Board approves new contract for abstinence-only education

Schools are a place for learning, but according to School Board member Allison Bruflat the board’s recent approval of continuing its abstinence-only curriculum is teaching students lessons that are not necessarily based on facts.

“We’re teaching our students life skills,” Bruflat said, “but when we tell students that a certain decision will fail and make them sick we are no longer teaching them to make decisions based on facts.”

The school board’s recent approval of a five year contract with the Lifeguard organization to provide abstinence-only education is just one part of a controversial issue that has been prevalent in American schools for some time. 

In 1996 Congress passed the Title V Welfare Reform Act, enabling the passage of the Federal Abstinence Education Law.  This law allocated $170 million to Abstinence-only education across the nation.  The Act was initiated in 1998 and has been adopted by ten States, including Missouri.  In 2004, the Women’s Clinic of Kansas City adopted the Lifeguard: Youth Development Program, Choosing the Best, a comprehensive abstinence-only curriculum that focuses on the development of youth in grades 5 though 12.  Lifeguard has chosen to use this specific curriculum in public and private schools that have requested it in this region of Missouri.  Raytown became one of the first districts in the metropolitan area to introduce the Lifeguard program in addition to the Human Sexuality curriculum already being used by the District in 2004.  

In 2007, the Missouri Congress attempted to pass an abstinence-only Law with House Bill 63 that would comply with the federal law.  School districts would be able to set their own curriculum, but would have to follow the eight Federal guidelines or present medically accurate information.  The Bill failed initially, but the following year passed when repealed.  The new law now requires that all Missouri Schools conform to abstinence-only curriculum that complies with the federal guidelines.  On January 12th, the Raytown School Board was presented with the option to renew their five-year contract with Lifeguard, but due to a lack of sufficient information or reports regarding the success rate of the program and opposition from some parents the board voted in a 3-3 tie, which brought the issue up for vote again at the next board meeting.

When Mrs. Kendra Porter, Physical Education Instructor at Raytown Middle School, learned of the Board’s decision not to renew, she was encouraged by fellow teachers to re-present the issue at the next meeting.  Porter is a Lifeguard certified instructor and says she has seen first hand the enthusiasm of the students who have participated in the Program.  

After hearing Porter give a speech  in support of Lifeguard the board’s second vote passed the renewal of the contract, this time with only one dissenting vote from board member Allison Bruflat.  

When asked about her decision to vote against it, Bruflat said that the, “Board did not have enough information the first time and they were not sure how it fit in with the current curriculum used by the district.”  Bruflat also admitted that, “the Board is not always readily in favor of renewing contracts that would obligate future boards.”  

From her personal standpoint, Bruflat also felt that it was not the school’s obligation to teach students issues regarding values and morality in this way, but that it is a parent’s obligation to instill these types of values in their children. 

One of the core messages relayed to students in the Lifeguard program is the value of sex within the sanctity of marriage.  The program is presented within a two-week period with eight lessons that require the students to complete workbook exercises with their parents. Bruflat relates that many of the school district’s students come from homes where parents may be divorced and live with their girlfriend or boyfriend and that telling a student that their parent’s behavior is wrong should not fall on the shoulders of a school district.   

Supporters of the Choosing the Best curriculum say it has good intentions for teaching students to make healthy decisions in regards to building relationships.  It focuses on building self-esteem and creating goals that are realistically achievable. The program stresses that sex before marriage can be harmful not only to the body’s physical health, but mental as well.  Lifeguard administrators admit that the use of condoms does help prevent unwanted pregnancy and many Sexually Transmitted Diseases, but the program cannot demonstrate proper usage of these contraceptives in order to continue receiving federal funding. Instead, the program focuses only on the failure rates of contraceptives.  They admit that their main concern is teaching children and adolescents that waiting for marriage is the healthiest option and that abstinence is the 100% guaranteed method in preventing unwanted teen pregnancies and the spread of STDs. 

As Bruflat suggests, schools not only teach facts, they teach life skills.  When not providing students with all the facts, even regarding the usage of contraceptives, opponents to abstinence-only curriculum believe we fail in the role of educators.  

