them II even have more options and different options that will cause parents from suburbia to want to send their kids inward. Also David, if super sized schools are built in the inner city, the number of suburban schools that will have to be built will have to be cut back. Thus causing an evening out in terms of capacity and ensuring that every kid will have a safe space to attend. Whether that be in suburbia, the inner city, or in a combination of classes at both.

Eloquently,

Rory

Source: Edmonton Public Schools.

Free And Clear And Present Danger

Rory J. Koopmans, B. Admin., Jasper Place Branch Library Terminal #IV, Edmonton, Alberta

March XXXth, MMX

Hon. David G. Hancock, QC, MLA, Minister of Education, Progressive Conservative, Edmonton-Whitemud

Dear David:

Why not let Catholic students take courses in their nearby public school & vice versa. Having extra part time students I am sure will increase capacity. It hardly matters whether their credits are catholic or public. My 1st 91 credits were from Edmonton Christian High, a private school but technically listed as public. My last 22 credits were from St. Albert Catholic, which in that division is a reverse hybrid as you know. This means that its the public system. So all 200 of my high school credits are public.

But what difference can it really make David? Public/private, quite frankly its all the same II me. If charter schools & private schools will accept part time catholic & public students and vice versa, then I would argue that all IV divisions will benefit. I also believe that parents whose children are in a certain school should be able to take correspondence high school courses from that same school. Making online learning available unrestricted 24/7 at schools provincewide has got to only be a positive thing IV education.

Sincerely,

Rory

Source: Metro Newspaper.

Educational Reconstruction Suburban School Vote Buying

Rory J. Koopmans, B. Admin. #203, 8912-156 Street, Edmonton, Alberta T5R 5Z2

March XXIXth, MMX

Hon. David G. Hancock, QC, MLA, Minister of Education, Progressive Conservative, Edmonton-Whitemud

Dear David:

It seems II me that if you were to cancel the construction IV now of at least 1/2 the suburban schools and force the parents to send their kids II the inner city schools targeted IV closure, you could save quite a bit of money. Of course if you offer the parents from the suburbs price breaks on say their property taxes as well as free either school bus or Edmonton Transit Student Passes to these students, there would be more cooperation on behalf of the parents.

It makes absolutely no sense David IV the Trustees to cannbalize perfectly good buildings and then build P3 replacement schools in the suburbs. Look, you forced the Trustees to accept a total loss of taxing power, the parents in the suburbs should be "encouraged strongly" that their kids be sent these inner city schools. They can learn about how rich and vibrant these communities once were.

You do this by withdrawing the promised suburban schools and telling the parents that in these times of economic austerity they need to make sacrifices. If their kids must ride for a little extra time on the bus each way, so what. No system is perfect David. Everyone has to sacrifice, the public, the Trustees, the kids, the parents. Equalize the pain David & enforce bussing of the kids inII inner city schools. We can't let these neighbourhoods die.

Regards,

Rory

Source: Edmonton Transit.

The Past Is Reborn Again

Rory J. Koopmans, B. Admin.
#203, 8912-156 Street
Edmonton, Alberta T5R 5Z2

March XXVIIIth, MMX

Hon. David G. Hancock, QC, MLA
Minister of Education,
Progressive Conservative, Edmonton-Whitemud

Dear David:

Why is it that the Edmonton Public School Board Trustees get the sole blame for the closure process when it was your predecessors Ralph Klein & Halvar C. Jonson who took away their total taxing powers? This in effect weakened or neutered them. Seems to me that if you had decency and respect IV the Trustees in this Province you'd give them at least some of their taxing power back so they can have some room to manouvre.

By you and other folks blaming the Trustees when its clearly the Province that manipulated this whole situation is not only unethical, its immoral! Lets be fair and give back the Trustees their power & sense of respect. Lord knows the Province is sure doing a crappy job as current educational chief administrator.

Graciously,

Rory

Source: Halvar C Jonson.

Administrative Dignity Student Respect

Rory J. Koopmans, B. Admin., #203, 8912-156 Street, Edmonton, Alberta T5R 5Z2

March XXVIIth, MMX

Hon. David G. Hancock, QC, MLA, Minister of Education, Progressive Conservative, Edmonton-Whitemud

Dear David:

Arguably the new proposed fee is quite a terrible thing for students to handle. But why not give them some dignity & respect. I realize this commentary is more in line with Douglas's purvue, but why not force the administration of the University of Alberta to break the fee into 10 seperate components spread out over the school year of $29.00 each? I assume GST will be applied to it as its a school fee, Steve Harper & Jim Flaherty should waive the cost of GST on this and all future fees at post-secondary institutions.

Many hundreds of of students will have to resign the office of school student &/or cutback to part time status. They will then have to get part time jobs and take their classes at a slower & I assume more expensive rate. Assuming of course that the new fee is applied to all students regardless of status (& I assume with the shortfall it wiil be.) As a man who has just completed his 200th High School Credit & who also has a University Degree, I can truly appreciate how expensive learning can be.

