Posted by getitreal2008 (anonymous) on November 15, 2008 at 10:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)

How is this school better/more efficient than what Dallas County offers free to the children which is early intervention, head start, and the spec program? Don't they offer all the services if not more at no cost and depend on money from the same individuals and corporations only at no charge to the families?

Posted by noneofurbus (anonymous) on November 16, 2008 at 4:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Yea I agree but how many people do they expect to come with the tickets being 40 dollars. As I read the story, I thought about going, but I do not have 40 dollars to spend on tickets to help support a school that none of my kids go to.

Posted by saveselma (anonymous) on November 16, 2008 at 6:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Neither one of you would be asking these questions if you had a special needs child. If you had a special needs child, you would want them to have the BEST care/education possible. While Dallas County and Selma City (and other educational outfits) have programs in place to address special needs children, the Journey School provides more of an individual educational approach for each child that has special needs. Typically, school systems have just a couple of speech therapists that school share. This school has one on staff.

Posted by eyeonyou (anonymous) on November 17, 2008 at 10:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Hey noneofurbus, what is $40 dollars in the grande scheme of helping a special needs child? I guess since your kids don't attend, then you probably wouldn't be inclined to give. I bet you would turn around a blow $40 on another video game or toy though. I think anyone with a special needs child or children period want the very best school and individual care for their child. With the state of this school system around here....who wouldn't. Think before you go putting your hoof in your mouth.

Posted by young (anonymous) on November 17, 2008 at 10:27 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I have a borderline special needs child who attends The Journey School so I appreciate everything the staff there is doing to get him ready for school. I can tell you this is basicly the only program in Selma that offers this kind of assistant to white children.

I visited the HeadStart programs and they are horrible. Turth be told I would not send my dog to them but that's another story.

The Journey School is wonderful with a staff that cares about your child like you do. But your right saveselma unless you have a special needs child you don't really know the state the "free programs" are in.

Posted by noneofurbus (anonymous) on November 17, 2008 at 12:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Actually, eyeonyou, I did not put my foot in my mouth, maybe you are the one with the hoof. And maybe I would not have these questions if I did have a special need child, but if I do not have the money, I do not have the money. Oh yea, and I do not have it blow on video games. Maybe you should know everyone's situation before you go putting your a** in your mouth.

Posted by mccrary36703 (anonymous) on November 17, 2008 at 7:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)

This is so nice. Thank You (Journal School) for giving something positive to the community. We need all the good news on the front page.

Posted by eyeonyou (anonymous) on November 18, 2008 at 8:49 a.m. (Suggest removal)

"noneofurbus" If you didn't have the money, maybe you should have just saved YOUR comment about not having it first. Also, there are alot of people in this town that DO give to organizations like this. Some people believe in not mooching off government programs and sending their kids to privately run programs...of which tend to be "Top Notch" and not government mandated and held back. Some people in this community don't have the luxery of relying on "free" programs.

Posted by noneofurbus (anonymous) on November 18, 2008 at 10:20 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Well, if I am not mistaken, I think that I am able to give my opinion just like everyone else. And, by the way I take my a** out and work just like the next person. And I do not mooch off of government programs, I leave that for your relatives. But lets be real, if we were face to face, your mouth would be shut, and you would not have anything to say.

Posted by MomWithAChoice (anonymous) on November 18, 2008 at 11:24 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I am excited about having a choice. My child is a typical child who attends TJS. I am grateful for the life lessons my son is learning at a young age that will bring many blessings to his life now and in the future.
Not only has he benefited from this environment, all of the children have flourished. The school brings comfort to all involved. The teachers and parents are blessed by watching the kids reach educational and social milestones. All the while, the children embrace each other with love.
I believe we can learn something from the kiddos: While there are differences in our community, in our school systems, and beyond, we should embrace each other with love.
Thank you to all who have contributed to The Journey School. Your gift is key in the success of the school.

