EAST TEXAS REVIEW NEWSPAPER IN EDUCATION ISSUE by infinitieplus magazine

Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life. Proverbs 4:23

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Vol. 29

N E W S February 4, 2019

Money for Test Scores Officer Bennie Cooks

Changing of the Guards: Longview NAACP Brenda Coleman 1st Vice President

See Page 7

See Money below

See Changing below

NEWSPAPER IN EDUCATION Page 8

Robotics: Future Building Blocks

STEAM STEAM

Justin Linnstaedter 6th grade class

school spotlight

Pine Tree Middle School

Don’t Let Predatory “Texas Tax Loans Never Take Your Better,” Refunds says Gov By Charlene Crowell, NNPA Newswire Contributor

Page 9

Page 10

For many consumers, the New Year brings an annual effort to file taxes early enough to help pay off big bills, replace major appliances or tuck away a few bucks for the proverbial ‘rainy day’. With a continuing federal shutdown, this year there are also an

Nessiah Whatley

Valentine’s Day Page 8

estimated 800,000 federal workers who have not had a payday since December. For these consumers, an early tax refund could cover basic living needs like housing, food, child care and utilities. See PREDATORY on Page 3

Changing of the Guards:

Local NAACP pursues traditional objectives By Joycelyne Fadojutimi/ETR

Chinese New Year Page 12

President’s Day Page 14

The Longview chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) opened its installation of 2019 officers with a word of prayer at Mount Olive Baptist Church where Reverend JD Palmer is pastor. Master of Ceremonies

the Reverend Willie Marshall of the Harrison Church of Christ pointed out how the gathering was much more than a political meeting--it was an assembly to reiterate the goal of having God’s blessings and direction in all NAACP endeavors. See CHANGING on Page 2

Abbott

The Senate budget includes money to pay for a $5000 across-the-board pay raise for all teachers in Texas. See TEXAS on Page 5

MONEY FOR TEST SCORES: Your students pass, you get a raise.Statement on Gov. Abbott’s State of the State speech See MONEY on Page 15

COMMUNITY NEWS

February 4, 2019

changing Continued from Page 1

Edward Nolan, 2nd Vice President.

Phillip Burns, Secretary

Pastor Lamar Jones was elected local NAACP president in 2017, but soon afterward suffered a massive heart attack that required a lengthy hospital stay. During Jones’ convalescence, First VicePresident Winsell Coleman directed the local chapter, assisted by wife Brenda. In a logical development, when election time rolled around, Coleman was voted president. Jones took over communications and publicity duties. Coleman’s main concerns now are voter’s rights, education and crime prevention. “Those issues are still being fought in the 21st Century,” he said. “Voter suppression and other irregularities are problems one would think are in the past however, that is not the case.” He pointed to Gregg County voter harvesting. “There are problems with mail-in ballots, and people who work the elections influencing voters when in the voting booths,” he said. Coleman stressed that the NAACP provides platforms for all parties and candidates to insure voters can make informed decisions without being influenced in the voting booth. His dedication to other matters is equally certain. He pointed out how his education committee will be collaborating with local school districts to eliminate gaps in academic achievement. This panel will also cooperate with parents to increase parental involvement in their children’s education. Crime is yet another major concern. “We plan to engage in organizing a grassroot information session with the community that will yield results in crime reduction,” he said. Upon taking the gavel, Coleman pointed out that racial harmony is a key objective, and without White Americans there would likely be no NAACP. “Yes, there were African-Americans there at the formation of the oldest and largest civil rights organization, but white people were also concerned about injustice,” he said. “The color of blood is red, Therefore, I would be concerned if the police shot and killed a white kid.” Coleman is a savvy and experienced crusader for civil rights. He served on the staff of J.C. Watts during the renowned Anita Hill hearings. He supported both Martin Luther King and Malcolm X. “Malcolm was a radical who said you have the right to defend yourself. Dr. King was known for his peaceful marches,” he said. “Both leaders served different purposes. You can call me Malcolm King.” His pride in the Longview NAACP is apparent. “This chapter is not a poor unit. We

Willie Marshall, Master of Ceremony

Sophia Brewer, NAACP Exec Member Political Action.

Pastor JD Palmer, Mt. Olive Baptist Church

Marcia Johnson

publication of The Crisis, the first major have not wasted money,” he said. “White, publication for black writers. It is still in Black, Hispanic, Jew, Gentile, the doors print. These newly established organs to the NAACP are open for everyone to quickly bore fruit. participate.” In 1910, Oklahoma passed a Founded in New York City in 1909 by constitutional amendment permitting those white and black activists, the NAACP is whose grandfathers had been eligible to the nation’s oldest and largest civil rights vote in 1866 to register to vote without organization. Initially its objective was addressing the violence habitually directed having to pass a literacy test. This abolished the “grandfather clause” which against black Americans during the allowed illiterate whites to vote without country’s long period of institutionalized taking a literacy test while illiterate racism. One of the organization’s first operations was addressing in the matter of blacks were required to take and pass this test, essentially denying them the ballot. two black men held in a jail in Springfield, The NAACP won this battle on a national Illinois in 1908 for alleged crimes against basis in 1915 when the U.S. Supreme white people. When the two were secretly Court, in the case of Guinn versus the moved to another jail for their own safety United States, that grandfather clauses a lynch mob rioted, burning 40 black were unconstitutional. homes in Springfield, ransacking local That same year, the Association called businesses and killing two blacks. As the for a boycott of the movie Birth of a Nation, civil rights era dawned and proliferated which glorified the Ku Klux Klan and in the 1950s and 1960s, the Association expanded from its primary anti-lynching demonized black Americans. Although the movie was still a financial success crusade into establishing civil rights in the NAACP’s courageous opposition all aspects of society. Today the NAACP to it raised the group’s public profile. fields 2200 branches and counts a half Momentum was building. million members. In 1917, 10,000 Americans of all For situations like this, the NAACP persuasions silently marched in New took root under the direction of white York City to protest and call attention to founders Mary White Ovington, Henry lynching and all forms of violence against Moscowitz, William English Walling and blacks. Sponsored by the Association, Oswald Garrison. Black founders included W.E.B. DuBois, Ida Wells-Barnett, Archibald Grimke and Mark Church Terrell. Sociologist/ writer DuBois led the Niagara movement, a civil rights organization + started in 1905. The NAACP’s founding charter remains + in effect today-championing equal rights, eliminating = injustice and to “advance the interests of colored people” as to voting rights, legal justice educational and Come and give us a visit, we will be glad to assist you with your tax preparation needs, if you made less than $60,000 in 2018 .* employment options. The Association’s From January 22 to April 15 Broughton Recreation Center first president was a Monday, Tuesday & Thursday 801 Martin Luther King Blvd 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm white lawyer named Longview, TX 75602 Saturday 9:00 am to 12:30 pm Moorfield Storey. DuBois was the sole black member of the first leadership team, and also served as director of publications and research. In 1910, *While most returns can be processed, some may be more complex and need referral to more specialized preparers. DuBois commenced

