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Schools

Let the 'Moms Talk' Begin! Introducing the First Moms Council Member and Our First, Grinding Issue

Moms Talk appears each Wednesday at 1 p.m. on Geneva Patch! The topic of discussion today is the new "no-grinding rule" for high school dances. Is it a good thing or does it infringe on students' rights to free expression?

Hi!  I'm Kyla Keime, and I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to bring you Moms Talk—a discussion platform by moms, for moms—and dads too, now and then.

Every Wednesday at 1 p.m. you will be able to read an article based on a topic that will be on the minds of moms in Geneva, thanks to the Geneva Patch Moms Council. (More on that later.)

After you read the article, post your thoughts and feelings in the comments area, and  hopefully we will begin and continue an interesting conversation between moms in a friendly forum where we can voice opinions, offer advice and find support.

Find out what's happening in Genevawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

So, who am I and why am I doing this?

Well, here's the "who" first. I've been a resident of Geneva since 1998. I live on the East Side with my husband, Erich, and our two children, Taylor and Morgan—Oh and throw in a dog and a few fish, too! My son, Taylor, is a sixth-grader at Geneva Middle School South, and my daughter, Morgan, is in fourth grade at Harrison Street School.

Find out what's happening in Genevawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

You don't need any special credentials to be a mom in Geneva or a member of our Moms Council, but like many moms, I'm involved in school activities and extracurriculars. I'm the PTO co-president for Harrison Street School, a member of the CUSD 304 Joint PTO and the Geneva Middle School South PTO  (and the sixth-grade Jivin' Geneva chair!)

I'm a member of Geneva Music Boosters, a liaison to Geneva Academic Foundation for HSS PTO, and the (I am not making this up) "Co-Popcorn Kernal" for Boy Scout Troop 37. I co-lead Junior Girl Scout Troop 4467, and I teach Sunday School at St. Mark's Episcopal Church.

Like a lot of moms, I work full time, and I'm proud to say that I'm going to run my first half-marathon on May 1.

So, with all of that, why do I want to be a part of Geneva Patch's Mom's Council? Great question, and the answer is fairly simple: I love my kids, and I am passionate about my community. I feel it's my duty to raise them to be caring, resposible citizens. What better way to lead than by doing? 

I also feel this forum can be something special—something that maybe hasn't existed before, that's a little groundbreaking and can be a great resource for Geneva moms on the go.

Let's start by hearing from you!

In the comment section, say "Hi." Let me know who you are, where you are and what you want to hear or read about on Moms Talk. Tell me about your kids, their school, your family, your concerns—anything that really thumps on your heart.  Does something happen that makes you say, "Hey, I am glad I live in Geneva," or yesterday did something really grind your gears?  What topics are important for you? 

Let's get it going on this column. Let's create some new bonds, make some new friendships and celebrate the joys, responsibility and challenges of raising kids in Geneva.

Now, about this Moms Council. We are looking for moms who are willing to meet once a month to touch base and discuss Moms Talk. The Mom Council will set the general theme for the articles in the Moms Talk column, provide Geneva Patch Editor Rick Nagel with guidance on what stories you'd like to see and help nominate a Geneva Whiz Kid each week. If you are interested or if you've expressed an interest to Rick in the past couple weeks, please e-mail me at keime@sbcglobal.net

Don't forget to register for a Geneva Patch account. It's quick and free, so sign up today!

Today's topic is the "no grinding" edict for Geneva Community High School dances. Is it a good idea? Should students who don't like the policy have an opportunity to express their opinion or submit a petition to change the policy? Is it limiting freedom of expression? Or is it the best thing since the smoking ban in restaurants?

Let us know what you think!

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The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?