Miley Cyrus & Dolly Parton’s Song ‘Rainbowland’ Banned from School Performance

by Christina MarficeApril 4, 2023

A class of first graders was told they couldn’t perform “Rainbowland” by Miley Cyrus and Dolly Parton because it may be “controversial”

In today’s installment of “policing what can and can’t be said in kids’ classrooms has gone way too far” news, a first grade class at a Wisconsin elementary school has been banned from performing “Rainbowland” by Dolly Parton and Miley Cyrus at an upcoming concert after school officials decided it may be too “controversial.”

Melissa Tempel, a first grade teacher at Heyer Elementary in Waukesha, Wisconsin, told Today that the kids were excited about “Rainbowland’s” lyrics and message.

“It’s just a really good song about peace, love, appreciating diversity and getting along, and my students liked it so much,” Tempel said.

School officials haven’t commented to reporters, but a press release from the Waukesha School District’s public relations and communications office says the school’s principal, Mark Schneider, “checked with a central office administrator so they could review the song together and alongside our Board Policy 2240 — Controversial Issues in the Classroom.”

The press release continues, “They determined that the song could be deemed controversial in accordance with the policy.”

“Rainbowland” is a duet by Dolly Parton and Miley Cyrus that was released in 2007. It promotes ideas of friendship, cooperation, unity, and celebrating diversity.

“It’s really just about dreaming and hoping that we could all do better,” Parton said when the song was released. “It’s a good song for the times right now.”

For reference, here are the lyrics that this school district deemed “controversial:”

My first graders were so excited to sing Rainbowland for our spring concert but it has been vetoed by our administration. When will it end? @waukeshaschools @DollyParton @MileyCyrus @mileyworld @gsafewi @CivilRights #publicschools pic.twitter.com/8Na0nETmDw

— The Rainbowland Teacher (@melissatempel) March 21, 2023

Miley Cyrus’ Happy Hippie Foundation has tweeted in support of the students at Heyer Elementary and pledged to donate to Pride and Less Prejudice, an organization that provides free, age-appropriate LGBTQ+ books and resources to elementary school classrooms.

To the inspiring first grade students at Heyer Elementary, keep being YOU. We believe in our Happy Hippie heart that you’ll be the ones to brush the judgment and fear aside and make all of us more understanding and accepting 🌈

— Happy Hippie Foundation (@happyhippiefdn) March 29, 2023

Tempel said no one has confirmed exactly what makes “Rainbowland” too controversial for first graders to sing, but said she believes it has to do with a school district policy that bans “political signs” in classrooms—which includes “Black Lives Matter” and “safe space” signs, and the rainbow flag.

As a replacement, Tempel said her kids plan to sing Kermit the Frog’s “Rainbow Connection” for the spring concert—now that school officials have reversed a ban they originally placed on that song, too.

“We were just floored at that point, because it seemed so bold to blatantly ban two songs that have the word ‘rainbow’ in them,” she said. “Both of which have a really positive message that’s completely appropriate for first grade.”

Florida Principal Forced Out After Viewing of Michelangelo’s ‘David’ Upsets Parents

by Christina MarficeMarch 24, 2023

“Teachers are the experts? Teachers have all the knowledge? Are you kidding me?” said the school board chair.

The principal of Florida’s Tallahassee Classical School was forced to resign under pressure from the board after parents complained that sixth graders were shown a photo of Michelangelo’s classic 16th-century sculpture, David. One parent apparently even called the statue “pornographic,” in case you needed to know how fraught the education system has gotten in Florida.

Now-former principal Hope Carrasquilla has told reporters that the situation was “a little more complicated than that,” a sentiment that was echoed in a completely unhinged Q&A with the school board chair, Barney Bishop, who said, “We’re Florida, OK? Parents will decide. Parents are the ones who are going to drive the education system here in Florida. The governor said that, and we’re with the governor. Parents don’t decide what is taught. But parents know what that curriculum is. And parents are entitled to know anytime their child is being taught a controversial topic and picture.”