But in these times of economic austerity, isn't not the responsibility of the U of A and other post-secondary schools to be responsible in assessing and putting in place new fees? There should be no economic barriers to improving oneself with schooling, none!

Regards,

Rory

Source: The Ministry Of Advanced Education, Government Of Alberta, Hon. Doug Horner, MLA, Minister Of Finance, Progressive Conservative, Spruce Grove-Sturgeon-St. Albert. 

He Died In Office He Died Forever In Service

Rory J. Koopmans, B. Admin., #203, 8912-156 Street, Edmonton, Alberta T5R 5Z2

March XXVIth, MMX

Hon. David G. Hancock, QC, MLA, Minister of Education, Progressive Conservative, Edmonton-Whitemud

Dear David:

I must say it was nice to see your assistant, Janice Sarich at the reception at St. Joseph's High School after Father Michael Troy's funeral today. During the service I learned about what a great man he was, especially in dealing with aboriginal kids. I mean he founded a Spiritan residence, in addition to that he started from scratch the Edmonton Archdiocesan Native Ministry. Plus he was a Prinicipal, Vice-Principal, teacher & all round great friend to the kids.

I mean he must have had respect to be given his own office after retirement in the school & hold the title Chaplain-Emeritus until his death. He stood down in 1983 and yet was just so loved by the kids a a special friend. I mean what a stellar guy. Hie love of kids was remarkable and he was clearly respected by his family and adored outright by his nieces and nephews. As evidenced by their strong participation in the Order of Service today. We can truly say that a great man for kids, education & the Christian word has stood down today. A life well lived!

Bravo Father Mike,

Rory

Sourc: St. Joseph's Basilica.

Dollars From Consumption IV The Kids

Rory J. Koopmans, B. Admin., #203, 8912-156 Street, Edmonton, Alberta T5R 5Z2

March XXVth, MMX

Hon. David. G. Hancock, QC, MLA, Minister of Education, Progressive Conservative, Edmonton-Whitemud

Dear David:

I know higher taxes aren't always a vote getter, especially in these times of austerity. But why not put a 1 or 2% consumption tax on booze and smokes for strictly educational purposes. Then give total control of these funds (or at least 51% majority control) to the Trustees. Folks who smoke and guzzle apperitifs I am sure will not mind, especially as the funds would be 100% allotted to the kids, not administration, not teachers, no the kids themselves.

Teaching kids about the evils of consumption but not judging those who consume is a fair thing to do. I mean why not, horse racing is a money pit and yet Ed and you boys see fit to piss hundreds of millions a year subsidizing it. In effect endorsing legalized gambling. So why not raise taxes on bad habits IV school kids. This would obviously help budgets considerably, and since schools also lose money, you are assisting in developing young minds, which has to be normal than legalized graft to the tracks.

Plus they'll always be smokers and/or drinkers. And they'll always be new students each year. So the funds would be a steady stream of revenue and thereIV would never run out. Smoking and drinking lead to further health deficit situations later on, so why not make a little extra payback from the consumers on the education side while they are still younger and are of a salary earning/taxpaying ability?

Regards,

Rory

Source: Action On Smoking & Health.

Tolerance Free And Clear

Rory J. Koopmans, B. Admin., Stanley A. Milner Branch Library Terminal #LIII, Edmonton, Alberta

March XXIVth, MMX

Hon. David G. Hancock, QC, MLA, Minister of Education, Progressive Conservative, Edmonton-Whitemud

Dear David:

I think a way II increase capacity at schools is to offer classes and curriculum to gay & lesbian kids who wish to enter the underused schools but might be afraid. Of course offer the classes to all who want to take them. Gay people are very artistic and have a rich cultural eye for exacting standards and detail.

If gay and lesbian parents wish to bring in their kids (who may be gay or straight) then let them. I would argue that the gay parents would contribute many good ideas towards say arts and drama classes, as well as increasing the property tax base. Therefore increasing the revenues the Trustees have and by extension making less schools close.

By openly holding barbecues and gay friendly days for gay parents and their kids alone, the parents will feel more respected and thereIV not afraid. We cannot have inclusiveness in education if kids are afraid to participate in any way.

Regards,

Rory

Source: The Pride Centre Of Edmonton.

200 Two-Hundred The Deuce

Rory J. Koopmans, B. Admin.
#203, 8912-156 Street
Edmonton, Alberta T5R 5Z2

March XXIIIrd, MMX

Hon. David G. Hancock, QC, MLA
Minister of Education,
Progressive Conservative, Edmonton-Whitemud

Dear David:

I have won David. I have hit the deuce as of 9:11AM MDT today. A truly remarkable achievement. I finished a what 6 month course in Abnormal Psychology 35 in 9 days, including writing the exam and got a measly 88%. I also was allowed to challenge Sociology 20 & despite having no background in the area managed to squeeze out a 95%. Obviously I was slacking when I wrote those 2 exams & I apologize for it.

