Top Comments: Birthday Hot Spots

This week, Redondo Beach Patch commenters sounded off on a variety of topics ranging from talent shows to birthday party hot spots. Here's a sample; feel free to join in the discussions!

Parents Ask School Board to Reconsider International Baccalaureate

By far, the most controversial subject this week was International Baccalaureate. Parents asked to halt the application process for the IB program, and Patch commenters sounded off on all sides of the issue:

"As an educator with multiple degrees in international studies, I agree that the curriculum of the IB program provides unique learning opportunities for students and exposes them to important global issues. That being said, I do not think that given the current economic situation this program is an appropriate investment for the district at this time. I think it is very important that parents and community members understand that the majority of students will not be involved in the the IB program. I refer specifically to the foreign language requirements of the program, since that is the department in which I teach. For the Standard Level (SL) IB Spanish course, most schools require students to have completed three years of Spanish instruction. For the Higher Level (HL) course, they encourage students to have completed four years of language instruction. This would require taking Spanish 1 in 8th grade, Spanish 2 in 9th grade, and Spanish 3 in 10th grade before being able to begin their IB language courses. In my years of experience as a Spanish teacher, this is not the route taken by 2.0 students. While I'm not familiar with the prerequisites for all other departments, I'm sure they require the same rigor. That significantly limits the student pool who will be addressed by this program. As our district tries to make due with limited funds, I don' think it is fair to use such a large amount of money on this program." — Sarah Robinson

"I strongly support bringing the IB program to RBUHS. Let's go from "good to great" in Redondo and make an investment for our kids' future in an ever-increasing global working force. Critical thinking is essential to not just get into college, but to get THROUGH college." — Deborah Dicochea

"…Since when is a good educational option bad for our kids? The problem with this country and the UN as far I can see, is we do not think globally enough. If an IB program can do that - great. All the fear mongering about socialism and elitism and liberal/progressive tactics is just nonsensical propaganda. Not valid arguments against the IB program at all. Budgetary concerns I can understand. There are so many valid points for either side, let's not cloud the waters with fundamentalist propaganda from either perspective. Being on the fence with this issue I am looking for the decent points on both sides…" — Susan Rams

Redondo's Got (Some) Talent

Redondo Beach Unified School District teachers, staff and parents got rave reviews for their to raise money for the arts:

"This was a fun event. It was great to see representation from every school and so much support for the arts from the community." — Jeff Winckler

"I was there! I didn't want to go--we were running late, I was tired, I had to park two blocks away, but my daughter wanted to see her teachers (her 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade teachers were among the Lincoln Synchronized Swimmers). So we went, and I think I smiled and laughed through the whole show. It was grand, goofy fun, and the kids in that audience left knowing that a community of adults *really* wants to make good things happen for them. I hope this becomes an annual event." — Penny Richards

Redondo's Best Birthday Spots

This week's Mom Talk discussion about for kids brought out some great suggestions:

"My kids LOVE LOVE LOVE Adventureplex for birthday parties... the food is not only healthy, but they come home exhausted after playing in their fabulous structure, and with HUGE smiles on their faces.... my 10 year old loves it just as much as my 6 year old…" — Sam Kuhr

"At Fresh Brothers!! The kids love making their own pizzas...and they also decorate their own pizza boxes, they decorate their own aprons, they get a Fresh Brothers T-shirt & they decorate their own cupcakes! We love Fresh Brothers for kids parties!! We had my daughter's party there & Debbie (the owner) did such an amazing job!! The owners are a local South Bay Family:)" — Tracy Chaney

"I'm a big fan of Art Zone birthday parties! You can bring your own food, and they provide a TON of activities. My son brought home a wooden airplane, a painting, a clay animal, and a huge smile." — Michelle Veale Borden