What the former principal and the school board chair agree on is that normally, parents get a letter warning them before something like David is shown in class. This year, due to “a series of miscommunications,” as Carrasquilla put it, the letter didn’t go out.

Carrasquilla added that one parent was “point-blank upset” and “felt her child should not be viewing those pieces.”

Carrasquilla was given the opportunity to resign “voluntarily” (with a letter of resignation given to her by Bishop) and told that if she didn’t sign the letter, the board would meet to discuss firing her with cause.

Tallahassee Classical School is a public charter school where students are chosen for admission on a lottery system. As Bishop put it, “Parents choose this school because they want a certain kind of education. We’re not gonna have courses from the College Board. We’re not gonna teach 1619 or CRT crap… The rights of parents, that trumps the rights of kids. Teachers are the experts? Teachers have all the knowledge? Are you kidding me? I know lots of teachers that are very good, but to suggest they are the authorities, you’re on better drugs than me.”

He also insisted that “classical education” is about “moral values, civic values, personal responsibility. Those are the things that aren’t being taught in schools. Along with history, science, math, art, music. We don’t have safe spaces for kids so they won’t be offended by a Halloween costume. We don’t use pronouns. We teach them phonics. We teach Singapore math. They learn to speak Latin. Every student learns a musical instrument.”

But a work of art that’s been considered a masterpiece for literal centuries? Best to protect kids from that.

A Tribute to All the Moms Who Do Less

by Maria GuidoMarch 16, 2023

Being okay with doing less is actually something to celebrate

I’ve been a mom for almost 12 years, and for half of those years, I was forced to do less by default. I was working full-time with two small children who constantly needed things from me, so an Instagrammable parenting life was not in the cards. Ironically, I was working for parenting sites during that time, so I was very well-versed in all the things other moms were somehow pulling off: juggling extracurriculars, having craft-tastic holidays, and volunteering for all the things.

Doing less started as a necessity, but as my kids grew older and less demanding and I realized I had more choice in the matter, doing less actually became the gold standard for how to run a functional house. Moms who do less, I salute you. And moms who haven’t figured out how to lighten the load a little yet, here are some tips. I believe in you. You too can do less.

Birthdays

I grew up in the ’80s, and every single birthday party followed the same itinerary: invite a few kids over, play some games (usually involving pinning the tail on something and sitting on a balloon until it popped), eat cake, open presents, and send kids home. For my daughter’s 6th birthday, I decided to go for a princess theme. We rented out a place that had “princess makeovers”—little salon seats where the girls got their nails and makeup done. Then women dressed like Disney princesses galavanted around the room and took pictures with everyone. There was a perfect tier of cupcakes with little tiaras sitting atop each one.

You know what all the girls’ favorite part of that party was? When they sat in a circle and played hot potato. Seriously. A real potato being thrown from person to person. Because kids are simple little beings who are easily entertained and I promise you that having a group of friends over and dancing around your living room for a bit will be just as fun for them as going to some faux-fairyland where they get age-appropriate makeovers. We’re doing too much. The next year I bought a little disco light for $12 off of Amazon, and the girls danced and played hot potato. Do less.

Extracurriculars

There are some kids who are drawn to extracurriculars; I know this because my friends have them. My kids are not. For several years, I forced them to “try some out,” thinking for sure they’d find something they liked. We attempted jujitsu, gymnastics, ballet… nothing interested them. They participated, but no real fun was being had. One day after jujitsu, I walked up to my son and asked him if he enjoyed it. He said, “Not really, but I know you really want me to do something, so I’ll keep going, Mom!”

What? I realized then that not all kids need to be shuttled around from one activity to the next. Kudos to you if you have kids who are naturals, but if yours aren’t into it, don’t stress. Take the extracurriculars off all of your plates. You’re not a worse mom because you’re not spending half your life in your car, taking your kids places they may not even want to be.