Despite everyone's best efforts, I won the game at all costs and have achieved the deuce and while I may not have enough core credits, I hope you will waive that priviledge and accord me a second High School Diploma, I deserve that. Showing that a person who is older and still can get 200 Credits should inspire kids, especially those in the Northland District to finish High School and obtain 100. Not to mention I also have a Bachelor of Administration from Athabasca University. And unlike Ralph Klein, I wrote all of my own essays.

I am proud to say that I have earned every Credit honestly & with dignity, fortitude and bearing. I have class to the nines in saying that I worked hard and deserve the kudos and laudits of this accomplishment! I am my own Ambassador of Education!

Regards,

Rory

Source: Myself.

Give Teachers A Shot At The Top

Rory J. Koopmans, B. Admin., #203, 8912-156 Street, Edmonton, Alberta T5R 5Z2

March XXIInd, MMX

Hon. David G. Hancock, QC, MLA, Minister of Education, Progressive Conservative, Edmonton-Whitemud

Dear David:

I notice that teachers & adminstrators are always saying they do not have enough power. That if they were in control, things would be better in the schools So David, why not give them the chance and sell the teachers a stake in the schools in exchange IV their pension fund being put up, as collateral of course. If the teachers succeed then great, they split the profit differential with the province 50/50. If however they fail and the schools continue II lose money, then the province and the school board can seize their pensions to cover the losses. After all, fair is fair right?

The teachers feel they need II have power II have respect, so give it to them. If they do well then the kids will succeed, if they do poorly, then we'll all know that they have II to be tethered back on their leash. Its like I said in the past David, make each school like a private firm. 50.1% owned by the educators and 49.9% owned by the province. In this way if there any lawsuit issues with the teachers as majority partners, they can be sued & not try and pin the blame on you. Also if test scores go down, then the parents will know they have II kick the butts of the teachers or majority owners in gear.

Graciously,

Rory

Source: Alberta Teachers Association.

Number 99 Wayne Gretzky Class & Style

Rory J. Koopmans, B. Admin.
#203, 8912-156 Street
Edmonton, Alberta T5R 5Z2

March XXIst, MMX

Hon. David G. Hancock, QC, MLA
Minister of Education,
Progressive Conservative, Edmonton-Whitemud

Dear David:

I was thinking as I sat in on the Capilano & Fulton Place School Closure meetings that they could switch their names on their mastheads II increase attendance. Now Wayne Gretzky is an outstanding Canadian & he and his gorgeous bride Janet are the parents of what 5 healthy children. If Capilano or Fulton Place would change their name to "The Wayne & Janet Gretzky Public School" I think the spinoffs would be tremendous.

I am sure that Wayne & Janet would happily lend their names II this venture and would participate in the renaming ceremony, along with their kids. Having 5 kids, the Gretzky's are obviously supporters of education. Plus its a low cost idea with high marketability value. Wayne Gretzky Drive is just a few blocks away from both schools so the idea definitely makes a lot of sense. Tagging on a school thats within easy access of the road only makes sense.

He Shoots, He Scores,

Rory

Source: Fulton Place School.

Father Michael Troy In Memoriam

Rory J. Koopmans, B. Admin., #203, 8912-156 Street, Edmonton, Alberta T5R 5Z2

March XXth, MMX

Hon. David G. Hancock, QC, MLA, Minister of Education, Progressive Conservative, Edmonton-Whitemud

Dear David:

Lets say our Hail Mary's II Father Michael Troy. A Catholic priest & educator who had a stellar reputation IV caring about the educational system, and in particular about aboriginal kids and kids who are of a physical disadvantage. Now 92 years is a great run & Father Michael certainly had a great time at the top of the heap. Too many Catholic priests get trouble IV sexually molesting kids. Well, here David was an example of a man who did nothing but conduct himself with honour. Not a whiff of scandal against Father Troy.

His entire focus was on helping kids in school by teaching, administering, coaching & listening to their needs. Tag on his missionary work & helping out of poor people in other nations and you can see truly see he was a man of the people. A man whose heart was in the right place. Even in retirement he would hang around with the kids at St. Joseph's High School. Making sure their needs were met & that they were the focus, not him. He wanted to show the kids that they were just as important as he was, if not more so.

In 2003 when a Junior High School was named in his honour, that was just another feather in the cap of a distinguished career. Truly a great Catholic scholar & friend. I am sure the kids will miss him greatly.

In Memoriam & With Respect,

Rory

Source: The Spiritans.

Veterans Deserve Our Total Respect

Rory J. Koopmans, B. Admin., #203, 8912-156 Street, Edmonton, Alberta T5R 5Z2

March XIXth, MMX

Hon. David G. Hancock, QC, MLA, Minister of Education, Progressive Conservative, Edmonton-Whitemud

Dear David:

Why not turn a few of any emptied schools over II the Federal Government. They can open a Veteran's Medical Centre & tie it in with a museum component on the history of war & why war is sometimes necessary while at the same time, always stupid & costly.

Veterans David as you know need II be trated with grace & class. They deserve around the clock medical care and looking after IV their lives. After all, we should put our lives on the line IV them since they did the same IV us. Plus students in the neighbourhood can then still use their closed school facility's II say exercise & play in, as well as learning about the history of war. Surely the Feds have an endless supply of war materials they could put inII the school(s) that could be used IV display purposes.

By treating veterans like Emperors & Kings, students will learn that these seniors were an integral part of society during their time in the theatre of combat. This Vet medi centre will allow the vets & kids II bond. Plus there aren't enough spaces in current vet centres to house all vets now. Since the school boards and Province already own the buildings, why not gut reconstitute them as centres IV vets?

Regards,

Rory

Source: "Patton" C. 1974, George C. Scott, Karl Malden.

Advertising Pays Royally

Rory J. Koopmans, B. Admin., #203, 8912-156 Street, Edmonton, Alberta T5R 5Z2

March XVIIIth, MMX

Hon. David G. Hancock, QC, MLA, Minister of Educaton, Progressive Conservative, Edmonton-Whitemud

Dear David:

If neighbouring Catholic & Public Schools were II participate in joint ad buys, in order to promote both schools simultaneously, they'd get a higher capacity in their buildings. Plus, I'm sure if they committed so much in ad revenues IV the buys, they'd get a corporate discount from the newspaper or oher chosen ad periodical.

With the savings from the joint buys, they could then use the money to improve the school space, buy more supplies or pay for unexpected contingencies or say administrative shortfalls. By promoting themselves and their direct neighbouring school, they are benefitting both schools. People will see that each school is open to all. So Capilano School promotes St. Gabriel Catholic & vice versa. This idea could be extended provincewide.

In these times of economic austerity, we need to reallocate all dollars possible & if a few bucks can be saved by joint ad buys, then the idea should be initiated. Every dollar saved can then be spent directly where it should be, on the needs of the students.

These ad buys could cut costs in 1/2 especially when boards try & put through proposals IV extra contigency funding during election writ years. Then one plebicite or a joint plebicite could be held on one ballot. So each board would be out of pocket say 40 thousand for an ad in the Edmonton Examiner instead of each shelling out 80 thousand.

Regards,

Rory

Source: The Edmonton Examiner.

Boat Professionalism

Rory J. Koopmans, B. Admin., #203, 8912-156 Street, Edmonton, Alberta T5R 5Z2

March XVIIth, MMX

Hon. David G. Hancock, QC, MLA, Minister of Education, Progressive Conservative, Edmonton-
Whitemud

Dear David:

In order to increase visibiliity of the Capilano & Fulton Place Schools, why not run boating optional classes & classes for credit at the two schools. The idea is a lock because the kids can learn about boating on the river & all aspects of boating safety. They can learn about how to repair boats, wear lifejackets & how to perform first aid on a boat if a party is injured or if the boat should capsize.

The idea could essentially be run both in the gymnasium & on the grasss of the schools themselves. It makes sense because of the close proximity of the two schools to the North Saskatchewan River & therefore by extension, other tributaries.

Happy St. Patrick's Day David To You & Your Good Family,

Rory

Source: Boating Magazine.

Capilano Mall Customer Traffic

Rory J. Koopmans, B. Admin., #203, 8912-156 Street, Edmonton, Alberta T5R 5Z2

March XVIth, MMX

Hon. David G. Hancock, QC, MLA, Minister of Education, Progressive Conservative, Edmonton-Whitemud

Dear David:

Why not hold business classes in Capilano School taught by the merchants of Capilano Mall? Capilano Mall has a reknowned reputation IV excellence, even more professional than West Edmonton Mall. So if the kids are taught basic business skills & then are allowed to reciprocrate by actually running simulated & real time business situations in the mall, they'll gain confidence.

The kids will gain confidence in marketing, accounting, bookkeeping, retail management, sales and other areas. In order II thrive, Capilano School needs something to distinguish itself from other schools & I truly believe setting up student run business opportunities will give it a unique marketing niche. Not only will the school see an increase in customers (kids), but the friendly merchants will gain more business as they are seen as being family focused & supportive of neighbourhood schools & the educational process overall.

Regards,

Rory

Source: Capilano Mall Administration.

The Cat Came Back The Very Next Day

Rory J. Koopmans, B. Admin.,
#203, 8912-156 Street, Edmonton, Alberta T5R 5Z2

March XVth, MMX

Hon. David G. Hancock, QC, MLA
Minister of Education, Progressive Conservative, Edmonton-Whitemud

Dear David:

I would say David that this idea is already in place in schools to a degree, so why not expand it? David, we need to allow cats to be put into schools, both public & private as well as charter schools if they wish II participate. There are already baby chickens, salamanders & other lizards. As well as things like spiders & tarantulas in schools that have had the venom/poison taken out. Not to mention mice & other forms of rodentia like hamsters & gerbils.