“At some point 98% of adults in healthy relationships, in marriages even, will one day have to decide to use birth control,” Bruflat said.  “Our schools are misinforming our students in this regard because we are teaching them the failure rates of contraceptives and not stating the medical facts about their proper usage.”

Abstinence-only education was a hot topic during last year’s presidential election, especially when Vice Presidential candidate Sarah Palin became a grandmother to a child conceived outside of marriage.  Her teenage daughter Bristol, has recently come forward to say that she does not agree with her mother’s dedication to abstinence-only programs, but while support for abstinence-only education was high during the Bush Administration the transition in political power in Washington could bring some revisions. 

President Barak Obama’s budget will be revealed at the end of this month and if funding is pulled, states that have adopted Abstinence-only Sexuality Education Laws will have to either review their laws or find ways to fund these programs with State monies or through private funding.  Bruflat says that if the school district were forced to pay for the Lifeguard program out of their budget, the Board would not support it. 

First Baptist Church of Raytown

After I secure an interview, I will post this blog in its entirety!

The Raytown Historical Museum

Mr. Gillham was my third grade teacher at Blue Ridge Elementary.  I remember the day our class went on a walking field trip to Raytown City Hall and the Raytown Historical Society Museum.  It was the first time History became a tangible reality to me.  I'm not entirely sure if this was the moment that made me realize the importance of history, but the trip to the museum burns brightly in my mind.  Last year I began writing my thesis for my Senior Capstone course for my History degree at UMKC.  I wanted to know about life in Raytown during the Civil Rights Movement.  I decided that the museum would be my first stop to start digging.

I encountered two volunteers who gave me a book about the history of Raytown and the man mentioned that the first time he ever had a Black student was either the late 70s or early 80s. Coincidently, the gentleman was Mr. Gillham himself.  It all made sense to me, he was the first historian to influence me.  He has to be the reason for my interest in the study of the past. Mr. Gillham's information was first, astonishing to me.  The Civil Rights Act had been adopted in 1964 by the Federal Government, why weren't their Black families within the boundaries of the Raytown School District.  Secondly, there are no records at the Museum that identify the role Raytown citizens or city officials may have played in the Civil Rights Era.  Thirdly, apparently, history in Raytown ended in 1972.  The volunteers at the Museum were certainly busy the day I visited, creating a special exhibit of vintage Valentine's Day cards.  I will be the first to admit that art is important in the study of the past. It reflects the attitudes and behaviors of humanity during a different era, but I didn't understand its importance to the history of Raytown's society. 

The majority of the museum, from what I remember, had remained the same since my first visit in the mid 1980s.  I was saddened at first by this lack of updating at the museum.  The museum reflected what many Kansas City metropolitan citizens think of this town, as a town stuck in the past. By visiting the museum, one would assume that Raytown only has a Pioneer history with a brief stint of progressivism during the 1950s & 1960s.  Fortunately, my sadness transitioned into hope.  I thought about what the words Historical Society mean.  It is very simply, a study of the history of societies. Compared to Lee's Summit, Olathe, Blue Springs, and the others; Raytown is comprised of an unique ethnically diverse population.  It would be interesting to study how these ethnic groups migrated into Raytown rather than other surrounding suburbs.  It would be interesting to see where the former slaves moved to after emancipation.  I know. But shouldn't everybody else?  A Historical Society Museum should be representative of the society which it represents.  I have high hopes for the Raytown Museum.  I've decided that as a Historian in Raytown, I will undertake the task of finding grants and monies to help visitors glimpse what has happened in the town since 1972.  This is a suburb that can become exemplary.  It has a hidden history to reveal, one that many suburbs experienced during the Civil Rights Era and the aftermath. 

There are individuals in this town who are interested in seeing the city modernize.  I have always believed that in order to propel into the future, a community must understand its past first.  Once we have a firm grasp on who we are and where we come from, we can truly look ahead with an attitude of hope for prosperity.

Where are my blogs?

I've written about First Baptist Church of Raytown, Fox's Drugstore, and Phillip's 66. Where did they go?

Did I not post them right? I know I've posted since Dec. 21.

Hm....to be continued!

Raytown Meets Chic!