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February 4, 2019

it was a pioneering demonstration in opposing such injustice. By 1919 the NAACP had an impressive 90,000 members and over 300 chapters. Although it never managed to get anti-lynching legislation enacted, it did raise public awareness and revulsion of this crime to the extent that the murders steadily declined. Still, the first year with no reported lynching was not until 1952. By this time, the Association was making great strides. In 1954, the NAACP led the way to the Supreme Court striking down sanctioned segregation in public schools. Pioneering civil rights lawyer Thurgood Marshall was head of the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund (LDF.) He successfully argued this case in front of the high court. It was one of many legal matters he took to court after founding the LDF in 1940. His victories on behalf of voting and housing rights brought him national acclaim to the point that in 1967 he became the first black member of the U.S. Supreme Court. The NAACP was deeply involved in the pivotal 1963 March on Washington, and in the 1965 Mississippi/Freedom Summer that spurred widespread registration of black voters in that state. The victories kept coming as the Association lobbied hard for passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which outlawed discrimination based on race, religion, sex or national origin. Voting rights were finally, completely insured in 1965 with NAACP-supported passage of the Voting Rights Act. There were those who criticized the Association for its preference for taking the slow route to social change through the courts and Congress rather than the more direct (and often violent) methods favored by nationalist groups. The gradual path to justice could indeed be costly. In 1962 a white supremacist murdered NAACP field secretary Medgar Evers as he was leaving his home in Jackson, Mississippi. Not all problems were racial, however. As the 20th Century wound down the Association began experiencing financial problems, and some members pointed to what they perceived to be a lack of direction. Still, the NAACP remains the quintessential civil rights organization, working for equality in jobs, education, healthcare, voting rights and the criminal justice system. It also lobbies for removal of Confederate memorabilia from public property. In 2009, America’s first president of African descent, Barak Obama, spoke at the Association’s 100th birthday celebration. Another century of service is just getting started. Sources: The Racial History of the “Grandfather Clause.” NPR. Google memorializes the Silent Parade when 10,000 black people protested lynchings. Washington Post. Anti-Lynching Legislation Renewed. U.S. House of Representatives. The Civil Rights Act of 1964: A Long Struggle for Freedom. Library of Congress. https://www.history.com/topics/civilrights-movement/naacp

COMMUNITY NEWS

PREDATORY continued from page 1

And across the country, advertising – particularly on urban radio – tempts listeners with easy ways to get a loan against anticipated tax refunds. But just like other predatory lending products, what is advertised is not quite what consumers receive. Convenient tax-related loans almost always come with a price that takes a big bite out of consumers’ money. The bigger the refund, the more attentive and helpful “tax preparers” will be in helping with e-filing, the electronic processing that typically results in refunds in two to three business days. Once the size of the refund is known, these preparers encourage unsuspecting consumers to take out a short-term loan like a Refund Anticipation Loan (RAL). Depository institutions like banks sell a ‘service’ known as a Refund Anticipating Check (RAC) that is most appealing to consumers who lack a bank account. Neither product is as helpful as they appear. RALs are usually marketed as an ‘advance’ instead of a loan. Instead of interest, many of these loans come with “fees” or a “finance charge.” Conversely, a Refund Anticipation Check or RAC is sold as a temporary bank account that exists exclusively to receive the IRS refund. Once the refund reaches the consumer’s bank account, either a prepaid card or a check is issued by the depository institution. And once again, fees taken out of the refund reduce the amount of monies that consumers actually receive. The biggest target for both of these products are consumers with the largest refunds, especially those who are eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credits (EITCs), one of the few tax break programs available to low-tomoderate income consumers, and/or the Additional Child Tax Credit. To be eligible for EITC, earned income and adjusted gross income

can be as low as $15,270 for a single filer or head of household to as high as $54,884 for a married couple with three dependent children. This year, eligible EITC consumers could receive as much as $6,431 for families with three or more qualifying children to $519 for single filers. Similarly, the Child Tax Credit is available to eligible filers with children under the age of 17. For each dependent child meeting the age requirement, filers receive a $2,000 credit that like EITC reduces the amount of taxes owed. In 2017, 1.7 million RALs were sold, and another 20.5 million RACs valued at a half billion dollars were also sold, according to the National Consumer Law Center (NCLC). “Tax-time is hard enough for most Americans, but they also face consumer protection challenges,” noted Chi Chi Wu, staff attorney at the National Consumer Law Center. “They need to avoid incompetent and abusive preparers and decide whether to choose financial products of varying costs.” So how much financial sense does it make to purchase an ‘advance’ or open a temporary bank account when the Internal Revenue Service can deposit the full refund into a checking account within two to three business days? Just because a refund-advance product isn’t called a loan, or doesn’t have an interest rate, doesn’t mean it’s free, said Scott Astrada, the Center for Responsible Lending’s Director of Federal Advocacy. “Carefully read the terms and conditions and ask plenty of questions”. Everyone who works for a living should be entitled not only to a paycheck but 100 percent of their tax refunds. Charlene Crowell is the Center for Responsible Lending’s Communications Deputy Director. She can be reached at Charlene.crowell@ responsiblelending.org.

COMMUNITY NEWS

February 4, 2019

How the Age of Billionaires Ends

Serious proposals are on the table to address the deepening divide between the uber-rich and the rest of us. By Josh Hoxie Every month or so there’s a stunning new headline statistic about just how stark our economic divide has become. Understanding that this divide exists is a good start. Appreciating that a deeply unfair and unequal economy is problematic is even better. Actually doing something about it — that’s the best. As 2020 presidential hopefuls start trying to prove their progressive bona fides, serious policies to take on economic inequality are at the forefront. These ideas don’t stand much of a shot of becoming law in the Trump era, of course. But if the balance of power shifts, so too does the potential for these paradigmshifting new programs. Let’s take a closer look at the problems they’ll have to address. A new billionaire is minted every two days, according to a recent Oxfam study. As a result, the top 0.1 percent owns a greater share of the nation’s wealth than the bottom 90 percent combined.

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The richest dynastic families in the United States have seen their wealth expand at a dizzying pace. The three wealthiest families — the Waltons, the Kochs, and the Mars — increased their wealth by nearly 6,000 percent since 1983. In other words, the rich in the United States have accumulated a metric crap ton of money. And what are they doing with this immense wealth and power? Dan Snyder (#368 on the Forbes 400) just bought the world’s first mega-yacht, with an IMAX theater on it, for $100 million. Hedge fund billionaire Kenneth Griffin (#45) just broke the record for the highest price ever paid for a house — $238 million — for an apartment in Manhattan’s “Billionaires’ Row.” Add in a few private jets, a couple of absurd presidential runs, and those Trump tax cuts, and you get a pretty accurate depiction of the priorities of billionaire spending. Meanwhile, the rest of the country isn’t shopping for yachts and jets.