It seems II me David that cats put into the basement of every school would not just be well looked after by the students stroking & feeding them. They would also save the schools a fortune on the chemicals used in traps against mice & other vermin such as fleas & invading insects such as locusts. Cats like II eat & would love having a huge snackpile of enemies II take down.

The cats of course would be restricted II say 1 or 2 classrooms in the schools. A special place IV them II play & hunt. Then at night would be free II roam the basements & any affected areas of the school. In addition kids would be taught the value of love, nurturing & animal/human bonding relationships. So pet therapy & having 24 hour use of their hunter instinct in the schools. Truly a win/win situation IV all. Plus any expenses incurred by the school in relation to the cat such as vet bills could be legitimately be written off as an expense.

Regards,

Rory

Note: I realize there are issues with allergens, but do not schools already have supplies of anti-histamines on hand in nursing stations II deal with seasonal allergies & allergen emergency attacks?

Source: Cat Fanciers Magazine.

Television Is The New Wave And The Old

Rory J. Koopmans, B. Admin.
#203, 8912-156 Street
Edmonton, Alberta T5R 5Z2

March XIVth, MMX

Hon. David G. Hancock, QC, MLA
Minister of Education,
Progressive Conservative, Edmonton-Whitemud

Dear David:

Why not televise all Public & Catholic School Board meetings? Since most are open anyway to the Public rather than in camera or secret, I would argue streaming them on the EPSB & ECSD websites as well as airing them on Shaw &/or Access TV is just as important as when Shaw carries a City Council meeting or when Access broadcasts Question Period from the Alberta Legislature.

In fact David, I would argue that these meetings are even more important than Provincial & Federal proceedings as the Trustees are non political. They are acting on their own conciousness rather than being supported &/or opposed by political groups or factions. All people of all walks of life vote IV or against them. Especially important are their decisions on these school closure matters.

As an aside David, I would argue vocifeously that NAIT, The Winspear Centre or The Jubilee Auditorium or some other huge facility should host the closure meeting on April XIIIth. The decision should have a bigger meeting facility than the standard room at the Centre IV Education on Kingsway. Say the Myer Horowitz Theatre at the University of Alberta Campus. It was good enough to host all 6 ex-Prime Ministers in a conversation format & the chats were filmed by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. Surely this could be done again.

Regards,

Rory

Source: Shaw TV.

An Open Broadcast Instuctional Week

Rory J. Koopmans, B. Admin., #203, 8912-156 Street, Edmonton, Alberta T5R 5Z2

March XIIIth, MMX

Hon. David G. Hancock, QC, MLA, Minister of Education, Progressive Conservative, Edmonton-Whitemud

Dear David:

Why not allow some schools II switch over to a Tuesday to Saturday or even a Saturday to Wednesday or Sunday to Thursday format? Arguably, there are parents who work shift work & weekends. So an optional switchover to these other II staggered schedules would work better IV them. Clearly allowing people II send their kids II school on a schedule that works IV them & their child will make the school way more attractive to those prospective parental cliients. Not to mention of course II the kids themselves.

Besides David, who is to say that there are not adults who like to work weekends and have their days off during the week or otherwise have say the Friday/Saturday off or the Sunday/Monday off instead of the usual Saturday/Sunday offering? I would argue that since Muslim's take Fridays off as their Sabbath, Saturday to Wednesday would be better for them. Jews have Saturdays off, So say Sunday to Thursday would work better for their needs.

I would also argue David that IV a child to emotionally bond to his/her parent, this staggered schedule would allow the parent II attend class with their once a week to ensure the education they receive is valuable commensurate with the taxes that they are paying. I would also point out that there are teachers, especially substituteswho would gladly give up their weekends every week in exchange IV full time work. Some teachers would arguably prefer II have say Monday/Tuesday or Wednesday/Thursday off instead as it suits their needs better.

So who really David is to say that schools have to run Monday-Friday? Run them hard, Monday-Sunday & you'll garner a fresh perspective and an increased capacity overall. Kids will see that they will have no barriers to their education just because they are operational on a different weekly schedule. Subsequently, their schools become less likely IV closure & more sttractive as an option. As a result, school attendance overall has II go up as a result. Even if its suburbanite kids being brought in.

Regards,

Rory

Source: Kansas Public Schools.

Spruce Avenue Hybrid

Rory J. Koopmans, B. Admin., #203, 8912-156 Street, Edmonton, Alberta T5R 5Z2

March XIIth, MMX

Hon. David G. Hancock, QC, MLA, Minister of Education, Progressive Conservative, Edmonton-Whitemud

Dear David:

As I sat in the Spruce Avenue School Gym last night I was absolutely crushed. Less than 40% capacity & of those 40%, 65% were officials, media and the public from outside the riding. It was pathetic, of course this can be partly attributed II the fact that Spruce Avenue is not actually being closed, but just cannibalized, reconfigured & turned inII a strictly Junior High facility.

Now David, think of the epic battle on "DALLAS" for 13 seasons between J.R. & Bobby Ewing. With the exception of ab out 36 episodes where outside forces had control, each of the brothers controlled 51% or majority control of the firm through their non successive terms as President. So family owned so they felt responsible for making the firm grow.

My feeling is that by changing the School Act to allow for Public/Charter & Catholic/Charter Hybrids in which the schools are 51% owned by the family's would allow for greater attention to detail. The parents would care more & as a result, attendance would go up since the parents would want their kids to have the best of the best.

So the Province still runs the schools on a daily operational basis. Ie: exams, facility management, etc. But it is the parents who have final say about hot lunch programs, what teachers/admin. staff are hired and even are given a chance to coordinate curriculums. I think suburbian parents might be willing to ship their kids inward to inner city schools because having a direct power base and say in their child's education will sort of make them a defacto School Board, working in tandem with the elected Trustees as overseers.

Regards,

Rory

Source: Edmonton Public Schools.

Food Concerns At Parkdale Elementary

Rory J. Koopmans, B. Admin., #203, 8912-156 Street, Edmonton, Alberta T5R 5Z2

March XIth, MMX

Hon. David G. Hancock, QC, MLA, Minister of Education, Progressive Conservative, Edmonton-Whitemud

Dear David:

If there is one issue that I can't argue enough about its food & food quality & safety concerns. U.S. First Lady Michelle Obama is doing noble work with her office. She has gotten more done in 13 months than I ever expected.

One of the 49th First Lady's initiatives is to promote food safety & health issues. What she did was plant a vegetable garden on White House soil. With an emphasis on organic vegetables as a component of this garden. This initiative is to help combat the epic of childhood obesity in the US. I certainly admire her IV this & so recommend to Parkdale family's that the students plant a garden in the school grounds.

The idea should work very well. Especially as the name Parkdale refers to greenery & trees. By having a garden operational from spring until early harvest in the fall, kids will be taught the value of cultivating their own foods. The family's and parents who aid in the garden would then be able to get some of the vegetables back IV use of cooking at home. By eating at home, family's will bond more & their nutritional needs will be supplemented, especially important if the Hot Lunch Programs are disbanded.

Once folks here of this garden idea on school grounds, they'll appreciate the family concept & want to move their kids into the neighbourhood so they can participate & partake of the harvest. If there any extra vegetables, they can be given to the homeless and family's of a lower economic status. After that, any extra surplus foods could be sold on the school grounds to the public IV a profit or at farmer's markets with the excess funds used to keep programs open at the school. This I feel would definitely increase overall capacity.

Regards,

Rory

Source: Www.Whitehouse.Gov.

3 To 4 And So Under

Rory J. Koopmans, B. Admin., #203, 8912-156 Street, Edmonton, Alberta T5R 5Z2

March Xth, MMX

Hon. David G. Hancock, QC, MLA, Minister of Education, Progressive Conservative, Edmonton-Whitemud

Dear David:

As we discussed in our meeting last Friday, you agreed with me that the School term of office IV Trustees as well as City Councillors, Mayors & Reeves should be extended from 3 to 4 years. Again David as I pointed out to you, in the US House of Representatives, they serve 2 year terms. One year campaigning, then 6 months trying to put in legislation, then the last 6 months running for reelection.

It is my contention the Municipal Act needs to be changed as the Trustee candidates spend one year running for their job. Then one year trying to decide what schools to close & ten the last year slugging it out for a new term. David, if a Trustee or anyone like you or me runs for office, the term should be for IV years. After all David, it takes IV years II earn a Bachelor of Education Degree in this Province. Why should it take IV years when it only II year term limits are allowed to fulfill the office allotted?

This would save millions in administrative costs David. So why not get Ed & the Municipal Affairs Minister on it. Especially apprepro in this time of economic austerity.

197 Credits Only Three More To Go David & I Hit The Deuce,

Rory

Source: The Alberta Municipal Act.

A Fine McCauley Dining Experience

Rory J. Koopmans, B. Admin., #203, 8912-156 Street, Edmonton, Alberta T5R 5Z2

March IXth, MMX

Hon. David G. Hancock, QC, MLA, Minister of Education, Progressive Conservative, Edmonton-Whitemud

Dear David:

I think a good way to encourage community investment & an increased enrolment at McCauley School would be to cannibalize a part of the student space. Turning that space along with the school's cuurent cafeteraia that could become a fulltime, hot meal cafeteria. So in otherwords a 10-12 hour a day facility wherein meals are cooked by the students, chefs, staff & cooks hired from say local restaurants & from say the NAIT culinary arts program.

In this way David, the school becomes not just a receiving school due to attendance going up, but a place where students can get a decent hot meal. As well as their family's. Subsidize it a tad & certainly welcome any & all citizens to come into the school for what I want & what everyone wants: "a hot meal at a fair price."

David I think you can turn this hot meal program into a moneymaker. I think you can turn this into a culinary delight. Students can gain valuable community service points & the members of the community can bond together more as they'll be stopping by IV a quick meal or sitting in and enjoying a communal meal with friends, family & other concerned members of the community & the general public. Plus you can use the profits to keep the school in supplies & equipment.

Regards,

Rory

Source: NAIT Culinary Arts Program.

Encapsulated Meeting At McCauley

Rory J. Koopmans, B. Admin., #203, 8912-156 Street, Edmonton, Alberta T5R 5Z2

March VIIIth, MMX

Hon. David G. Hancock, QC, MLA, Minister of Education, Progressive Conservative, Edmonton-Whitemud

Dear David:

Was at the McCauley School closure meeting tonight. It seems to me that part of the reason that inner city schools are not being supported is that there is a lack of transportation through DATS & such. So my proposal is that the EPSB get on the bullhorn to "Driving Miss Daisy" & other seniors transport services. I certainly bet that these services would provide low cost, effective transportation, the same as they do IV seniors. Plus I am pretty sure David that these car companies would enjoy the extra business.

It would give them a break from driving seniors around & ensure the parents & guardians of thse fine kids (including grandparents in some cases) have safe & warm transportation to & from their schools. Education is not just a priviledge in my books, its a right! Inner city kids, particularly aboriginal & minority groups should have 100% equal access to education in all areas.

As an aside David, the School Board Closure Plan was only in English tonight IV McCauley parents. The Chinese Canadian parents were right, there should be condensed versions in multiple languages made up by bilingual teachers in conjunction with their students. They could make it a school project. Its ingenious really, getting kids to explain why their school should have priority to their family's & the public. Who better to represent kids than the kids themselves. After all David, it is they who use the McCauley facility's the most!

Regards,

Rory

Soure: McCauley School.

Lets Hear It IV The Ladies

Rory J. Koopmans, B. Admin., Lois Hole Public Library Terminal #XI, Edmonton, Alberta

March VIIth, MMX

Hon. David G. Hancock, QC, MLA, Minister of Education, Progressive Conservative, Edmonton-Whitemud

Dear David:

As we are now celebrating the eve of International Women's Rights Day, & I am in the Library named after one of the classiest ladies ever produced in Alberta, Lt. Gov. Lois Hole, I suggest we as males & you as Minister direct your staff to do the following. You should David get videos produced on female empowerment & promoting the equality of female students in this Province. In this way, not only males are taught respect IV women, but females are also taught to love & respect themselves.

The videos could be produced by friendly female leaders & teachers. They can also include the views of male adults who are friendly to the male cause. The videos could be produced at a school site, or perhaps by Alberta Education itself & then be sent out as a link to all schools for viewing provincewide.

There should David I think also be courses in Women's Studies as part of the High School Social Sciences curriculum. The courses should be 100% designed by females, but to ensure total equality & fairness, male students should be allowed equal access in taking the courses.

100% Equality IV The Female Gender,

Rory

Source: Maclean's Magazine.

Silver Star Cowtown

Rory J. Koopmans, B. Admin., #203, 8912-156 Street, Edmonton, Alberta T5R 5Z2

March VIth, MMX

Hon. David G. Hancock, QC, MLA, Minister of Education, Progressive Conservative, Edmonton-Whitemud

Dear David:

Let me just say that I am so glad that none of those students, staff, teachers, or that Olympic Silver medallist were injured at that Calgary school. They should be commended for being outstanding & brave Albertans. It is good to see that the folks at A.E. Cross School in SW Calgary are standing strong, able to keep on fighting the good educational fight!

A.E. Cross Folks Are All Winners In My Book,

Rory

Source: Calgary Board Of Education.

Eastwood Class

Rory J. Koopmans, B. Admin., #203, 8912-156 Street, Edmonton, Alberta T5R 5Z2

March Vth, MMX

Hon. David G. Hancock, QC, MLA, Minister of Education, Progressive Conservative, Edmonton-Whitemud

Dear David:

Let me say David that the Principal at Eastwood School, Mr. Ken LeLacheur & his staff are fabulous people. There orchestration of the closure issue event was sublime & they were very gracious and accomodating to me in every way. I think that Eastwood School has a lot of heart & I hope EPSB reconsiders its position in having it on the chopping block.

Great To Meet With You Today,

Rory

Source: Edmonton Public School Archives.

Eastwood Academy Award (TM) Winner Clint Eastwood

Rory J. Koopmans, B. Admin.
#203, 8912-156 Street
Edmonton, Alberta T5R 5Z2

March IVth, MMX

Hon. David G. Hancock, QC, MLA
Minister of Education,
Progressive Conservative, Edmonton-Whitemud

Dear David:

The parents and teachers of the Eastwood School community seem like a really proud people. Why not since it has business groups renting space in it allow corporate business persons to rent space there? In this way they can keep their costs down & overall school capacity & revenues will jump. Their Behaviour & Learning Assistance programs seem second to none. What this school needs David is an infusion of kids. To make it proud again. So as I have stated in previously Blog entries, you should bring in Haitian & Chilean kids.