Posted by getitreal2008 (anonymous) on November 18, 2008 at 1:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)

My, my, my, hasn't this turned out to be a nice adult conversation. I notice that people here like to talk about supporting Selma, and making it better for our kids. How are we doing that by referring to it being a luxery or mooching off of the free programs here. I think if you require the free programs it is hardly a luxury. At the same time, I do not see a problem with spending 40 if you have it on something that has nothing to do with your kids. That is no different than giving to the United Way or any other organization. I simply posed the question of how is it better. Are the teachers certified to teach children with special needs or are they just glorified aides? Are all four of them actual certified teachers? Not everyone has the LUXERY of running away from the real world and going to private schools. If you are unhappy with Selma, do something about it instead of paying large amounts of money to hide from it. As for the comment about it being for white children, isn't that what we complain about with the black people, that things are for them? Is Journey School only for white or only for majority white? I hope the school is all that the parent here says it is, but what is wrong with helping where everyone is able to go? And before someone gets snippy about me not understanding because I do not have a special needs child, save it because I do.

Posted by eyeonyou (anonymous) on November 18, 2008 at 3:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I think the point was..WHite Kids can't seem to gain entrance or qualify for "HEAD START" or other government programs in Selma. This school gives parents an OPTION to provide special educational needs for special kids....with HIGHLY EDUCATED PROFESSIONALS. Anyone can go there.....just write a check. If you can't afford it, then find a free, government program. Just like the private schools. IF you want to go, write a check. If you value a private education to where you are paying for your child a very attentive teacher....then write the check. If you can't afford it, then go to a State Funded School. You have choice. If you aren't satisfied with the Public Schools...then get involved and do something about it. Like move.

Posted by sel36703 (anonymous) on November 18, 2008 at 4:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)

think the point was..WHite Kids can't seem to gain entrance or qualify for "HEAD START" or other government programs in Selma.
I visited the HeadStart programs and they are horrible.
I didn't see where anyone indicated that white students could not gain entrance to Head Start Programs.
Also, Head Start is a federal program started by Lyndon B. Johnson in 1964. It is a known fact that many blacks did not reap the benefits of government support of education programs during this time. Know the history of beneficiaries.
Food for thought: By September 2003, at least 50% of all Head Start teachers will have an associate, baccalaureate, or advanced degree in a related field with experience in teaching preschool.
CDA or state credentialing
Degree in a field related to early childhood; experience in teaching preschool; state-awarded certificate
Waivers: Mentor teachers, Family Service Workers, Head Start Fellows
Also:
Head Start Act, as amended
42USC9801
45CFR1301 et seq.
Section 653Comparability of Wages
Section 654 Non-discrimination Provisions
Section 655 imitation with respect to Certain Unlawful Activities

Posted by alabamaWOW (anonymous) on November 18, 2008 at 10:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)

People turn something that was just meant to raise money into a full on knock down drag out. How sad.

Posted by eyeonyou (anonymous) on November 19, 2008 at 9:14 a.m. (Suggest removal)

(By September 2003, at least 50% of all Head Start teachers will have an associate, baccalaureate, or advanced degree in a related field with experience in teaching preschool.)

Well, what about the other 50%??

AND...give me the stat for how many years the "Head Start" program HAS been beneficial for blacks exclusively.

Posted by noneofurbus (anonymous) on November 19, 2008 at 10:45 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I think it is beneficial for blacks because they actually use them. Head Start is for all races, whites just do not bring their kids there. So let's not say that it does not benefit whites, just say that you all chose not to use it.

Posted by mccrary36703 (anonymous) on November 19, 2008 at 12:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Why most white people do not put their children in head start programs? Is it a racial thing?