I drink coffee nearly everyday. I guess you could say I'm a coffee addict, but I only feel that way whenever I drink more than one cup. I really think it's about the taste because I'll drink a delicious cup of decaf joe anyday just to enjoy the rich taste of coffee. One of my favorite places to visit is Benetti's and luckily it's in Raytown. Instead of making the trek to the Broadway Cafe in Westport like I used to, I can now ride my bike to get probably the best cup of coffee in the metropolitan area.
Often when people think of Raytown, they think of a backwards, redneck, hick town. I've heard it called Rat-town on several occassions...and not just by my mother. I love living inRaytown and I was so excited when I came back from Egypt this summer to see a chic coffee shop in town. It is located in heart of the old downtown district in Raytown. I think the owners have done a fantastic service to the community by locating on Blue Ridge Blvd right near the High School. Not only does Benetti's offer good coffee, they support the arts. The exhibits at Benetti's have been very interactive and community focused. It almost seems that they have a different exhibit each week. Local artist support is essential to boost the quality and self-esteem of this community.
I frequent Benetti's about once a week and the very first time I stepped in the door I was greated by Aysia, who I once had a class with at Longview and for whom I've developed pictures for. This girl is by far the anti-thesis of the characteristic Raytowner. She is bright, talented, loves to travel and has good taste in...well probably everything. Her photographs, which I have seen many of, prove that she has great artistic talent. And besides, she works at Benetti's, by far the coolest place in Raytown. Most importantly, Aysia has been a resident of Raytown for about 19 years. After being homeschooled through the elementary years and attending private schools during middle school, she enrolled at Raytown High School her freshman year. For many, High School offers four years of absolute torture, others come into themselves, and for others it is a only the jumping off point to their futures. Regardless of how one experiences those years, they are most definitely turbulent. Students becomes so wrapped up in their social lives that they don't always see the important roles that High Schools play in a community. High School students frequent Benetti's in large numbers after school. The coffee shop is supported by these teenagers and in turn Benetti's offers an unique atmosphere for after school socializing. They may not consciously see the effort the owners have taken to provide a more upscale establishment, but they are absorbing this quality subconsciously. Hurray for Benetti's for offering sophistication!
If I didn't have a job, I would definitely want to work at Benetti's. Aysia agrees that their high quality service was what attracted her to seek employment with Benetti's...along with the fact that they roast their coffee beans on site. As a customer she was excited to support a local business of high caliber and after talking to the manager, she realized that the place was the right fit for her and that she wanted to join the Benetti's family. I don't blame her! Anytime I have been to Benetti's, I have felt that sense of family and I appreciate it that Ben always acknowledges me and I feel that he truly appreciates my business. Benetti's offers a venue that feels like home and is doing a superb job or offering a contemporary venue for Raytowners to visit. According to Aysia, the shop has attracted people from all over Raytown and from the surrounding areas. The customers to her feel like neighbors and they reflect the diversity found in Raytown.
In a town where businesses were once hesitant to open its doors to a diversified clientele, Benetti's is reversing that attitude. It is an attitude that many in this conservative town are starting to embrace. Maybe Raytown can one day be the type of town that will provide a true integrated community. This town is on the verge of something spectacular and Benetti's must be credited with its impending revival...

Special thanks to Aysia Scheerer for her contribution to this post. Also be sure to visit Benetti's on the web: http://www.benettiscoffee.com/

Closed Sessions

I'm not the most political person...anymore, meaning I used to be. Meaning, I used to be involved in political campaigns and activities in the area. Now I'm not because I've realized that politics is all about disagreeing and bickering about things. It's not just bickering between the parties, it's bickering within "a singular" party. So I've decided to not take part. I'll still inform myself of the issues and go to the polls every election, but I'm just-not-going-to-get-involved-anymore. It's just not worth it to me. I'd rather live a positive life and and make do with what is handed to me, if that is what is required of me. However, if an issue arises which I support, I will no doubt lend my voice if I feel change is needed. I believe in the freedom to assemble and freedom of speech. Unfortunately, I don't think there is anything out there that I believe is capable of being changed. It's sad I know, but it's the truth. I think we saw during the Vietnam war, that in reality, it's the top members of our society that have the control...reason number two why I don't want to get involved in politics. Politicians as I've been able to deduct, clamour for power and don't think of their citizens who their actions affect. Maybe they do a little, but I feel insignificant in the scheme of politics, but in the scheme of life, I feel I have a considerable role to play. I want to live a significant life dedicated to living and being a part of the world.