Most families are forced to work longer hours for lower wages. Despite massive increases in growth and productivity, the median family saw their wealth go down over the past three decades, not up. The proportion of families with zero or negative wealth (meaning they owe more than they own) jumped from 1 in 6 to 1 in 5. Relatedly, our roads and bridges our crumbling and our public schools are desperately underfunded. It doesn’t take an economist to tell you this isn’t sustainable. So what about those policies to do something about it? Senator Bernie Sanders has proposed a robust addition to the federal estate tax. Billionaires under his plan would pay a top rate of 77 percent on whatever they bequeath to their heirs over $1 billion. (Far from a new idea, Sanders is merely proposing reinstating the top rate in place from 1941 to 1976.) Senator Elizabeth Warren, not to be outdone, has proposed a direct

tax on concentrated wealth targeting modern day wealth hoarders. Her plan would impose a progressive annual tax starting at 2 percent on assets over $50 million and rising to 3 percent on assets over $1 billion. And at least one member of Congress who isn’t running for president, Rep. Alexandria OcasioCortez, has gotten in on the action. She’s proposed raising the top marginal tax rate to 70 percent (only on income over $10 million, contrary to what you might hear on Fox News). Three bold ideas to stem our skyrocketing economic inequality, three ways to tax the ultra-rich, three policies unlikely to become law given the current administration. Yet these ideas are more than mere platitudes. Poll after poll shows big majorities of Americans ready to see the rich pay their fair share — and worried about the economic power consolidating in the upper echelons. When the political moment arrives, we won’t have to wonder what’s coming.

Give Teachers and First Responders A (Big) Tax Break

People who keep us safe and educate our kids shouldn’t have to rely on food stamps or second jobs. By David Wallis David Lincoln, an experienced paramedic in Brevard County, Florida, makes about $60,000 a year for a 56hour workweek. He moonlights at an urgent care center for another 19 hours a week to survive. Without the second job, “I’d be living paycheck to paycheck,” said Lincoln, 43, who fretted that he “crams in” time to play with his 7-year-old daughter because of his busy schedule. Some Democrats tout big plans to improve the lives of struggling Americans such as Lincoln. Senator Kamala D. Harris, for instance, recently introduced the “LIFT the Middle Class Act,” which would give families earning less than $100,000 a year a monthly $500 payment. The plan deserves praise, but given Republican control of Washington, it amounts to political theater. A more modest but achievable proposal — what I call the American Heroes Tax Credit — might be harder to oppose. Let’s give firefighters, EMTs, law enforcement personnel, teachers, nurses, and active-duty military who make less than $100,000 a year a permanent $2,000 annual tax credit. These are people who work toward the collective good. They deserve recognition — and a ladder up. An annual Gallup survey ranked

nurses, high school teachers, and police among the top five most honest and ethical professions. Firefighters earned the top rating when they were included in the survey after the 9/11 attacks, and their bravery during the recent California wildfires undoubtedly bolstered their standing. Lincoln has already thought about how he might spend his “raise.” He imagines settling bills and paying for his 7-year-old daughter’s gymnastic classes. But he believes that his younger fire department colleagues — who often live “with mom and dad” — would particularly welcome tax relief. He recalls that seven years ago, when he made roughly $33,000 — about average for the profession — he relied on food stamps. Richard Pierce, president of the union that represents Lincoln, argued that low wages drive turnover. That’s a problem faced by teachers in many parts of the country, too. Governing magazine studied the wages of college-educated teachers older than 25, finding that on average, they made barely 60 percent of what comparable private-sector employees take home. Parents joined picket lines in several states last year for a reason; they don’t want their first-graders educated by a bleary-eyed teacher who stayed up

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all night driving for Uber. Meanwhile, new Army privates make about $20,000, and a 2013 Census Bureau report found that 23,000 active-duty service members use SNAP benefits. “I’ve heard so many stories about military parents going without meals so their children can eat,” said Taylor Mille, who works for a food bank in Norfolk, Virginia, a Navy port. “This is wrong on so many levels.” To be sure, people in professions not covered by the American Heroes Tax Credit might wonder, “What about me?” Gerald Friedman, an economics professor at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, predicts “a spillover effect” as employers in other industries raise wages to retain workers who might leave jobs to fight fires or teach. And, he adds, “there would be

some economic stimulus from more money going to lower-wage earners.” Some localities have experimented with similar tax breaks. Baltimore, for instance, recently started giving police and firefighters who live in the city a $2,500 property tax credit. Pennsylvania allows local fire chiefs to reward volunteer firefighters with earned income and property tax credits. Former Republican representative Richard L. Hanna sponsored a bill giving volunteer firefighters a $1,000 tax credit in 2013. It didn’t pass, but Hanna still thinks it’s good politics. “Everyone could go back and brag about it” to constituents, he said, because “virtually everyone has a volunteer or paid fire force.” And everyone — especially politicians — wants to be a hero.

February 4, 2019

STATE/NATIONAL

TEXAS continued from page 1

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Texas has never had a stronger economy or a brighter future, Governor Greg Abbott said before a joint session of the Legislature in his biennial State of the State address on Tuesday. “When you combine our legislative accomplishments with our record-breaking prosperity, you have elevated Texas to rarified status,” he told the assembled lawmakers. “I am proud to tell you that the state of Texas has never been better.” Abbott also named a number of items as emergencies, allowing lawmakers to begin work on them immediately, before the constitutional 60-day prohibition on legislation expires. In all, he picked six topics: education reform, teacher pay, school safety, property tax reform, mental health services and disaster response. Half of the issues deal directly with public education, more if you count property tax reform, which is inextricably linked with school finance. The Senate and House have filed identical bills to place a 2.5 percent cap on property tax growth before voters get a say. For education funding, both budgets include billions more for public schools. Abbott believes that attracting and retaining the best teachers should be at the forefront of education reform. “We must target education funding to help our students achieve in school,” he said. “That starts with our teachers in the classroom.” The Senate budget includes money to pay for a $5000 across-the-board pay raise for all teachers in Texas. Abbott said that the response to Hurricane Harvey from elected officials, first responders and ordinary Texans showed incredible resolve and compassion. “In the face of the greatest natural disaster our state has ever seen, our fellow Texans showed the world that no earthly force is more powerful than Texans’ spirit,” he said. While he praised lawmakers for tapping the Rainy-Day Fund to address immediate needs, Abbott asked the Legislature to look to the future and pass legislation to improve the response to not only the next storm to hit the Texas Gulf Coast, but any disaster in the

state. Abbott said the state needs a disaster response plan that cuts through red tape. For mental health, Abbott praised the legislative package filed by Senator Jane Nelson of Flower Mound. Nelson, who chairs the Finance Committee and filed the base Senate budget, included $7.1 billion to create a mental health consortium across 21 state agencies to improve access and outcomes of mental health treatment. It includes money to fund programs to identify mental health needs in children and improve access to treatment, as well as millions for community-based mental health facilities. Though he didn’t give them the emergency tag, Abbott identified a number of other priorities for the session. He wants two more antigang centers in Waco and Tyler to complement the six that already exist, saying these centers have been successful in combating gang operations. He also wants legislation to create six anti-human-trafficking centers, and mandatory jail time for those convicted of the crime. Staying in the area of public safety, Abbott told lawmakers that their budgets should include enough money to eliminate the rape kit backlog, evidence collected in the immediate aftermath of a sexual assault that can provide critical evidence for prosecutors. The Senate budget includes nearly $50 million for this purpose, as well as $7.5 million to increase the capacity of rape crisis centers and provide survivor services. For border security, Abbott said that once again he hopes the federal government will take responsibility, but until then the state should step in and fully fund border security as it has in the past. Abbott also highlighted the need for better veterans’ services, asking for full funding for veterans’ programs at the Health and Human Services Commission as well programs to help veterans secure desperately needed VA health care benefits. Abbott’s last priority, presented with a grin, drew cheers from the assembled legislators: he wants to find a way to restore the annual rivalry football game between Texas A&M and the University of Texas at Austin.

gospel spotlight

February 4, 2019

Making Space for God in Your Life

f we want to have a closer relationship with God— and we should want this above all else—it is important to create the time and space necessary to do so. In much the same way that a new exercise or study regimen will probably require a change in our schedule, if we want to be a more spiritual person, we must carve out the time and space necessary for it. In our busy lives this usually entails finding time (and space) at the beginning or end of our day, since the middle of our day is usually filled up with work or school or taking care of family.

