Kendall, thanks for the opportunity to connect directly with a candidate for an important public office.

Do you think creationism/intelligent design/whatever you want to call it should be taught in SoPo's science classes? And do you know what the other candidates' takes on this matter are?

Kendall, thanks for the opportunity to connect directly with a candidate for an important public office. Do you think creationism/intelligent design/whatever you want to call it should be taught in SoPo's science classes? And do you know what the other candidates' takes on this matter are?

I think it is important to teach creativity and let our kids expand their minds beyond what they can see, feel, touch, etc.

I am a strong believer that it is as much parent's job to teach their kids as it is the school's job. So, as much as I would prefer to see science that has not been proven as "fact", taught as "theory", as a parent I am careful to find opportunity for these great "teaching moments". My kids know where I stand on any issues of disagreement I have with what the public school is teaching them. They can also think out the issues very well for themselves and consider many perspectives because of our own conversations. They know that above all, they need to be kind and respectful even if they disagree with what is being taught to them.

Another example of this is sex education. I understand that the SoPo schools cover this in the 5th grade with all students. For the last two summers, I have taken my oldest on a trip and we have talked about everything that he is likely to hear from the school discussion. I strategically had these conversations before he was in 4th grade and then more detail just a month ago in the 5th grade. I am confident he can be a part of the conversation and he will not be surprised, disgusted, excited or any other feeling that will come with the school experience. It is my job to love my kids well and make sure they hear these important things from me first and not get shocked by something they learned at school. Without doing this, I would not be confident that my kids would know how to react and behave in light of the discussion.

I think it is important to teach creativity and let our kids expand their minds beyond what they can see, feel, touch, etc. I am a strong believer that it is as much parent's job to teach their kids as it is the school's job. So, as much as I would prefer to see science that has not been proven as "fact", taught as "theory", as a parent I am careful to find opportunity for these great "teaching moments". My kids know where I stand on any issues of disagreement I have with what the public school is teaching them. They can also think out the issues very well for themselves and consider many perspectives because of our own conversations. They know that above all, they need to be kind and respectful even if they disagree with what is being taught to them. Another example of this is sex education. I understand that the SoPo schools cover this in the 5th grade with all students. For the last two summers, I have taken my oldest on a trip and we have talked about everything that he is likely to hear from the school discussion. I strategically had these conversations before he was in 4th grade and then more detail just a month ago in the 5th grade. I am confident he can be a part of the conversation and he will not be surprised, disgusted, excited or any other feeling that will come with the school experience. It is my job to love my kids well and make sure they hear these important things from me first and not get shocked by something they learned at school. Without doing this, I would not be confident that my kids would know how to react and behave in light of the discussion.