One way I feel that I am a part of the world is being a part of my community. I affect each and every person that I come in contact with every day. They go into the community and affect others, and then those people go and affect others and so on and so on. If you saw the movie "Pay it Forward," you probably grasp the concept. Most people affect other people negatively, and this is what makes change and progress difficult to achieve. I think closed city council meetings is a negative action. Tonight I watched the Raytown City Council meeting for about an hour and watched the debate about changing zip codes, building contracts, etc, etc. Then suddenly, they said the open meeting was adjourned and would conclude with a closed session. What could there possibly be that they are discussing that I can't be informed about? City government is the closest form of government that a citizen can really be involved in and we were being shut out. This makes me believe that my civil life within my community is not an aspect that I get to be involved in. I want to be involved, I want to know what's going to happen to the old First Baptist Church in Raytown, or what exactly is happening with the Hy-Vee they're going to put in where the Schnuck's used to be. Politicians are always talking about informing the public, but if the government is inhibiting public knowledge at the lowest levels of government, then what is my Federal Government doing to deter my awareness. It kind of scares me to think about it, but I will live my life the way I see fit and affect change in a manner that is often ignored.

I will affect change in a way that is positive. I will shed light to those wanting to hear, about people who live ordinary lives within my community, but who have an affect on the community great or small. All I have to do now is find my first interviewee...

Stay tuned!

Diversity? Let me tell you about diversity

Often times when I think of suburbs, I think of primarily all white communities. The houses all look the same and reflect what I suppose is upper middle class, or those trying to emulate that status. What I like about Raytown, is that it doesn't hide behind big fancy houses, as I like to call them. Don't get me wrong, there are certain neigbhorhoods right here in this city with them, but for the most part, Raytown consists of smaller homes built mainly from the 1940s to the 1970s. Think Leave it to Beaver or The Brady Bunch. Single family homes with one bathroom for a family of six. Hard to believe, but it's true. These houses have decreased in value over the years as most homes do, and they attract what I think is a wide variety of people coming from a similiar "class" status, the working class. I personally like the working class better than any other class because they provide for a rich diversity of neighbors. And a diverse neighborhood makes an interesting neighborhood. Two houses up, there is an African American family, a little bit further up is a Hispanic family. The kid up the street comes from a single mother home and plays Varsity football at Raytown High. On the corner...well, I'm not really sure what's going on there, but they provide for endless entertainment. My next door neighbor buys old junk cars and fixes them up. I'm waiting for the day when he pulls up in a Volkswagon Beetle, not one of those bubbly new ones, but one of the originals. I will sell my economical Ford Escort and buy it on the spot. Needless to say, there is always something going on, on my street. Monotony is not a noun that readily comes to mind when I get home from work everyday. Sometimes I wonder what in the world these people are doing, but it's great to see so much activity. What's even better, is that everybody is so friendly. I don't hesitate to talk to any of my neighbors and that makes me feel at home and at ease.

Raytown works, as far as diversity goes. Occassionally I substitute teach at the Middle Schools and High Schools, and the way the kids interact with each other is amazing to me. I have a History degree and I recall from a civil rights class, images of the Little Rock students entering Central H.S after the school was desegregated. Then I look at Raytown High School. What a long way we've come. I graduated from High School myself within the last ten years from a very homogeneous "white" High School in Michigan. Most of our parents worked for the same company and all the kids were connected somehow. Our lunchroom was segregated and the students didn't mix well unless they were playing sports. About a month ago, I looked out on the class I was monitoring and saw a mixture of skin colors. Sometimes when you're stuck in a classroom, you are forced to interact with your fellow students, so I decided to make my way to the cafeteria during the lunch hour to see if this was some kind of oddity. I wasn't terribly shocked when I saw mixed groups of students together. Not only did these students work together in the classroom, they socialized together outside the classroom. I got home that afternoon and realized, that I live in this community with those students and that I'm a part of this social eco-system that lives and thrives harmoniously despite our racial backgrounds.
Raytown, for being a small suburb, is doing something right. Martin Luther King Jr. had a dream, and as far as we still may be from that dream, I see the beginnings of it right here in my town.