God won’t force his way into our lives. If we want more of God in our lives, we should create the time and space for that to happen. There is a good reason why most monks start their days early—it’s the only time that they aren’t likely to be interrupted by life’s other necessities. It is also important that the space where you pray or meditate be conducive to it. A quiet comfortable corner of a room is all that is necessary. Find some quiet time and space at the start or end of each day to make room for God in your life. – Christopher Simon

•“Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.” —Romans 12:9-10 PHARAOH’S PROPHETIC DREAM BAKER CHARIOT CORN DISCRETE DREAMS FAMINE FED FOOD GATHER GOD GOLD GOOD EARS HANGED INTERPRET KINE LAND LINEN MAGICIANS PERISH PHARAOH PLENTY RIVER RULER SEVEN STALK STORE THIN EARS WIND WISE YEARS

One of the most common of persons who are One of the most questions common questions of persons whoin arethe in the midst of grief is some variation of “howoflong?” How How longlong willwill midst of grief is some variation “how long?” this pain last? before I am able to able function like Ilike didI did thisHow pain long last? How long before I am to function before? Howbefore? long before I stop crying someone How long before I stopwhenever crying whenever someone mentions thementions name? the name? We sometimes of grief condition - an illness that that V. Stanmore We think sometimes thinkas ofagrief as a condition - an illness V. StanmoreDirector Director has to run a particular a cold flu,or we has to run a course. particularWith course. With or a cold flu,can we take can take comfort that comfort in a few days We will back to normal. All that in a we few will days recover. we will recover. Webe will be back to normal. Allsigns signs of of the illness will merely a memory. the be illness will be merely a memory. Grief is not an illness disease. It is a transition.We do not getget better. Grief is not or an aillness or a disease. It is a transition.We do not better.We We reconstruct our lives inour thelives face learn to live with that loss. reconstruct in of thethe faceloss. of theWe loss. We learn to live with that loss.Grief Grief is is aa difficult journey. We may experience all sorts of emotions - guilt, anger, sadness, difficult journey. We may experience all sorts of emotions - guilt, anger, sadness, loneliness - to name a few. We may find it difficult to concentrate, distressed by so loneliness - to name few. We mayfeeling find it difficult to concentrate, by so many memories. We may hurtaphysically, less than our best. Itdistressed may many memories. We may hurt physically, feeling less than our best. It may influence the ways that we behave. We may find ourselves avoiding others or angry behave. We may find ourselves avoiding or angry at the normalinfluence irritantsthe ofways life.that Wewe may struggle with our faith, trying to others sort out all at of thewhy normal irritants life. We may struggle with our faith, trying to sort out all our questions this had toofhappen. our questions of why this had to happen.

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February 4, 2019

HOME FRONT

Name of Officer: Bennie Cooks Education: LHS Class of 1991 Home town: Longview, Texas. Prior job experience if any: Manager at Fast Lube. How do you feel when you put on your uniform each day? Still excited most of the time and waiting to see what happens that day. People don’t often understand how hard police officers work to keep citizens safe. What inspired, you to become a protector of the community and can you tell us of any daily risks you’ve seen or experienced? I enjoy dealing with people. I had a good friend that was an officer and I figured I could do it too. It’s a daily risk just leaving home in uniform. What is a misconception you have seen that the public have about the police officers? That you work for a “quota”. That’s illegal…. As a police officer, what do you want your legacy to be? I don’t really worry about a legacy. I do this because this is what I chose to do and not be famous or a hero. What was one of your toughest days on the job. I responded to a double homicide of a young girl and her daughter. I knew the family personally. How does your family feel about you being a police officer? They are good with it. I think they like it more than me (LOL). Police officers work long hours and the work is very stressful, how do you like to relax? I like fishing and just getting away from the rat race. If you could go back in time and tell your younger self one thing, what would it be? I should have done this at an earlier age. In a time when pop culture encourages not co-operating with police officers, can you expand on the dangers this causes? ? Some people have negative things about everything so we can only do the right thing and let God do the rest. As a champion of the community and symbol of justice how can we as a community better support the police? Talk to us. I’m always open to discussing community support with people. I think some people are afraid to talk to us because we may have differing views, or they are simply just scared of us because of our job. One thing I had to learn was that the majority of our community loves and supports the police. It’s hard to see that when you primarily see the ones who dislike you. Do police officers really like donuts? Well YEAH! Everybody likes donuts!

Bennie Cooks

February 4, 2019

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February 4, 2019

School Spotlight

Robotics:

Future Building Blocks

Teacher Jonathan Vaughn working with his 5th grade students.

by Joycelyne Fadojutimi/ETR

Pine Tree Middle School fifth and sixth graders were intent on their studies in robotics class. This subject is an interdisciplinary branch of studies covering mechanical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineering, computer science and other topics that are the wave of the future. Robots are machines, generally programmed by computers and able to perform complicated functions without supervision. They are typically guided by control devices that can be installed internally or externally. Today’s young scholars are making the most of this technology. Eleven years veteran teacher Jonathan Vaughn is a robotics teacher and loves it. Half of his students are in the gifted and talented program. The four teams he has going into competition. They are learning robotics and coding. He roams his classroom, providing hands-on guidance and assistance. In a profession (teaching) where sorely needed professionals are typically underpaid. Finding such competent instructors is a challenge. Apart from scant reward, public perception of teachers is sometimes rather dismal. This impels many potential teachers to turn to other professions. There are, however, those who fearlessly, unselfishly pursue their natural calling. Justin Linnstaedter is a 6th grade Robotics teacher. He is also a coach even though he is not coaching this year. This young 32-year-old teacher was influenced by his head coach, Tim Russell at Harmony ISD. Team work is priority one for Linnnstaedter. His emphasis on teamwork is a natural coaching trait. “Everybody working together is important to me,” he said. “We cannot get much accomplished if we are not a team even in robotics.” Like a coach, he goes above and beyond the call of duty to take care of students. His dedication to his pupils is powerful and apparent.

Sulem Ramirez and Makaylie with their robot Tom.

Kiya Sampson and Mary Whitton at Pine Tree Middle School.

Fifth graders engaged in robotics.