Dinner

I have a lot of former child-free friends who smugly declared they’d never make separate meals for their future kids, and my favorite thing to do is laugh in their faces when I see them feeding their kids marshmallows for dinner. Then I give them a high five, because, solidarity. The thing about kids is that they’re little human beings with their own interests and opinions. Weird, right?

Just like some adults don’t like Brussels sprouts, some kids don’t, either! And you don’t need to stress about it. Find one easy dinner they like and default to it on any day that they’re feeling picky, and don’t feel bad about it. My kids get excited about breakfast for dinner, so I know if all else fails they’ll eat egg whites and toast—and I’m fine with that. Find your egg whites and toast, and call it a day.

School Fundraising

Book fairs, holiday fairs, wrapping paper drives, box tops, Parent Teacher Association parties… there is so much (much-needed) fundraising that goes on when your kids are in school. PTAs are amazing organizations that truly help supplement funds so schools can pull off some great programs for kids.

You know what they need besides hands-on parental involvement? Cash. Don’t feel bad about opting out of the physical aspect of it and just giving a donation. It’s a lot. And there are parents who don’t have very small children or don’t work full-time or just simply enjoy the heavy lifting involved with school fundraising. Let them do it, support monetarily, and don’t feel bad about it.

School Projects

School projects are meant to be done by kids. Alone. Not supervised and directed by a parent. If you are stressing out about a school project, it’s probably because some over-zealous parent totally constructed their child’s, then bragged about what an artistic genius their kid was on social media. That parent is a lying liar. Let your kid make their crappy, age-appropriate project without your help. Then all you need to do is be proud of said crappy, age-appropriate project.

Clean Rooms

If our kids’ rooms look like an outtake from a Pottery Barn catalog, we’ve gone too far. Kids like to play with things. They like to build intricate lands and return to those lands. Kids need a safe space to call their own, and part of that is deciding how that space will look. Set boundaries about certain things that you think are “too far”—and stick to them. But don’t get down on yourself if your child’s room is a mess. Taking the pressure off of them will also take the pressure off of you.

Making Things Magical

In our effort to make things as magical as possible, we can forget that the most magical thing about childhood is… childhood. The belief in the magical will be there whether you’re able to pull off Instagram-worthy Elf on the Shelf scenes or convince your kids there is a fairy garden that’s taken up residence on the other side of their wall by constructing an elaborate little door. Ninety percent of belief and magic lives in our imaginations—something you’ll remember if you think about your own childhood. You’re not failing if you can’t pull these things off—we’re simply not all meant to craft. And that’s just fine.

Alabama Schools Testing $60K Whiteboards That Turn Into Safe Rooms

by Christina MarficeMarch 15, 2023

An Alabama elementary school is testing two whiteboards that can be turned into safe rooms to protect students from shooters

We’re now over three months into 2023, and there have been more mass shootings in the U.S. than days so far in the year. Parents continue to live in constant fear that their children waving to them from the school bus in the morning might be the last time they see them alive, but since it’s become clear that our government won’t take the necessary steps to protect kids from guns, which are the leading cause of death for children in the U.S., there’s another creative new “solution” to gun violence in schools.

Two special education classrooms at West Elementary School are testing out whiteboards that can be turned into pop-out, standalone storm shelters in a matter of seconds. The school is the first in the nation to test out the whiteboards, which were invented by KT Security Solutions and cost about $60,000 apiece.

WATCH: An Alabama school district has introduced a new anti-school shooter system. @mannyfidel reacts. pic.twitter.com/EV8gPhMJSe

— MSNBC (@MSNBC) March 14, 2023

Cullman City Schools Superintendent Kyle Kalhoff said the new whiteboards “can make a difference between life or death in the unimaginable school shooter situation.”

Hali Marquette is one of the teachers in a room with a whiteboard/safe room. While the room can be folded up into a floor-to-ceiling whiteboard to use for instructional use, she said she keeps it popped out all the time instead.

“I’ve started using it as a sensory space for my children,” she explained. “It’s an incentive…if you behave, if you do what is asked of you, you can go in and have some free time. So it’s been really good so far. They love it. And that’s the most important thing is making it a safe space for them.”