This combination of kids would bring an outstanding cultural mosaic to the schools & any prospective Foster & Adoptive family's. I am quite sure David that there would be the parents out their in the Eastwood neighbourhood and surrounding neighbourhoods who would welcome these immigrant kids to their homes. It really does seem a shame to close down such a historic & well built facility. From what I see, the facade detail looks amazing.

It really is true what they say about brick, it has an enduring quality. They do not David make them like they used to. I mean foyers on every floor & three metre wide hallways. David, thats A1 class & A1 style! The snack & hot lunch programs coordinated with E4C seem like a step strongly in the right direction. The uniqueness of the early school year start is also a strong point in its favour. Maybe turning the school into a partial Charter School or setting up an entire tutoring wing might also be helpful. Eastwood definitely deserves a fighting chance!

I Strongly Encourage Citizens From Across The City To Attend The Public Meeting Tonight At 7pm,

Rory

Source: Calgary Board Of Education.

Www.Assembly.Ab.Ca Campaign

Rory J. Koopmans, B. Admin., #203, 8912-156 Street, Edmonton, Alberta T5R 5Z2

March IIIrd, MMX

Hon. David G. Hancock, QC, MLA, Minister of Education, Progressive Conservative, Edmonton-Whitemud

Dear David:

I was just looking at the fabulous interactive tour of the Assembly Building on the assembly.ab.ca website. Why not expand on this informational nugget & produce an interactive video wherein kids from across the Province could participate in a Provincial Legislature Parliamentary Session. All the way from being able to set up & design the Throne Speech, who is in Government & who is in Opposition. Creating legislation, parliamentary committees, the whole shhbang!

Let it be done in real time so students can have the Speaker attend the Chair at 1:29:59PM each day & start off with daily proceedings. So a student is chosen Speaker & then debate is formulated & each day an entire student Legislature is filmed. Make this all 24/7 accessible for online learning & downloadable to student computers/school web sites. Make it part of the Social Studies curriculum, even as its own seperate course!

For kids to believe once again in the value of Parliamentary democracy they must be able to live it, not just learn from it!

Regards,

Rory

Burbank California Reborn

Rory J. Koopmans, B. Admin., #203, 8912-156 Street, Edmonton, Alberta T5R 5Z2

March IInd, MMX

Hon. David G. Hancock, QC, MLA, Minister of Education, Progressive Conservative, Edmonton-Whitemud

Dear David:

In the spirit of the Olympics & the renewed "Network Battle IV The Night" between James Douglas Muir Leno & David Michael Letterman, I propose the following. Why do we not have students do a daily talkshow style show available on the internet about education? Guests could include fellow students, parents, support staff, Trustees, administrators. Anyone really who has an interest in education. Set it up in the talkshow format & have the kids film it, edit it (with drama teacher oversight), be the hosts & provide the guests.

Set it up in the format of a late night show with a desk & chairs. Film it daily from say the broadcast studios of the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology, the Centre IV Education at Kingsway, and at the schools themselves. Make one big production, or produce multiple shows for multiple schools. Make it available at both the Catholic & Public School Board websites as well as at the Government of Alberta website IV Culture & Community Spirit & Education.

Make it fun for the kids, tie in a band, so that music students can sit in & play a few tunes. Gaining valuable live broadcast experience for later in life. Let the art students design the sets & clothing. Let the drama students produce little plays/vignettes IV the shows. Also, make the shows if individualized available on the websites of the schools that produce them for easy access by the family & friends of the students. In this way, the school gains maximum exposure & possibly an overall student enrolment increase & therefore a commensurate funding increase. Thus making the threat of a closure less likely.

Welcome Back II The Fight Jay Leno Because This Is Going To Be An Extravaganza,

Rory

Source: Jeff Zucker, NBC Universal Television, Burbank, California.

NHL Olympic Sis Boom Bah

Rory J. Koopmans, B. Admin.
#203, 8912-156 Street
Edmonton, Alberta T5R 5Z2

March Ist, MMX

Hon. David G. Hancock, QC, MLA
Minister of Education,
Progressive Conservative, Edmonton-Whitemud

Dear David:

I agree that its exciting Canada won the Gold medal on home ice. Thats great, but how is it ethical that we let these rich millionaires play for Canada when student hockey players or real amateurs should be given a chance to shine? These NHL pros have made it to the big time. I say revert to amateur players who are quite often students with big loans. In this way, they can earn Olympic scratch money which they can use to pay off those loans & become financially sound human life representatives when they start their chosen careers.

I say make Olympic Hockey just like all other sports in the XXIInd Winter Olympics. NBA stars should not be allowed to front basketball teams in the Summer Olympiad either. No team should have a tactically overriding advantage/disadvantage. We need to promote the kids, we need to make students make other students want to compete themselves in Olympic hockey someday. A noble calling as they are playing for their country & not for money!

Hurrah IV Our Fabulous Gold Medal Count,

Rory

Sourc: 630 Ched Sports.