February 4, 2019 Name

Think About Fruit

Fruit is one of the healthy food groups. We define fruit as the sweet, fleshy part of a plant that has the seed or seeds of the plant. It may be sweet or sour and is usually edible in its raw state. Eating fruit helps keep our hearts healthy. A healthy heart pumps blood through the body effectively. Healthy foods such as fruits also lower the risk of disease, such as cancer and diabetes.

to 18 years-old young adults. I have fun on my job making sure things are fine. For example, I check to see if they are growing the way they should. I answer parents’ questions on nutrition, Seth McFarland toilet training, and all and Dax McCain other questions they getting their robot Patricia to type. may have about their children.

“I like talking to students about their perceived and real troubles especially the boys,” he said.” They Directions: Here is a list of different fruits. Did you know there were like to feel re-assured that someone so many? Check the boxes of all the fruits you have eaten. Circle three understands them and is in fruits you would like to try. their corner no matter how tough things get.” Linnstaedter moves with Fruits authority among his students, and calls robotics, “controlled n apples n figs n papayas chaos.” Sixth grader Nessiah Whatley already thirsts to be a n apricots n grapefruit n passion fruit n bananas n grapes n peaches computer engineer because of Linnstaedter’s influence. n blackberries n guava n pears Another young learner, Benito n blueberries n honeydew n persimmon Castro, has not decided for certain Why did you choose Joos, MD what career pathRichard to take, but does n breadfruit n huckleberries n pineapples Future Marine Biologist love fixing the wires that make the this profession? I Pediatrician n cantaloupe n kiwi fruit n plums robots run properly. Parker Shelton replacing It is a skill sure have been employed robots parts. n cherimoya n kumquat n pomegranate to serve him in whatever vocation and self-employed. This Place of n cherries n lemons n quince he eventually chooses. time, I wanted to work Parker Sheltonemployment: aspires to be a I work n clementines n limes n raisins marine Benito with people with the at Wellness Point on biologist. Looking up from Castro n coconut n loquat n raspberries replacing parts in a malfunctioning Marshall Avenue. fixing themost needs. This is my robot he explained his enthusiasm n cranberries n mangoes n strawberries wires on way of giving back to the class. his robot the community. n Crenshaw melon n nectarines n tangerinesfor“It’s pretty funEducation: once they are I to get it n dragon fruit n oranges n watermelon graduated from Wagner fixed,” he said. “This way you can working again. What do you like drive them around, but it and mustattended be College Sixth grade Robotics teacher Justin sturdy first.” Challenge: Choose one of the fruits you have an interest in trying. Do some research to find out best about your Medical School at State Linnstaedter with his students. more about this healthy food. Add your information to your “New Healthy Foods” page (page Yet 82) in another student, Dax McCain, your journal. has already wonUniversity in robotics of New York. chosen field? I get to work with the people competition. He constructed a robot he namedWhat Patriciado andyou is now who need help the do teaching her how to type on his most- parents who do everyday on your laptop. His buddy Seth MacFarland © Teacher Created Resources 13 #3990 Healthy Habits for Healthy Kids not have much but want job? When I get to is helping. to see their children work, I like to get a Two young ladies named Sulem grow up healthy. I heads up of what is Ramirez and Makaylie Arrington named their android Tomon andthat are helps me Future computer like serving them as a going engineer Nessiah instructing him intovarious functions. pediatrician. I would know what is going Whatley works on Like their classmates they are in the Byron Denning and like to see their little on, then I plan my day a robot. He likes Josue Rodriguez immersed in primary stages of successful careers.

October 2017

and course of action. I see from new-borns up

robotics.

designing ones grow up androbots. be healthy.

the money project! HEY KIDS! join t h e m o n e y p r o j e c t ! for a fun way to learn about budgeting and the economy! these lessons are ideal for kids who are cool!

the money project!

www.thisismytbt.com

brought to you by your friends at texas bank and trust and “digitz” the dollar dog

www.thisismytbt.com

MEMBER FDIC TBT News Ed Money Project.indd 1

E a s t Te x a s R e v i e w •

EQUAL HOUSING LENDER 10/22/18 2:58 PM

@ e t r _ n e w s p ap e r 2 5 • w w w. E a s t Te x a s R e v i e w. c o m •

@ E a s t Te x a s R e v i e w

...environments to record any changes.

Scientists are studying animals in their...

Newspaper Fun!

Kids: color stuff in!

February 4, 2019

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Studying Earth’s Climate

For many years, scientists have been charting the world’s changing temperatures. It is natural for some movement of temperatures to occur, but many people wonder how the changes in climate that result will affect animals and people in their habitats and daily lives. In the coldest northern parts of the world, scientists are studying ice and the way it freezes and melts. Some are also studying the region’s polar bears, marine animals that spend most of their time at sea rather than on land. Scientists have seen that the ice that these bears live and hunt upon is starting to melt earlier in the season than it once did. The bears are swimming farther from home to hunt for food (seals) and some are not making it back. Some reports say that polar bears are getting thinner and that more of their cubs are dying. By studying such changes, scientists hope to understand how people can respond to protect themselves and wildlife around the globe.

Read the clues to fill in this puzzle about polar bears: 1. A polar bear’s ________ layer can grow up to 4 inches thick. It provides warmth and can keep them from going hungry. 2. Polar bears live in the ________ region around the North Pole. 3. Mothers care for their ________ for about 2 1/2 years. 4. The “food” or prey for polar bears mostly lives in the ________. 5. The foot of a polar bear is partially ________ to help it swim. 6. Polar bears have been known to kill Beluga ________. 7. The loss of ________ may push polar bears closer to extinction.

d d s s m h r w s r s l g t f

Fill in the blanks to spell out some possible changes:

o __ u __ __ __ __ __ __ __

ears

9 hair

fat

live 12 13

e webb

cubs

feet

miles

ice

whales

meat

water

Swimming Out of School!

These water animals have been found swimming B B B many miles farther north B B B B B P B P than usual. Some people Y P B B B B K B B think that rising water B B P P P P P B B temperatures let these B B P B B B B animals feel comfortable P B B B B B B B B PB in areas where they P B B B P P P B B B normally would not go. B PB P P Follow this color key to color in the puzzle to see them:

B P

P Y

Y K

P P

BP B P P

B P North Atlantic right whales P P P B B BP P are being watched for P P P B changes in their food P P P P B B sources B B B B and their P B P habitat, too. B B B B P B B

2 3

P P B B B P B P B

Who Am I?

e __ __ __i __ __ __ __i __ __

c Arcti 8. The bottoms of a polar bear’s ________ have hair to keep them warm. 9. In the wild, polar bears ________ 25-30 years. 10. The skin of a polar bear is actually black, but its ________ makes it look white. 11. Polar bears do not ________ in the winter like other bears. 12. Polar bears can swim up to 60 ________! 13. Polar bears don’t like fruit or vegetables; they mostly eat ____. 14. Polar bears have small ________ so they don’t lose too much heat. 15. Polar bears are, on average, the ________ bears in the world.

B = Blue Y = Yellow P = Pink K = Black

o __ __ __ __ __ __

Y K P P

P P

B B

B B B B B B B B B B P B B B BB B P B B B B B B B B P B B B B B B B B

It is thought that warmer water temperatures may have caused 5 sand eels and plankton that puffins 6 eat to move to cooler waters.

I take long swims in the cold ocean waters. When I need a break I climb onto icy shores or ice floes to rest. I dive from sea ice to get clams and snails to eat, too. 46 We have our babies on ice and then swim back to shore with these pups. If there 45 is less ice and we have to swim longer distances, some pups may not make it 44 7 to the shore. In some areas we have been crowding together too tightly on the 43 ice. Sometimes, when frightened, we have all rushed back to the ocean at once resulting in a stampede where some of us have been hurt or killed. 41 42 40 38 37 36 I am a __ __ __ __ __ __ . 32 31 39 35 34 33 r a w u s l Follow the dots to see me!

14 15 16 11 13 17 19 12 18

24 30 29 25 28 27 26

22 21

Due to changes in the climate, weather people think that we may have more or stronger...

hiberna

What Conditions Might Change?

People check the temperature of the sand at the green sea turtles’ nesting area. They want to see if any changes affect the eggs.

largest

...cutting and will try some new treats, too.

We’re learning about the art of paper...

Newspaper Fun!

Kids: color stuff in!

February 4, 2019

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Chinese New Year 2019! Best Wishes and Congratulations!

In 2019, the Chinese New Year celebration starts on Tuesday, February 5th, and ends with the Lantern Festival on Tuesday, February 19th. The Chinese Calendar has a 12-year cycle with each year represented by an animal. 2019 is the Year of the Pig, a lucky creature, but one that can be easily led to believe anything others tell it. People born in an animal’s year are said to have some of its characteristics. The Chinese New Year is a time of family. In many large cities worldwide there are lots of fun events: dinners, parades, concerts, races, zoo visits and fireworks.

Pork is such a popular meat in China, that if a menu item says “meat” it is assumed that pork is what is meant! Zodiac

st 2

colors

hone

charm Read the clues to fill in the puzzle about the Year of the PIg: 6 s f symbo che l 1. This year, 2019, is the Year of the ________. 1 7 2. The pig is the twelfth animal in the Chinese ________. 3 3. The pig was the last to arrive at the Jade ________ important meeting, so it is last in the Zodiac. 4. Pigs are said to be popular, ________ and gentle. 11 snake 5. People born in the Year of the Pig may be a bit ________ and sluggish. 5 10 6. Luckily, these people are also thought to make great ________ and interior decorators. 14 9 7. The pig gets along very well with the tiger and rabbit, but not with the slithering __________. foods 12 8. Lucky __________ for the Year of the Pig are orange, white, pink and red. lazy 9. Pork is one of the most popular ___________ in Chinese homes. numb ers 10. The pig is a ________ of the yin, the dark half of a Chinese yin-yang. Pig It stands for passion, growth and femininity. 11. Lucky ________ for the Year of the pig are 2, 5, and 8. But, stay away from numbers 1, 3, and 9. 8 12. In ancient times, men were expected to catch a pig (or wild boar) with their bare hands as a test of ________. 13. People wear red ________ necklaces and bracelets for good luck; people born in 2019 will have a tiny pig dangling from it. ry Emper or’s brave 14. The pig is a symbol of wealth in China, and elsewhere too! People worldwide store money in a ‘piggy ________.’

D F H G B U C V V X G U

Many families work hard to prepare themselves and their homes for the New Year. Listed below are some of their activities during the 15-day celebration. Can you find and circle the words in bold in the puzzle? • sweeping away the old, the dust • getting a new haircut • paying back debts • arranging flower blossoms • buying tangerines and oranges • decorating houses • cooking long noodles and rice puddings • relaxing with family and friends • wearing new clothes • honoring ancestors • making lanterns • watching dragons dance in a parade

Success and Happiness R = Red 2019...it’s my year to shine!

O = Orange

A R R A N G I N G S W E E P V J V J G

S Y Z U K

U I K T J

E X E X X T B Y V I A

I O A R G G E D E C O R A T I N N G A U U Q W F S O A S O U G T D E U L I C P

W I W N J G V Q B N D

A E S Z I D D L H G B

H V O L C P S A Y D U

E J U E F

O G R U I

K E E W O

G T A W W

F Q I I D N N M S D L T I A M

T O T O K V O N Q F C I Q Q N

G L R X S T K R I H R N D K K

G L L E U R T I N G G S R L

C W A R W T N Y N B T J E A

Q X G Q G S G U G Y K L I

A I S A U X D V S U I A U

W E A R I N G C K U X E

W Z D W V S I N S V I F

G I S U A X

E L D R Y Z

Q V V W I L

C B K S N A

D Z X Q G J

Z S A S L S

P V C V M O Q B O B S K K B I A G N I G X T C D Q W H A S N G Z A Q K F D A A P K R L

M A K I N G

S Y Q B B U

E O B A U I Y U G J V

F E L K Z Q

I R I S O E I I H E F

T W T F V W K O K W D

When you finish the puzzle below you will see the reason behind the “dragon’s” dance in New Year’s parades. You also will see the wish behind the money given in little red packets (called Hongbao or Lai See). Red is a color of joy and this generous wish. Follow the color key to fill in the puzzle and see what everyone is wishing for...

O O O O O O O O O OR R R O O R R RO O R O O O R O R O R OR R RO R O R

O O O O O O O O O OR R R O O R R R O O R O R O R O R O R O R O R O R

O O O O O O O O O O R O O O R O O O R O O O R O O O R O O O R O

O O O O O O R O OR R R O R O R O O O R O R O O O

O O O O R O OR O R OR RO O R RO O O

O R O R O R O R O R O R O R O R O O R O O O R O R O R O O O R RO O O O O R R R O O O R R R O O OR R RO O R R RO O O R R R O OR R RO O OR R R O R OR R O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O

Spring Festival

...Valentine cards for our classmates!

We have been creating fun...

Newspaper Fun!

Kids: color stuff in!

February 4, 2019

www.readingclubfun.com

Valentine’s Day!

poems

glitter

glue envelopes

1. paper trim lace with fancy designs 2. sweets 3. feeling 4. red + white 5. month 6. Roman god of love 7. rhyming words 8. Saint 9. pair of small parrots 10. when people care about each other 11. roses, daisies 12. symbol of love; pumps blood 13. paper messages 14. a gathering of friends 15. ruby-colored

paper

go share card schoolyard care know

Color them and cut them out for giving to others.

Frie

nds

__ __ __ __ __ __ __ __

Friend

I see that “ewe” are The new “kid” in the classroom, Sitting “owl” alone.

__ __ __ __

__ __ __ __ ?

“Bee”-ing new is ___________ – No friends “hare” in the ___________________, I “otter” say Hi! A Valentine _________ Starts the “possum”-bility That “whale” be good friends!

Use the code to fill in the blanks with the letters to see the secret Valentine message:

__ __ __ __ __ !

__ __ __ __ __ __ __

Today’s a day for Valentines, For cards and candy ________, A day for making silly rhymes For friends both old and ________.

and arrow, start at #1 where the is and follow the other numbered hearts.

__ __ __ __ X

To see what Cupid did with his bow

red

It’s hard to dribble basketballs While writing cards for friends. It’s tough to score a three-point shot When one hand holds a pen. The time is running off the clock– Just minutes left to ________. How can I shoot a Valentine To everyone I ________?