In the aftermath of Uvalde, a school district in Alabama is demonstrating their new whiteboards that double as a ballistic shelter for students and teachers. @piper4missouri is right. We are most definitely in a bad place. pic.twitter.com/mYFzRSJCxh

— Mendi Tackett (@mentack) March 14, 2023

So that’s something. When kids crowd into these rooms while the sound of gunshots booms around them, they’ll have happy memories of their last meditation sesh in the gun shelter to combat the trauma.

At the end of the day, these shelters may help save kids’ lives, and that’s a good thing. But spending $60,000 per classroom to protect kids from something as preventable as gun violence is insane, especially when, in the same breath, we’re asking teachers to work second jobs to afford the pencils and Kleenex they need for their classrooms. The solution to mass shootings in schools is already out there—every other country on Earth has figured it out. We don’t need whiteboards that turn into safe rooms. We need common sense gun control.

The Best Baby Gates on Amazon

by Kate CartiaFebruary 26, 2023

If you’ve got a newly mobile baby, you’re going to need one of these best baby gates on Amazon

We love celebrating when our babies hit a new milestone! In fact, we seriously look forward to it. First laugh, first bath, first words. We love and document them all. Rolling over, crawling, and walking are huge milestones that are incredibly exciting, and being prepared for a baby on-the-move is an absolute must. So if you’ve got a scooting, creeping, crawling, toddling, walking wee one, you’re looking to make sure your home is as safe as possible for them. For most of us, that starts with the best baby gates you can find. If the best baby gates on Amazon make them ultra-easy to snag, all the better. Convenience is a mom’s best friend!

Baby gates keep little ones contained not only to where you can see them, but also within a safe space for them to explore. It’s likely you’ll want gates at the top and/or bottom of any stairs in your home. You may want one to keep your kiddos and pets separated, or to keep them away from the dog’s food and water bowls. Many parents use baby gates to prevent their babes from the bathroom or kitchen. And the good news is that baby gates don’t have to be tough to install or a major household obstacle. These are the best baby gates on Amazon that will make baby-proofing for your busy little one as easy as possible!

Regalo Easy Step Walk Through Gate

The Regalo all-steel construction baby gate is easy to install by either wall mount or pressure mounting. This one is #1 on Amazon and with almost 85K reviews, they're clearly doing something right!

Amazon Review: So easy and efficient!!! I love this gate so much I went ahead and purchased a second one!!! This is now my go to gate and I’m sure I will end up buying more! It is so easy to put together and put up, also to take down. Highly recommend! —Samantha Esper

Regalo Easy Step Walk Through Gate ($39.98)—Buy Now

Cumbor Auto-Close Baby Gate

This extra-wide gate is also extra durable, easy to install, and has an auto-close feature that's simple for adults to operate, but tricky for little hands. It's also a taller option, making it a great choice for kiddos and pets, too! Comes in 4 colors.

Amazon Review: I was looking for a gate that wouldn’t look like the gates we used for my childhood dog and something I could still maneuver without disrupting my daily routine. My pup is a 14 yr old toy rat terrier and the stairs have become a danger for her. I needed something that would block her from going up and down the stairs and hurting her fragile legs. I didn’t want to jump over or trip over a stair gate and this fit the need perfectly!! It’s easy to open the door (it took me 3 tries to PERFECT my technique) and has options for staying open. I also don’t need to close it fully which helps with my travels up and down the stairs. But it’s sturdy enough that she can’t open the gate if it’s touching and not sealed. —Tara M

Cumbor Auto-Close Baby Gate ($99.99)—Buy Now

Regalo 192 Inch Super Wide Adjustable Baby Gate & Play Yard

This gate means business. If you have a great room or an open-concept home, doorway-sized baby gates just won't cut it. Another from Regalo, this gate is 192 inches wide and can convert to an 8-panel play yard, too!

