national conferences and college students.. Apology

[Guest guest]

I'm back on my soap box to apologize.... I was too overzealous in my

thoughts last night....

1. I realize and value that for many individuals attending LPA

conference during their teen/young adult years is vitally important for

self - image, role model , peer support and relations, medical and

educational value..... and I certainly have no desire to discourage that

and I certainly DON'T FEEL that all college students should not attend

conference....

2. Yes, I do understand many college students may work and go to school

to attend college and Conference.

3. Yes , I do understand that we have many wonderful parents who work

hard ...sometimes multiple jobs to help their kids have well balanced

experiences of school and conference.... and support their child's

Quality of Life. Students make sure and thank your parents for that ,

please.

4. I'm all for finding ways to make conference expenses more affordable

for everyone.

5. I 'm very supportive of anyone who can pinch their pennies and attend

conference every couple years when it is nearest them. That's why we try

to move the conference around to different parts of the country every

year.

6. Yes, I Know fully that the Scholarship grants go directly to the

colleges and not into the students hands. Past Practice /experience has

taught LPA that the sure way of knowing we are supporting education.

7. I understand that part of the reason we give Scholarships is to

encourage , recognize and support Education and we want to highlight

those individuals for their efforts.

8. Lastly, I still feel for the student who has to work and go to

school... and still can't afford to come to conference until later in

life. That's who I worry about .... those that may REALLY NEED to be

there for many of the above reasons.... and still can't because they

don't have the $$$.

I hope this puts a little more balance into my thinking for all the

college students and parents out there. I 'm concerned that we help

those students that need the most financial support for education.... to

the best of our ability. The small grants that we give are a drop in the

bucket... I wish we could do more for those that have the greatest need.

I've got to go now, because my students will be arriving in my classroom

in about 90 minutes.

Marge

a 28 year teacher .... in an urban school.... who values education for

all.....