Queens Girl Wants to Dance; Her School Wants Her to Study, October 28, 2009, NYDN

Kelly Sinisgalli, a Queens girl in the 4th grade, lost her spot in her school’s dance program because her school said her test scores weren’t high enough; and she’s none too happy about it. According to the article, “Kelly Sinisgalli, 9, scored at the top level on last year’s state math exam, but was at grade level in reading, which the school said required attention.” So they took her out of dance and required her to take a test prep class. Kelly and her parents are outraged. Now, I, have to say that I’m kind of on the side of the school with this one, although I can see it both ways. On one hand, she a nine-year-old girl, so do you really want to deprive her of pursuing her artistic passion for test prep? But then again, since when is “average” or “on grade level” good enough? Have we stopped expecting more of our children and ourselves? I’m all about kids being kids, but we also have to encourage high academic standards. I am a little wary of a “test prep” class- is she getting the help she needs to improve her reading, or is she being taught how to take a test? Both sides need to re-examine themselves a little bit here, says me.

Siblings Make Beautiful Music Together, October 27, 2009, NYDN

The DeBerry family, who lives in Bed-Stuy Brooklyn, has a family full of bright children- five to be exact. And they are all musically talented. “Brian, 12, plays the cello, and his sisters, Meghan, 16, Priya, 14, Taylor, 10, and Morgan, 9, are aspiring violin virtuosos. Although the mother and father, Sherr and Sean, are out of work and going through hard times, they find comfort in (and are committed to) supporting their childrens’ musical talent. Now, I’m all about supporting the dreams of your children (who are, after all, our future), but not paying a bill so you can buy one of them a $1,000 violin…be serious.

Little Girl’s Letter Inspires Others, October 24, 2009, NYDN

Bianca Perez, a 6-year-old girl from Staten Island,wrote a letter to Sasha and Malia Obama asking them to help her family. Her mother was murdered in front of her two years ago and her father fell on difficult times. She wanted the first daughters to ask their father to help her father. From the mouths of babes. Well, her letter inspired readers who wanted to help the family.