Amazon Review: We have had ours for 3 years now and I always tell people, "this is the best $100 buck Ive ever spent" I am able to work at my desk while watching my babies grow up. Also we can watch movies and keep them contained so we can all be in one spot and not have to chase after the crawlers. So, it's def been a great product in our home. —Gina

Regalo 192 Inch Super Wide Adjustable Baby Gate & Play Yard ($99.98)—Buy Now

EasyBaby Retractable Baby Gate

A soft mesh barrier allows this gate to retract when not in use. Plus, it offers one-handed operation (which is helpful considering moms always have theirs full!). Available in 3 colors.

Amazon Review: Works great! Bought this to use in a wider space than other baby gates would reach. It installed easily and came with good instructions and templates for drilling holes for mounting screws. Big improvement over old school pet/baby gates. —Ted Hambach

EasyBaby Retractable Baby Gate ($45.71)—Buy Now

Safety 1st Pressure Mount Easy Fit Security Gate

This gate is a bit more of a traditional design, but still sturdily built and features a one-handed lock, plus a memory feature so you don't have to refit it every time you move it.

Amazon Review: I like this gate. I have several different styles. This one is among the better made, easy to use gates. It is sturdy, not flimsy like some I have. The rubber tips on the side help the gate stay in place. It appears to have longevity. —Tspgmt

Safety 1st Pressure Mount Easy Fit Security Gate ($61.63)—Buy Now

BalanceForm Easy Walk Through Gate

The BalanceForm has a pressure-mounted design and a gentle auto-close so you don't have to worry about slamming!

Amazon Review: Really easy to install even with our stairs having baseboards that make it an uneven surface between the top and bottom. —Nate Jacobs

BalanceForm Easy Walk Through Gate ($44.97)—Buy Now

SPIRICH Wire Safety Gate

This farmhouse-inspired gate is ideal if you want to keep your home's aesthetic flowing while baby-proofing! It comes in both black and white and offers multiple configurations.

Amazon Review: Great product and NO assembly required! I would buy this again for sure. This gate is a little more expensive than some I looked at but TOTALLY worth the money. Great quality and no assembly required. The only thing we needed to do was screw in the latches. LOVE LOVE the gate! —Manley

SPIRICH Wire Safety Gate ($112.95)—Buy Now

Summer West End Safety Baby Gate

Honey oak stained wood and a slate metal frame is designed for extra-wide spaces. Gate door features an auto-close that gently closes the gate door behind you and a hold-open feature that keeps the door open, integrated handle and built in door stoppers.

Amazon Review: Purchased as baby gate to block our 14mo. old toddler from a 40"+ opening to our kitchen. Arrived on time, included extensions for wider openings, options for screw or tension mounting, metal/ wood esthetic is perfect for our contemporary style town home. Installation is easy, metal is heavy and sturdy. wood swinging door is lightweight, plastic accessory & mechanism for closure is not as secure compared to the safety 1st gate we also use. Tension has to be adjusted perfectly to operate smoothly & many attempts were made until successful. it feels over time it the plastic closure may fail, so it's almost perfect. the gate is essential for us now and even with those concerns we're satisfied with the product and have no regrets. —Mars

Summer West End Safety Baby Gate ($75.99)—Buy Now

Toddleroo 6-Panel Baby Gate

Whether a free-standing play yard or an extra-long baby gate, this barrier gate is ultra-durable and can expand thanks to the separately sold extra panels.

Amazon Review: I’ve purchased 2 of these and they are amazing. I love how you can hook it to a wall. Perfect for my 1 year old to keep him out of certain rooms and he can’t get his fingers caught or smashed in the gate itself. —C

Toddleroo 6-Panel Baby Gate ($87.99)—Buy Now

The Stair Barrier Banister Safety Gate

This one is great for travel, even if it's just from staircase to staircase. The fabric fits banister-to-banister, so it can be adjusted. Plus, fabric is super tricky for little feet to climb!

Amazon Reviews: Read a few reviews about it sagging. But I went ahead and purchased because the solid gates were not going to work. The cost was $$$ more than I wanted to pay, but I don’t regret it. This barrier adds in flexibility and provides the block needed to stop my 14 month old from climbing the stairs. The three straps work great with my stairs layout. The inserts keep the barrier upright and work great. Add in the fact you can roll it up when not needed is great. Also my Boston Terrier can spring over it to get upstairs as needed. (Trying to stop the baby not the dog). It works great! —Gwendo

The Stair Barrier Banister Safety Gate ($179.99)—Buy Now

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All images courtesy of Amazon.

The Best New Elementary School Books of 2022

by Karly WoodSeptember 28, 2022

$15 BUY NOW

"You're the basket on my bike and the canteen on my hike...I'd go anywhere with you." This tear-jerking power of friendship by Pat Zietlow Miller and illustrated by Eliza Wheeler tugs on the heartstring while celebrating childhood. Ages: 4-8

This Is A School

$18 BUY NOW

A school is more than just a place of learning: it's a community. It's a safe space for people to learn, make mistakes and form a family that extends far beyond its four walls. John Schu's story serves as a letter to schools and addresses how its members are still a community, whether they are together in the classroom or not. Ages: 3-6

Imagine!: Rhymes of Hope to Shout Together

$19 BUY NOW

Italy's famed children's poet Bruno Tognolini partners with illustrator Giulia Orecchia to bring a book of hope to young readers. In beautiful rhythmic flow, kids will be encouraged to imagine a variety of scenarios, "if only..."Ages: 4-8

All photos: Courtesy of publishers

If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation.

5 Ways to Help Your Kid Become Their Own Mental Health Advocate

by Holly GarciaJuly 26, 2022

If there’s one moment that sums up my adolescence, it would be my eighth-grade graduation dance. While every other girl my age was able to shop for a dress at just about any store, I was particularly shapely with a large bust. I had to literally squeeze myself into the options.

In a well-intentioned attempt to help me feel more comfortable, my mom took me to David’s Bridal and picked up a dress that she swore looked just like that one Kate Hudson wore in How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days. Yeah. OK, Mom.

Needless to say, it looked nothing like that. I felt totally uncomfortable and ashamed, said nothing, and spent the entire evening avoiding my classmates. At one point, I hid in the bathroom and cried. To add insult to injury, I was eventually found, which embarrassed me even more.

Did I hyperventilate to the point of dizziness? Of course. Did it feel like an elephant was sitting on my chest? You betcha. Looking back now, I wonder how things could have played out differently if I’d just told my mom how uncomfortable I really was—in the dress and in my own skin.

I was an anxious kid, and during that time, everyone around me wrote off those feelings and anxiety attacks as being “overly sensitive.” And so I took what they said to heart. I hardly mentioned the intrusive thoughts that crossed my mind—What if people think I look fat? What if they’re talking about me and making fun? How can I just blend into the background and go unnoticed?—and tried to silence them by ignoring them. I waited impatiently and nervously for things to get better. Spoiler alert: They didn’t.

In fact, it wasn’t until five years ago that I finally turned things around. I was so desperate to feel well that I had no choice but to speak up for myself. I told my primary care doctor that I felt my shortness of breath had more to do with being anxious than with my physical health and asked to be screened for anxiety. A few medications later, I found the right fit and was able to breathe easy again (literally).

But it shouldn’t have taken so long. In theory, advocating for yourself shouldn’t be that hard, right? To say, “Hey, I need help with this problem, and the solutions you’re giving me (in my case, downplaying my worries) aren’t doing any good.” But like many worthwhile things, it’s easier said than done.

In the years since then, becoming vocal about mental health care and encouraging conversations around mental illness has been a huge part of my life. Not only because I want to be happier and healthier, but because I have two small daughters who also have anxious personalities. And I’ll be damned if they’re also told to minimize those feelings and stop being so sensitive.

So my kids and I talk about mental health. all. the. time. Openly and honestly. Here’s what that looks like:

We talk about their worries, no matter how big or small. Like how my 10-year-old will survive next year now that her best friend has moved away and how my 7-year-old can calm herself down when she’s really upset. For your kids, it could be something as small as worrying that they got one answer wrong instead of none or worrying about who they’ll play with at recess the next day. Whatever it is, they should never feel that their problem isn’t “big” enough to bring up to you.
We validate their feelings and talk about what has been said or done to make them feel that way. Most importantly, I make clear that it is OK for them to feel whatever it is in its entirety.
I work to create a truly safe space. As it happens, we still talk routinely about their fear and anxiety over what happened at Uvalde happening at their school, too. Having these conversations won’t eliminate their worries and anxiety altogether, but holding safe spaces that are judgment-free is the first step toward encouraging kids to express how they’re feeling—no matter how hard or uncomfortable those discussions may be.
I encourage them to tune into their bodies. Advocating for their mental health isn’t about pushing back against every piece of advice they’re given, but it is about self-awareness and knowing when something doesn’t feel right.For example, are they feeling wheezy and dizzy because they’re under the weather, or is it because something spiked their anxiety and this is how their body reacts? Being self-aware in this way can also help them recognize when they should be reaching out to a trusted adult for extra help.
We remain open to outside assistance if needed. Affordable and sometimes-free resources like therapy and counseling are well-worth exploring, though sadly not everyone has access to these options.Depending on how thin resources are stretched in your school district or community, this obstacle is a difficult one to overcome. But for instances that require more professional help, reaching out to your pediatrician or your child’s school counselor is a good place to start.

Hopefully, one or more of these practices resonates with you. But to every parent who isn’t sure how to help their kids prioritize and speak up about their mental health, I would say, don’t underestimate the power of not minimizing your kid’s feelings. Let them feel all the things—the hard, the uncomfortable, and all the great moments yet to come.

Fourth Grade Teacher and Mom among Those Tragically Killed in the Texas School Shooting

by Karly WoodMay 25, 2022

As we learned during the pandemic, a teacher is so much more than an educator. Yesterday, in the wake of yet another school shooting, we were also reminded that they are protectors.

Included among the 21 lives that were lost at the mass shooting at Robb Elementary in Uvalde, Texas, were two beloved teachers. One of them was Eva Mireles, a 44-year-old fourth-grade teacher with a resume detailing 17 years of experience. She was also a wife, mother, niece, cousin, and a friend.

Mireles’ school bio gave us a glimpse into the loving human she was: “I love running, hiking, and now you just might see me riding a bike!!” She is survived by family, including her husband, a UCISD officer, daughter Adalynn, and three fur babies.

My daughter’s beautiful teacher was the teacher who was killed in Uvalde, TX. Eva (Ms Mireles) taught Gabby in elementary school. She was a beautiful person & dedicated teacher. She believed in Gabby & went above & beyond to teach her as you can see below. There are no words. pic.twitter.com/qMlVoVEUrY

— Audrey (@audreymg0928) May 24, 2022

While news is still emerging about what exactly happened during the shooting, so far it’s been shared that all of the tragedy took place in one classroom. Along with another teacher, Mireles likely served as the beacon of hope and comfort for her students during terrifying moments.

The entire tragedy is shining a light on many things, the responsibilities of teachers among them. As parents, we pass off our children daily to these men and women to learn, but we hardly think about the roles they will play if an active shooter walks onto campus. No doubt, they did not sign up for this.

Yet they remain constants in our children’s lives, teaching them not only multiplication facts and how to conjugate verbs but how to jump on the toilet seats in the bathroom so a bad person doesn’t know they are hiding. They’ll serve as counselors after trauma, as safe spaces, as soft shoulders for a hug or cry.

Teachers are educators at the very least. We already shower them during Teacher Appreciation Week for putting up with our kids as we drop them off after a rough morning at home or teaching them to read when we don’t have the patience. There is no possible way we can thank them enough or show how grateful we are that they literally step in front of danger for our kids––when we never even outright ask them to. They take our children and make them their own, every day.

The world has lost two teachers that it shouldn’t have on what should have been just another school day. While most of us don’t live in Uvalde, there are ways we can support the community.

Robb Elementary has opened a memorial fund for the families of the tragedy. If you would like to donate, you can do so at any First State Bank of Uvalde location or by mailing checks made out to “Robb School Memorial Fund” to 200 E Nopal St. Uvalde, TX 78801. Or you can make Zelle donations to robbschoolmemorialfund@gmail.com.

Florida Student Skirts ‘Don’t Say Gay’ in a Beautiful Graduation Speech

by Julie ScagellMay 24, 2022

A Florida teen giving a commencement speech found a beautiful way to communicate his LGBTQ advocacy to students after being told that if he mentioned the state’s “Don’t Say Gay” law, his microphone would be shut off.

Zander Moricz, the senior class president—and first openly gay president—of Pine View School for the Gifted, decided to use his curly hair to send a message about being yourself and staying true to who you are, no matter who tries to tell you otherwise.

“I used to hate my curls,” he said in his speech. “I spent mornings and nights embarrassed of them, trying to desperately straighten this part of who I am. But the daily damage of trying to fix myself became too much to endure.”

I am the youngest public plaintiff in the “Don’t Say Gay” lawsuit. I am my Florida high school’s first openly-gay Class President. I am being silenced, and I need your help. 🧵

— zander moricz (@zandermoricz) May 9, 2022

He continued: “There are going to be so many kids with curly hair who need a community like Pine View, and they will not have one,” Moricz continued. “Instead, they’ll try to fix themselves so that they can exist in Florida’s humid climate.”

In his speech, he didn’t say “gay” one time.

“I knew that the threat to cut the mic was very real, so I wasn’t gonna let that happen. I just had to be clever about it,” Moricz told Good Morning America this week of his decision to carry on with his speech, but with a twist. His original plan was to use his spotlight to criticize the state’s Parental Rights in Education, or “Don’t Say Gay” law.

“It effectively takes away the only guaranteed safe space from the majority of the entire LGBTQ population here,” he added.

Principal Stephen Covert told Moricz that if he chose to speak about the bill directly, that his microphone would be cut. The controversial bill forbids discussions about sexuality, sexual orientation, and gender identity in elementary schools.

Moricz has also been vocal about being silenced on Twitter, writing in part that he is the “first openly gay Class President in my school’s history–this censorship seems to show that they want me to be the last. This threat is not the first that I have received from administration about my queer rights.”

Andy Cohen Loves Dock-A-Tot Just as Much as We Do

by Dana BaardsenMay 19, 2022

Andy Cohen announced the birth of his daughter, Lucy Eve, to the world on April 29, 2022. Just weeks later, Lucy was photographed with Uncle Anderson Cooper, casually sporting a blinged-out Snoopy shirt and $400 Fendi pants gifted by Denise Richards, while lounging in a luxe Strawberry Thief Deluxe Dock-a-Tot.

Check out Anderson, Lucy, and the elegant lounger:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Andy Cohen (@bravoandy)

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Dock-A-Tots are offered in a variety of stylish colorways and quality fabrics, plus the line offers trendy nursing pillows and decor accessories to match. Every Dock-A-Tot is designed to give baby a safe, designated space to lounge and relax and they’re amazing to use for tummy time, too! If you’re trying out Dock-A-Tot for the first time, be sure to brush up on the brand’s safety tips.

More recently, the luxe baby line launched their Surrealist Dreams line which features brand new Dock-A-Tot designs and sun-shielding cabana kits to match:

surrealist dreams new dock-a-tot release

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Whether you’re a first-time nursing mama, a seasoned SAHD, or any particular parent in between, Dock-A-Tot is one of the key baby products on our must-have list. Classy and convenient, you’ll get plenty of use out of your Dock-A-Tot whether you need a place to prop baby for an at-home photoshoot or a safe space for baby to lay whether at home or on-the-go. Bookmark this page for the latest Dock-A-Tot news!

If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation.

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