BYRAM (11/06/06) – North Byram Concerned Citizens, as a public service, reminds voters to remember to vote for Question 2 on the ballot tomorrow. State parks need more than $250 million in building and facility repairs, and many county and local parks need similar improvements. Fortunately, we can vote to provide those desperately needed funds, and it won't cost taxpayers a dime.

A "yes" vote would move money the state already collects from a program that has a surplus to fund repairs at state, county and local parks. No new taxes are needed, and parks will see improvements to historic structures, playgrounds and other important recreation facilities.

Outdoor recreation creates nearly $4 billion in economic activity each year from nearly 2.5 million people. A "yes" vote will help keep that economic engine going.

Question No. 2 is just the first step New Jersey must take to keep protecting open space and parks. Next year we'll need to replenish the Garden State Preservation Trust so we can keep acquiring and protecting open space, farmland and historic sites and better maintain the sites we've already protected.

For additional information, go to:
http://www.outdoorrecreationalliance.org/read/more.html

Parents for No Child Left Behind Reform ask the focus be on kids, not tests
Angela Breuninger StopTheTest2006@yahoo.com, has serious concerns about the latest federal testing law charging the law dictates overemphasis of standardized testing and its impact on schools and children.

She has arranged a meeting for interested parents on Wednesday, November 15 at 7:30 p.m. at 113 Stonehedge Lane. RSVP: Angie at 973-726-4781 or Heidi at 973-729-4631

She asks concerned parents, "We’ve all heard of the No Child Left Behind Act, but do we have a complete understanding of what it is and what it means to our children?

Did you know, she asked, that public schools all over the country are cutting back on vital parts of schooling including the arts, science, history, social studies and even recess for students to prepare for the testing.

The stress of high stakes testing could be affecting your child’s physical health and emotional well being; the NCLB testing requirement promotes a learning environment that diminishes critical thinking; creativity; and the social and communication skills that are necessary for the long term learning process.

Federal funding authorization for state testing programs is considerably less than current estimates of the actual cost; studies indicate a positive correlation to increased testing pressure and an increase in grade retention and drop-out rates.

The NCLB testing requirement is meant to ensure basic literacy and math skills for all students, but it encourages bad teaching practices, cannibalizes the curriculum and ultimately harms our children.

How Parents Can Help:
  • attend our meetings so that we can exchange our thoughts and ideas about how we can move forward in challenging this legislation
  • It’s crucial for teacher support if we want to educate the public on the negative impact the NCLB Act is having on our schools and our children
  • NCLB is up for reauthorization and/or reform in 2007, so we must act quickly
  • Visit www.stormpages.com/notest for more information (Parents for NCLB Reform: Focus on the Kids, not the Tests)