Secret Valentine Message

friend

pink

candy

Cupid

A card held by a Teddy ________ And candy that I can ________ ; Today, friendship is in the air, A time to show how much I _______!

Valentine

heart

Candy Hearts

flowers

party

Hi ! t h e re

“

Let’s bee”

lovebirds

It’s that fun time of year again, when we write notes and poems to friends. Here are mini bookmarks that you can finish filling in with the words that fit:

too new

lace

35 31

poetry

37 32

cards

love

Valentines To Share

hard bear

scissors

E-Mail or Snail Mail, get that Valentine note off to grandparents or other family and friends!

pencils

What Did Cupid Do? 45

Read the clues to 43 44 fill in the puzzle using the words inside the friendship 42 dot-to-dot: February 2 41

B__

C__

D__ __E

__J

__K

__L M __

__N

S__ ?

__T

U __ !

W X __ __

F __

G__ __H

__I

__O

Q __ R_ __P __

__ __ __

__ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __. X

A __

V __

Y__ __ Z

We’ve taken out all of our colored pencils, markers and crayons to design our Valentine’s Day cards. We are using art supplies we have around the house to make cards and adding little items like buttons, lace or stickers to make them interesting. You can, too!

...the lives of all of the U.S. Presidents.

In school we are studying ...

Newspaper Fun!

Kids: color stuff in!

February 4, 2019

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Presidents Day

1 2 47

3 46

child

map

4 ren At one time, England ruled 13 colonies on the eastern part 5 44 at of North America. Each colony had its own government thro I and ran things its own way. To create unity and keep the 43 6 name I peace, the Continental Congress was formed, and a few men from first each colony went there to discuss things and find answers. They 7 L complained to England about many problems. But, when those 42 ia problems were not fixed, fighting began between the colonies and irgin V I R N England. Armed colonists were brought together by the Congress 41 siblin gs to form an army, the first military group serving all of the colonies. 40 Colonel George Washington was named commander-in-chief I M N T 8 of all the armed forces who would fight for freedom (1775). Washington also had a 39 king 37 small Navy to stop British ships that brought supplies to America. When the war 38 by hob 36 ended, so did the small, brave Navy. But, years later, as president of the new 35 H O T United States of America, Washington launched a permanent U.S. Navy. 9 34 a h t Wh Read the clues to fill in the crossword about George Washington: Mar 10 ite feet A 11 33 10. was a great ________ 1. was our country’s ________ president 32 r 13 e 31 during the American 25 2. was born on February 22, 1732 in 12 lead t s Revolution Westmoreland County, ________ e hon 11. defeated the ________ army at the Battle of Yorktown 30 Br 3. had no middle ________ 14 itish 4. had 9 _______, 4 were half-brothers and sisters 12. was the only President not 15 24 to live in the ________ House 5. was over 6 ________ tall, which was rare 13. would not allow anyone to refer to 6. his favorite ________ was fox hunting 18 Begin at the star 23 him as any kind of royalty or ________ 7. when young, worked as a surveyor – 29 above (number one) 17 a person who ________ out the borders of land 14. was well-known for being ________ 19 and follow the dots 28 15. was retired for less than 3 years when 8. was married to _________ Custis in 1759 22 to see a famous 16 he died of a ________ infection 9. had no ________ of his own, but helped silhouette! 26 21 20 raise his wife’s two children 27

Remembering the ‘Forgotten President’

Franklin Pierce was the only U.S. president from the state of New Hampshire. He had a hard life. Sometimes he is called a “Forgotten President.” Read each clue below to learn about this president. Study the crossword puzzle frame to fill in the correct word.

ders bor

dea

1. was ________ in 1804 in Hillsborough, New Hampshire. A T E O S E 2. (his) ________ was a farmer and the governor of N.H. 3. was a great lawyer. When he was elected as a rn bo t r a in U.S. Senator, he was one of the ________ ever. T N 4. served during the Mexican War, a war that happened Tex after a large area of what we know now as ________ nt as e d i S s and parts of several other states broke away e r p from Mexico and “joined” the U.S. electe d e s 5. was not expected to ________ in the primary race that hor would in turn allow him to run for the office of President. 6. was what is known as a “dark- ________” candidate. 10. tried to buy ________ from Spain. 7. was ________ the 14th President. 11. was not a popular ________ and he was not chosen 8. was in a ________ wreck; his 11-year-old son was killed. to run for a second term. 9. expanded the ________ of the United States by buying 12. left office and took care of his sick wife. He lived in what is now Southern Arizona and New Mexico. his house, in Concord, until his ________ in 1869. R B R R R

Who Are We? In 1775 Congress adopted an army for the nation. Two other branches of the U.S. armed forces have roots this far back. One was founded “to serve on land, on sea and in the air.” The other started with just a few vessels and a handful of brave sailors. To find out, color this puzzle following the color key.

younges fath

win

President Franklin Pierce:

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

B R B B R B B B B R B B R R R R R B B R B R B B R B B R R R B R B BR B R BR B R B R B B R R B R R B B R R R B B B B B B B B B R B B R B B B B B BB B B B B B B B B B B B B B Y Y B Y Y B YB B B Y B B Y B B B B B B Y Y B B B Y B Y B Y B B B Y B Y B Y B B Y B Y B B Y B B B BB B Y

B B B R R B R R B R R R B R R B R R B B R R R B B B R B B B B B B B B

B = Blue R = Red Y = Yellow

B B B B B B B B B B B B B

Declaration of Independence

February 4, 2019

COMMUNITY NEWS

February is Heart Month:

Helping you talk to your loved ones about heart disease American Heart Association has given the following pointers below. It can be hard to talk to a family member or friend about making healthy lifestyle changes. Use these tips to start a conversation about hearthealthy changes like quitting smoking or getting more physical activity. Begin by saying that you care. You can say: • “I want you to live a long and healthy life.” • “I hope you’ll be around for a long time.” • “I want to help you make healthy changes so you can keep enjoying the things you love to do.” Share the facts. Let your loved one know how serious heart disease can be: • “Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States.” • “Heart disease causes more deaths in the United States than all types of cancer combined.”

Explain that it’s possible to prevent heart disease. Make it clear that taking these steps can improve heart health: • Quit smoking and stay away from secondhand smoke. • Control your cholesterol and blood pressure. • If you choose to drink alcohol, limit your drinking to no more than 1 drink a day for women and no more than 2 drinks a day for men. • Eat healthy. Get plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fatfree or low-fat dairy products. Limit saturated and trans fats, added sugars, and sodium (salt). • Get active. Aim for 2 hours and 30 minutes of moderate aerobic activity every week. • Stay at a healthy weight. If you are overweight or obese, losing just 10 pounds can lower your risk of heart disease.

Offer to help. Ask how you can help: • “What changes are the hardest for you to make? What can I do to support you?” • “How can we get healthy together?” • “You don’t have to do this alone. What can I do to help you?” Try suggesting these ideas: • Go shopping together for hearthealthy foods. Then cook and enjoy a healthy meal. • Get active together. A good way to start is to meet every day for a fast walk. • If your loved one smokes, encourage him to get free help quitting by calling 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669). • For more information visit americanheartassociation.org

our retired educators with pension and health care that can support them after decades of service to our schoolchildren. The governor gives offense to Texas teachers every time he and his education commissioner claim to want more pay for the so-called best teachers; the implication being that the hundreds of thousands of women and men who teach and support the 5.4 million students in Texas’ public schools are unworthy of being paid decently for the hard work they do every day. Texas election results and recent surveys of Texans show strong public support for greater state funding for Texas public schools and for higher teacher pay for all teachers. Increased

funding for schools, including funding for full-day Pre-K, creates an opportunity for all students to reach their academic potential and will take the pressure off local school districts to continue raising local property taxes. Unfortunately, the governor’s ill-conceived tax cap plan will detract from the ability to achieve any of these goals. The tax cap is a long-term recipe to underfund our schools and teachers. Texas AFT is calling on the Legislature to fully fund our school through an increase in state funding that includes sufficient new state funding to provide the quality education our students deserve and for pay and health-care improvements for all educators.

MONEY continued from page 1

Texas American Federation of Teachers President Louis Malfaro commented today Gov. Greg Abbott’s positions on education funding, teacher pay and tax caps: The governor is out of step with the Texas public when it comes to school students, teachers and the misuse of standardized testing. The governor has rightly declared increasing teacher pay as an emergency item for the session, but he fails to see the real emergency. He is pushing a scheme for teacher raises for a scant few, based on the misuse of the STAAR test. *The governor’s call doesn’t solve the crisis in our profession that is facing a shortage of certified teachers. *It doesn’t address the emergency of educators and our families not being able to go to the doctor when we’re ill because we can’t afford treatment. *It doesn’t address the emergency of teachers leaving the profession due to stagnant salaries—more than $7,000 less than the national average and some 28 percent lower than comparable professions—and seeing them as an insult to our hard work and something that leaves us unable to support our families. *It doesn’t do anything for our custodians and food-service workers and other crucial school staff who are trying to eke out a living on substandard wages. *The governor’s fixation on money for test scores certainly won’t help the emergency of the state reneging on its promise to provide a dignified life for

16 Diabetes is a killer that afflicts multitudes, although many live for years and even decades with the disease. The effects can be lethal, but generally there are symptoms that tip off those with type 2 diabetes that they have the affliction even though they can be mild to the point of going unnoticed. Common symptoms include: • Frequent urination, Chronic thirst, Feeling very hungry despite eating, Fatigue, Blurred vision • Cuts and bruises that are abnormally slow to heal, Noticeable weight loss even though the patient is actually eating more (Type 1). Tingling/pain/numbness in hands and feet (Type 2) According to the American Diabetes Association, the medical community is committed to helping the millions of Americans who already have and are at risk of this illness. Education is a prime treatment. Informing the whole world about diabetes, its causes, effects and treatments is the purpose of the following questions and answers. What does excess weight have to do with diabetes? As is the case with many physical ailments being overweight is a major factor, but there are other aspects to consider. Person’s amount of physical activity, family histories, ethnicity and age must also be taken into account. Too many are under the misconception that weight is the sole cause of type 2 diabetes, but many type 2 sufferers are either only slightly overweight or not overweight at all. Still, dietary habits are significant. Does eating sweets and sugars cause diabetes? Any diet high in calories (including sugar) contributes to weight gain, which is certain to place one at risk for type 2 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is determined mainly by genetics, lifestyle and other, unknown

HEALTH and AIDS combined. Being diabetic nearly doubles the risk of heart attack. On the plus side diabetes is an illness that can be managed. DIABETES PREVENTION AND MANAGEMENT: FROM HELEN DANIELS, MD Two primary things determine the development of anything in life – GENETICS and ENVIRONMENT. While we can do nothing to change our genetic HELEN DANIELS, MD predisposition to diabetes, we can do our best to decrease our risk and/ or delay onset of disease by optimizing our ENVIRONMENT, that is, optimizing the bodies in which we live. LIFESTYLE CHOICES will dictate this and only we can determine this. Here are some goals to aim for in the path to prevention. LOSE excess body FAT, and in particular belly fat. Being overweight or obese are major By Joycelyne Fadojutimi risk factors for diabetes. factors which precipitate the MAINTAIN CALORIE disease, but not by sugar intake. CONTROLS – with a high Do sugary beverages trigger proportion of lean meats , fish , diabetes? vegetables and fruits in smaller Research indicates that portions, while avoiding food drinking sugary beverages high in carbohydrate contents, is indeed a cause of type saturated fats and processed 2 diabetes. The American foods. At each meal or snack Diabetes Association there should be a combination recommends avoiding sugarof protein, healthy fat and fiber. sweetened drinks in order DRINK WATER. Replacement to head off type 2 diabetes. of high calorie sugarFurthermore, sugary drinks sweetened drinks which have also boost glucose (also known no nutritional value with water as blood sugar) levels by significantly reduces diabetes containing several hundred and obesity. calories per serving. ENGAGE in regular A single 12-ounce can PHYSICAL ACTIVITY. of regular soda contains Current recommendations are approximately 150 calories and for 150 minutes of moderate 40 grams of carbohydrates--in exercise, such as walking, other words the same amount weekly. as in ten teaspoons full of sugar! DE- STRESS. High levels Sugar-sweetened beverages of stress induce hormones include such drinks as: Regular that predispose to the soda, Fruit punch, Fruit drinks, development of diabetes. Energy drinks, Sports drinks, Find time to relax daily. Sweet tea and other sugary Get a good night’s SLEEP. drinks. Chronic sleep deprivation and/ As a disease, how serious or poor sleep quality increases is diabetes? risk for diabetes. Know the warning sings Every year diabetes kills ( increased thirst, urination , more people that breast cancer

Diabetes: What to look for and what to do

February 4, 2019

hunger, weight loss, itching) and see your doctor for an ANNUAL PHYSICAL EXAM which will also include screening labs for common diseases. Diabetes Management Should diabetes develop, all hope is not lost. Your doctor in conjunction with you, will develop an individualized patient centered approach to the treatment of your disease with an array of meds available, Your goal is to KNOW YOUR NUMBERS and to start and maintain the lifestyle changes previously outlined in order to get to those targets. Here are some numbers to know. Glucose Levels: While blood sugar levels are individualized, the ADA recommends the following target for most nonpregnant adults with diabetes Hb A1C <7% or an average glucose reading of 154 mg/dl Fasting blood sugars of 80-130 2-hour Post meal sugars of <180 BP goal of < 140/90 Cholesterol levels. Improve your cholesterol profile. Bad cholesterol ( LDL ) targets no longer apply, however obtaining values of < 100 with improved good cholesterol ( HDL ) levels of > 40 are preferred. The current standard of care recommends use of a lipid lowering agent or statin in all diabetics, regardless of how good the cholesterol profile is, due to a significantly increased risk of cardiovascular events in patients with diabetes. The American diabetic association (ADA) recommends that you be SMART, that is, that you set Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Relevant Time-bound goals. It’s your destiny that hangs in the balance and attaining well planned, timely, worthy goals leads to freedom. And as always be forever in pursuit of YOUR ULTM8 IDL.