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<P><EM>"Isn't PE now an "ELECTIVE" class? Why are we even discussing it?<BR><BR>We should at least have all the costs of running a school in front of us<BR>before voting.<BR><BR>Phil"<BR></EM></P>
<P>Beginning on page 234 of the Idaho State Department of Education Achievement Standards, it is outlined that not only physical education, but health awareness and education is vital. We are not making that example for our children if we downplay its importance. Moscow School District also has curriculum standards for their 10-12 grade students regarding physical education. Anyone who has been in the education field lately knows the importance being placed statewide and nationally on standards. These can be seen at <A href="http://www.sd281.k12.id.us/Curriculum/Subject%20Areas/Physical%20Education/Secondary/PDF%20Files/High%20School%20PE.pdf">http://www.sd281.k12.id.us/Curriculum/Subject%20Areas/Physical%20Education/Secondary/PDF%20Files/High%20School%20PE.pdf</A>.</P>
<P>Simply because a particular field of study, which I believe physical education should be approached as, is not currently required by law, it does not mean it never will be again. It was only six short years ago that I was required to take four semesters of physical education. This could always change again, as Idaho State Achievement Standards are reviewed and rewritten on a regular basis with the outcome of new research.</P>
<P>Ok...now Mr. Arnold wrote:</P>
<P><EM>"These new track and fields will be located just ¼ of a mile away from the <BR>other fields, track, and football field in the city. This will not promote <BR>government waste because ¼ mile is too far for most athletics to walk or <BR>travel."</EM><BR>It is not uncommon for towns to have more than one set of playing fields in the same district. Especially when one is at the junior high and one at the high school. And it may not be necessary to replace all the fields, as the football field and track were updated only six years ago. At this time, the playing field shortage was so great that my high school football team played the junior varsity football team was bussed to Troy High School for their home games. Many schools have one game field and one practice field in their district.</P>
<P><EM>"The High School is old and not adequate for education so we should give <BR>it to the alternative high school students. Kind of like when the White <BR>Schools got old, we gave them to the Black Students."</EM><BR>I believe Mr. Arnold has omitted the very important fact that it would serve as a TEMPORARY home for Russell and West Park Elementary while their schools are being remodeled. And as far as giving the "white school" to the "black students", I don't see it as kosher to consider (which I believe you are doing by the historically racial connotation of your sarcastic comment) that Moscow High School students are any "better" than alternative high school students in any way. It is called "alternative" school not "not as good as us" school. And until a few years ago, the alternative school was located inside the Moscow High School building. This would be more of a return to that space, with much more space to allow for better educational programs!
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<P>"The classrooms are too small for 550 students but were not for 700 or <BR>more"</P>
<P>Education has changed quite a bit in the time since the High School was put into use. There is much more emphasis on independent, active, hands-on learning which does require more space than a traditional classroom set up. As does the advancing technology in our education system. Computers, SmartBoards, digital projectors all require space not only to fit into our rooms, but space for technology space and technology education.</P>
<P><EM>"My class had more students and we had enough parking. Plus, <BR>the parking lot for the new school will be further away from the front door <BR>then where they park now, it is on 40 acres."</EM></P>
<P>My class, however, did not have enough parking. I am not sure what you consider enough, but parking five blocks away past the public library was not what I consider front door parking. I would think it would be a relief to homeowners nearby also to not have to deal with the constant (and not so well) parked cars in front of their homes. High school students are not notorious for their driving and parking skills.</P>
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<P><STRONG>AND ESPECIALLY.....</STRONG></P>
<P><EM><STRONG>"What the Department of Health and Welfare says about teenage exposure to <BR>older students regarding drug use, teen pregnancy, smoking, and depression <BR>and suicide, should be considered a bunch of hogwash because your sister <BR>says otherwise."</STRONG></EM></P>
<P><STRONG>YES, I DID SAY OTHERWISE.</STRONG></P>
<P><STRONG>JC<BR></STRONG><BR></P>
<P><BR>*~*The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes.*~* </P>
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