The Boerne Star (Boerne, Tex.), Vol. 93, No. 62, Ed. 1 Tuesday, August 5, 1997 Page: 4 of 28
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Page 4
The Boerne Star
Tuesday, July 29, 1997
Our reader’s write ---
Raising expectations for
all public school students
n July 11, the State Board of Education cast
( Pan historic vote to approve the rewrite of the
U public school curriculum known as the
Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS).
While much has been said about this document
during its creation, it is the final version that Texans
should now judge Hundreds of improvements by
caring parents and teachers plus experts in various
fields have resulted in a document which one noted
scholar called, “among the best in the nation."
Creating this curriculum was not easy. Anytime
an attempt is made to take all of the knowledge in
the world and reduce it to a form that is manage-
able, there will be disagreements. This is especially
true in a state such as Texas with more than 18 mil-
lion citizens who pride themselves on indepen-
dence and traditional values. The views of all
Texans were respected during this process and,
where possible, viewpoints from across the ideolog-
ical spectrum were included. There is no doubt that
this document is more conservative and rigorous
than the early draft that was referred to as “mush"
by Governor Bush. As a matter of fact, it was con-
structive criticism such as that offered by Governor
Bush and others in favor of more rigorous acade-
mics that prompted numerous changes.
In the end, those changes resulted in a document
endorsed by groups of parents, professional educa-
tion organizations, and some of the most esteemed
scholars in the country.
It is also interesting that many of the individuals
who helped draft an alternative English/language
arts document called TAD endorsed the TEKS stan-
dards for English/language arts, proving that work-
ing together improved the process and strength-
ened the curriculum standards.
Under this curriculum, students will be asked to
know, identify and list rather than simply “under-
stand or explore” certain subjects. Students will be
expected to know more, perform better, think more
critically, and communicate more effectively than
under our current curriculum known as the “essen-
tial elements".
First graders will learn more grammar and
demonstrate the use of good punctuation skills.
Third graders will be expected to know the planets
and their relationship to the sun. Students in fourth
grade will be expected to know their multiplication
tables up to “12 times 12” and know about the
founding fathers of our nation and the Constitution.
Sixth graders will have an opportunity to read rich
literature as determined by local decision-makers.
Ninth graders will be expected to understand alge-
braic and geometry concepts of greater rigor than
before. Ultimately, high school graduates will have
the opportunity to be literate, thoughtful citizens
prepared for the challenges of the 21st Century.
While some may still disagree, the fact remains
that we are “raising the bar” on student perfor-
mance every year in Texas, and this curriculum
continues that goal through an ambitious set of
standards which, I believe, are unmatched by any
state in the nation.
The many thousands of individuals all across
Texas who contributed to this process deserve our
respect and gratitude for their efforts. In the end,
this is not a document that belongs to the Texas
Education Agency, nor the many men and women
who assisted in its creation. It belongs to the citi-
zens of this state for the benefit of all our children.
As we begin the process of implementing this cur-
riculum and our textbooks, tests, and instructional
strategies become more rigorous, the results will be
obvious and, quite frankly, long overdue. We will
have public schools that have the full confidence of
the community, higher standards, and accountability
to the taxpayers who make it all possible.
By Mike Moses, Texas Commissioner of Education
Bible Verse ...
“We give thanks to Thee, O God, we
give thanks, For Thy name is near;
Men declare they wondrous works.”
Psalms 75:1
New American Standard Bible
Worth Quoting ...
66 Not bad deal, if
they’ll do it...
You don’t
believe a lot of
tilings they say. 99
Accounting assistant Judy Boyer of Dallas
commenting on the tax breaks in the budget
compromise proposed by the U.S. Congress
The Boerne Star
282 N. MAIN • (UPS 059-740)
P.O. Box 820
210-249-2441 • FAX 210-249-4607
THE BOERNE STAR (UPS 059-740) is published twice weekly for
$28 per year in Kendall and adjoining counties, $35 elsewhere in
Texas and $50 per year outside of Texas by the Boerne Star, 282 N.
Main, Boerne, Kendall County, TX. 78006. Periodical postage paid
at Boerne, TX.POSTMASTER: Send changes of address to THE
BOERNE STAR, P.O. Box 820. Boerne, Texas 78006-0820
ninion P
People could learn a lot from dogs—if we were as smart as they are
C1 urely these arc the dog days of
“ summer. If they aren’t, 1 don’t
V want to be here when they arrive.
I’m not even sure what the official
date for ‘dog days' is, but recent soar-
ing temperatures must mean they arc
here—or on the way.
Speaking of dogs, my old hound,
Max, taught me a long time ago that
there are a good many things people
should be able to learn from dogs.
Makes sense to me. Max says he’s
going to ask the folks up at Doc
Carrikcr’s place—next he goes in—if
they’ve learned everything they could
if they’d just pay attention.
These things include, according to
my aging basset, never pass up the
opportunity to go for a joy ride. Max
certainly doesn’t. In fact, he’s at the
door for just about every trip hoping
it’s a joy ride.
Another is to allow the experience of
fresh air and the wind in your face to
be pure ecstasy. Max certainly sub-
scribes to this one, and it’s a sight to
behold—a basset with forty-square
yards of cars flapping in the brcczc.
Max will always run to greet loved
ones arriving home. He’s right there as
soon as they step foot in the door wag-
ging not just his tail, but everything
from his mid section back as if to say,
“Gosh, I’m glad you’re home. People
should be as happy
to see loved ones
coming in the door.
And while the
old dog pretty
much does as he
likes, when it’s his
best interest, Max
will practice the
best of obedience.
Many of us wake
This week..
up late in life to
learn this lesson too
late.
On the other hand, Max is not bash-
ful about letting other’s know when his
territory has been invaded. If you’ve
ever heard the deep, mellow bark of a
basset asking, “Who are you and what
ar you doing on my turf,” you know
what I’m talking about. We all need to
be so protective of what’s ours.
Max loves naps. As much as Max
loves naps, he loves to execute this
‘awakening’ ritual that starts with a
stretch from his midsection forward
followed by a lengthy stretch of his
rear section punctuated with a shake
down that rattles the windows. It’s
obvious that this is something that he
enjoys. Too often, we humans fail to
enjoy the virtues of a good nap, and
the refreshing feeling that accompanies
By
Leon
Aldridge
waking up.
Something else the old
hound enjoys when he
isn’t sleeping is running,
romping and playing a
little every day. When
was the last time you
made certain every day
included some play
time?
And if there’s one
thing Max enjoys more
than sleeping or playing,
it’s eating. Man, the old
dog can pack away the groceries, and
woe be unto anyone who acts like
they’re getting near his food bowl.
Whether we’re a hearty eater or a
light luncher, I’m a firm believer that
eating should be enjoyable.
Be loyal. There’s nothing more loyal
than an old dog. You can chastise
them, ignore them and forget about
them. But do they complain or hold
grudges? No way. They’re always right
at your feet, tail wagging. The world
would be a much better place if we all
practiced more loyalty.
And humans could also learn a lot
from dogs about never pretending to
be something they’re not.
Old Max is a dog. He knows that,
and he never pretends to be anything
else.
Have you ever watched a dog look
for something they’ve buried. Like it
or not, they’ll tear your yard up trying
to find it. People should learn that les-
son. If you know something you want
lies, buried, keep digging like crazy
until you find it.
And what happens when I’m having
a bad day? Old Max doesn’t nag or
bother. He just sits close by, and every
once in a while, nuzzles me gently.
One of the neatest things about fami-
ly dogs is they’re ‘people oriented.’
They thrive on attention and allow
anyone to touch to show their appreci-
ation. Works for people, too.
On the other hand, when touching
isn’t appropriate, Max will never bite
when a simple growl will do.
When Max is happy, he dances all
around the room and wags his entire
body. Nd no matter how often he’s
scolded, he doesn’t buy into the guilt
thing or pout. He’ll run right back and
make friends.
Finally, Max delights in the joys of a
long walk watching the birds and the
rabbits. And on these hot ‘dog days’ of
summer, he drinks lots of water and
rests in the shade.
Max is right. There’s a lot people
could learn from dogs—if we were as
smart as they are.
Our Reader’s Write ..
Thanks for the caring
and sympathy
The Family of Dr. Ray F. Smart wishes to express
its appreciation for the many cards, letters, phone
calls,memorials and other expressions of sympathy
we have received following his passing.
In addition, we would like to take this opportunity
to thank those who have helped him during his ill-
nesses. He was diagnosed with leukemia ten years
ago, and underwent chemotherapy many times. He
also had many surgeries and radiation for skin cancer.
Sometimes he felt good, and sometimes he felt bad,
and although he was unable to attend Rotary and
many other things he enjoyed, he was always cheered
up and strengthened by your phone calls, visits, and
going to Sunday School and Church with his friends.
Perhaps his best medicine was “going to the ranch”,
and we are grateful to those who let him use their pas-
tures, and to those who went with him and later took
him out to work or hunt at the ranch.
A special thank you to Pastor Bubba Stahl, Pastor
Ed White and his Sunday School classmates for visit-
ing so often during his final hospitalization, to the
pastors and staff for the funeral service and reception,
to Dr. J. Brant Ellis for his years of care and caring,
and to the Boerne E.M.S. for their very compassion-
ate assistance on his last day.
Lena Mae Smart
Duane and Jackie Smart, David and Dustin
Dan and Betsy Smart, Sara, Suzanne, and Jennifer
Linda and Andrew Folmer, Amy and Daniel
THE FLU HAS US REALLY
SHORT OF TEACHERS —ARE YOU
AVAILABLE TO SUBSTITUTE
FOR TWENTY KIDS?
DEPENDS
YA GOTA
CLASSROOM WITH
TWENTY
CORNERS?
Government Meetings
• Boerne City Council meets the second and fourth Tuesday of each month
at 7:30 p.m. at City Hall, 402 E. Blanco. 249-9511
• Fair Oaks Ranch City Council meets the third Thursday of each month
at 7:00 at City Hall, 7286 Dietz Elkhorn. 698-0900.
• Boerne ISD board of trustees meet the third Monday of each month at
6:30 p.m. in the Administration Office, 123 W. Johns. 249-2567.
• Comfort ISD board of trustees meet the third Wednesday of each month
at 6:30 p.m. in the Administration Building, 327 High Street. 995-3664.
• Kendall County Commissioners’ Court meets the second and fourth
Monday of each month in the Courthouse Annex, 204 E. San Antonio Street.
249-9343.
Low voter turnout expected for constitutional amendment ballot
arly voting for the Aug. 9 consti-
tutional amendment election
dbegan July 21 and runs through
today, Aug. 5.
A low turnout at the polls is expect-
ed, but Gov. George W. Bush and
Secretary of State Tony Garza are tour-
ing the state, doing their best to urge
Texas’ 11 million registered voters to
get out and vote.
It’s a challenge to interest the elec-
torate in a ballot that has no candidates
on it.
“Constitutional elections are uphill
battles in terms of getting people out to
vote,” said Garza, the state’s top elec-
tions official.
On the ballot was a single ‘yes’ or
‘no’ question for voters to answer:
whether homestead property tax
exemptions should be increased from a
minimum of $5,000 to a minimum of
$15,000.
Ann McGeehan, elections director
for Garza, estimated that the turnout
would be about 10 to 15 percent of the
state’s registered voters.
Should the tax exemption amend-
ment pass, the state will lose about $1
billion in revenue.
In the long run, however, the exemp-
tions may cause school districts to lose
more and more money as property tax
rates and appraised values continue to
increase.
Meanwhile, lawmakers will have to
find ways to compensate for the lost
revenue in the state budget over the
next two years.
Episode Piques Pauken
Texas Republican Party Chairman
Tom Pauken said the
recent, failed attempt to
oust U.S. House Speaker
Newt Gingrich hurt the
GOP image.
Pauken, who stepped
down from his post last
week to seek his party’s
nomination for the office
of state attorney general,
said, “The timing was
terrible.
“I think there’s a frus-
tration on the part of a lot
of Republicans at the
grassroots level ... a feel-
ing we were so close to
State
Capital
Jerry
Patterson
Pasadena
and
of
Tim
Turner of Houston.
Raymond, 36, a for-
mer special assistant to
House District 30 since 1985, said last
month he would seek the commission
post only if Williamson did not seek re-
election. Williamson has announced
for attorney general.
HIGHLIGHTS
By Lyndell Williams & Ed Sterling
TEXAS PRESS ASSOCIATION
winning a majority and
now we’re slipping backwards.”
He called for an end to the party’s
“internal bickering” and concentrate on
the 1998 election cycle.
During Pauken’s tenure as state GOP
chairman, Republicans won a majority
of seats in the state Senate, swept all
statewide offices on the 1996 ballot
and won majorities on the Texas
Supreme Court, Court of Criminal
Appeals, state Board of Education and
the Texas Railroad Commission.
Raymond Seeks Land Office
State Rep. Richard Raymond, D-
Benavides, last week became the only
Democrat to formally enter the race for
land commissioner.
Incumbent Garry Mauro, who is con-
sidering a race for governor, hasn’t
announced his plans. Three
Republicans already are in the race:
Secretary of State Tony Garza, Sen.
U.S. Sen. Lloyd State Settles With Testing Firm
Bentsen, D-Texas and Texas Attorney General Dan
U.S. Sen. Paul Morales and lawyers for a now defunct
Simon, D-Ill. is serv- emissions testing firm settled a 1995
ing his third term in the lawsuit last week.
Texas House.Taxpayers will have to pay the $140
He spent 30 months million settlement. The money will
as Mauros executive come from the state’s general fund
assistant and in 1990 beginning Aug. 31 with a $70 million
managed Bob payment.
Krueger s successful Tejas Testing Technologies, which
campaign for Texas spent millions of dollars setting up
Railroad Commis- inspection stations in designated urban
Stoner. . areas, filed the lawsuit after the state
Raymond outlined a four-point plan curtailed the firm’s seven-year auto
for the General Land Office: . . emissions testing program.
• Expanding college opportunities Federal officials had ordered the pro-
for Texas veterans at no additional cost gram, but state lawmakers killed Tejas’
to the state. contract after drivers complained about
• Developing partnerships with com- the cost The state then established
munities to make the most efficient use another testing program,
of underutilized state land.
• Ensuring that Texas public beaches
remain public by passing a constitu- Life for Drug Makers
tional amendment banning private People who manufacture metham-
ownership of beaches. phetamine, also known as speed, could
• Continuing to preserve and protect be sentenced to prison for life under a
Texas public lands. proposal by U. S. Rep. Pete Sessions,
R-Dallas.
, r The freshman congressman said he
Holzheauser Is RRC Candidate will introduce legislation within the
State Rep. Steve Holzheauser last next few weeks that would impose a
week told The Victoria Advocate he mandatory life sentence for anyone
will seek the Republican nomination to found guilty of manufacturing the
succeed Barry Williamson on the Texas drug. Currently the minimum sentence
Railroad Commission. is five years in prison.
Holzheauser, who has represented
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Aldridge, Leon. The Boerne Star (Boerne, Tex.), Vol. 93, No. 62, Ed. 1 Tuesday, August 5, 1997, newspaper, August 5, 1997; Boerne, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth1626277/m1/4/?q=Lamar+University: accessed June 4, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Patrick Heath Public Library.