Posted by eyeonyou (anonymous) on November 19, 2008 at 2:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Because they only have but so many slots. Prime example, my child, of whom is white, wasn't allowed the opportunity to access the Public Pre-K 4 programs offered via the public elementary schools. How you ask? We were zoned for Meadowview Public. That elementary school DOES NOT have a pre-k 4 program. SO, I tried to sign my child up for this program at another public school that DOES offer it. Again, they only have so many slots available. Here is where it gets you. The kids that are zoned for the public schools that offer the pre-k 4 program GET PREFERENCE FOR THE SLOTS. Kids that don't live in that school district suffer. So, my child didn't get the opportunity to attend the Pre-K 4 program the public schools offer. Is that fair? Should I have been made to fork out cash to get my child an education because I live on the West side of town? Is that fair? Or is that a form of preference or classism?

Posted by noneofurbus (anonymous) on November 19, 2008 at 8:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)

It is about demographics. Meadowview does not have a Pre-k program because it is not a Title 1 school. Which means that the demographics where Meadowview is located is made of parents who make more than enough money for the School District to give them certain aides. Tilte 1 schools receive more funding than schools that are not Title 1 schools.

Posted by noneofurbus (anonymous) on November 19, 2008 at 8:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)

But Head start and Pre-k are two different programs. Pre-k is a program for four year olds, and Head start is for three year olds. Headstart is on a first come, first basis, not who is zoned where.

Posted by eyeonyou (anonymous) on November 20, 2008 at 9:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I am not talking about 3 year olds. I am speaking about my 4 year old child not having the opportunity to attend a PRE-K program because of living in West Selma. And just so you know...NO...not everyone that lives in West Selma can afford a private school. The demographics of this side of town has DRASTICALLY CHANGED over the last 10+ years. I have lived here for 30+ years...I know. As far as Title 1, I attended Meadowview Public when I was a child. Children from Felix Heights and other low income housing areas went there. Should their 4 years old not have the chance to attend a pre-K program because they are in that zone? Should they be forced to stay at home or forced into daycare? NO. Don't lose the point of what I'm saying.

Posted by noneofurbus (anonymous) on November 20, 2008 at 10:58 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I am not losing the point. And I did not say that everyone that lives in West Selma can afford private school. Maybe if the demographics of the area have changed, than you need to go talk the the school board. And from what I understand, Meadowview has a minorty, majority contract. Which means that if your child is any race except Caucasian, than they can come from any school zone in the City of Selma, and attend, as they as they get to school on time.

Posted by mccrary36703 (anonymous) on November 20, 2008 at 11:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)

You mean to tell me that a child was rejected from attending a pre-K program because of what zone they live in? Now I do know that the pre-K is on a first come first basis. Because I tried to enroll my great grandchild and they told me I miss the dead line for enrollment. So I was too late. And they do go by your income. If you are making a certain amount, you may not be consider for pre-K. BY the way I married an older lady, that's why I said great grand child. So it may be because of a time period or a terrible misunderstanding.

Posted by noneofurbus (anonymous) on November 20, 2008 at 11:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)

No, pre-k is in the schools of Selma City, Headstart is on a first come basis. Pre-k is zoned off because certain schools have a pre-k program, but it is for the kids that live in that school zone.

Posted by mccrary36703 (anonymous) on November 20, 2008 at 12:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)

You are right my bag, I got it backwards. I thought Pre-K was in every school in Selma. I think it is in Montgomery. I must check on that. Headstart is government funded. So Pre-K is not offer in the schools on the west side?

Posted by mccrary36703 (anonymous) on November 20, 2008 at 12:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I mean west Selma?

Posted by noneofurbus (anonymous) on November 20, 2008 at 12:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)

It is offered at the private schools, but it is not offered at Meadowview Public Elementary

Posted by eyeonyou (anonymous) on November 21, 2008 at 11:18 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Meadowview PUBLIC does NOT have a Pre-K 4 program. I live in West Selma and zoned for Meadowview Public. My child was not afforded this opportunity at OTHER Elementray Schools around Selma because he was NOT given the slot because the other kids zoned there were given 1st priority to fill the slot. We were put out....not because of time constraints either. Basically, we were forced to pay for him to attend a private school that has a pre-k 4 program. Simple as that. PRE-K IS NOT OFFERED ON THE WEST SIDE OF SELMA IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS.