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This weekend I am determined to be productive! I really have to work on all my conference papers because I feel like I really haven't as of yet. I have a lotta homework.

I'm in a mood where I don't want to go anywhere. There's this Lost Boys of Sudan thing in a half hour. I should go but I just don't want to leave my room. I probably will though.

Today was a slack off day. I hope next week isn't as bad as this week was, academically at least.

I rearranged my room. Over spring break, I want to get a chair to bring back as well as my bike and a TV so I can watch the OC without downloading it.

I'm working on this paper for my Language and Culture in Development class and I want to examine in depth the Pennsylvania education system and see what should be changed and what legislation needs to be enacted. My question to you guys back home is:

Does anyone know (Calista? perhaps?) teachers who teach in the Wilkes-Barre public schools?

I've got the Crestwood public schools, but I feel like that's so white middle class. Not to say Wilkes-Barre isn't mostly white and middle class, but there's a bit more diversity. And God know there's like one black kid at Hoban, probably. Anyway, lemme know and then hook me up with a way to get in touch with them.

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Lost Boys of Sudan is very interesting. I'm actually friends with this guy Gabe who was one, and his life story is absolutely amazing.

Yeah it was pretty good. I cried a little. The guy was an awesome story teller.

If you want diversity, you can check out beekman head start. my mom could give you a lot of info I bet. I know that there is a whole spanish speaking classroom and its only about 50% white (the kids) the staff isn't as diverse, but there are a few spanish/spanish speaking staff members, and my moms family worker is a young black girl who is a vegetarian. I know it is government funded and there are lots of problems with the state and stuff now too.

Yeah I was thinking about asking to talk to your mom about her experience. I kind of want to focus on how and if the state education system is adapting to an influx of different cultures and ethnicities. I know this is a big issue in Hazleton right now, especially. Anyway, don't say anything to your mom yet until I figure it out for sure but maybe I can talk to her when I'm home for break.

When is your spring break?

I'm on break the week of march 6. I know she'd love to talk to you about whatever. just let me know.

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Yeah the public school system is...well...it needs to change.

Wilkes-Barre Area is, well, an interesting district. It's got a huge mix of suburban kids and inner city kids and the Bear Creekers are a breed all their own. I can give you some teacher names here, provided they didn't retire since I've been there. ps-- any teacher I name has an email address, and the email address is just the following: first initial of first name, last name, @wbasd.k12.pa.us

For example, I would be: cnasser@wbasd.k12.pa.us

Anywho, here are some names:

Joan Blaum, science teacher, and I believe she's head of the science dept
Anne Macri, math teacher, and she may be head of the math dept
Edward Palka, econ teacher and dean of students
Heather Johnson, english teacher, and i think she's also in charge of the student newspaper
Karen Gayton, english teacher
Robert Cunningham, social science teacher (law, etc)
Cliff Jones, social science teacher (poli sci, etc)

If you need anymore, just let me know. I'm almost positive they're all still there, though there was a lot of turnover after my class graduated.