Bismarck Tribune - North Dakota News - Some schools close for deer opener

Some schools close for deer opener

Nov 07, 2008 - 04:05:20 CST

DICKINSON (AP) - The opening day of deer season means no classes in some schools across North Dakota.

Hettinger Public School principal Brian Christopherson said it's a case of "just realizing that kids are going to be gone already and staff members who want to go hunting."

North Dakota's deer hunting season opens at noon Friday.

Randy Kreil, the state Game and Fish Department's wildlife division chief, said missing school for the deer opener is a long tradition in North Dakota.

"Ever since I was in high school in Devils Lake, there was all kinds of young people who missed school for the opening day of deer season. It was almost expected," Kreil said.

Each individual school board approves its own calendar, including holidays or days for compensatory time off, the North Dakota School Boards Association said. The schools must meet the state standard of 173 days of instruction, the association said.

Dickinson Trinity High School will be closed today.

"We had a group who got together, and some of our conversation was that with the number of students that would be gone, let's just 'comp' that day out on Friday and go that direction," Principal Kelly Koppinger said.

Christopherson said closing schools on during the deer opener is a good thing.

"Nowadays, you don't see as much time with parents and their children, and this is a great opportunity, I think," Christopherson said. "I think that's important in the process of education and keeping family close and talk about what's going on in their life."

Kreil said giving up one day of class time can give young people a lifetime of classes and learning experiences in the outdoors.

"I think what it does is it just re-emphasizes just how important of a tradition deer hunting is in this state," Kreil said.

A record 149,400 deer licenses were made available in North Dakota this year. The Game and Fish Department has been working in recent years to reduce deer numbers in the state, after a series of mild winters that boosted the population. This year's gun season runs through Nov. 23.

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Comments

Bis Prof wrote on Nov 14, 2008 9:40 PM:

" Mom of 2:

You may do as you wish with underage students. In college, I make the rules and young adults are the better for my tutelage.
Now, I would certainly be willing to concede an unofficial day off for the opener if we could do away with the Easter Break. Right now I am researching the other states, state laws, federal laws, etc., so that I may put together a proposition to the State Board of Higher Education for eliminating Easter Break. The spring semester has far too many holidays and I am hard pressed to present to students all the information they need. They paid for their education and should receive it in full. "

Mom of 2 wrote on Nov 14, 2008 3:19 PM:

" Why on earth would you have opening day of deer season on Veterans day? Wouldn't that take away from the purpose of Veterans day having people out hunting deer? But what do I know anyways....I have taken my children out of school for the past 5 years atleast, actually they are out Thursday too.....OMG...now I am a terrible parent for 2 whole days of missed school. You know what they have straight A's and until those 2 missed days dumbs them up I will continue to do so because I am the one who makes the calls. If another parent so chooses not too so be it but don't belittle me beacuse I do. "

Gun totin fool wrote on Nov 14, 2008 11:42 AM:

" Editor, it's so tough to stay on topic when someone has intentionally inflamed the bejesus out of the majority of the readers.

I see nothing wrong with closing schools for opening day of deer season. Especially when so many students and teachers would be gone for that day to begin with. As long as it is made up and the school meets their guidelines there's no harm, no foul. "

Online Editor wrote on Nov 13, 2008 3:11 PM:

" To readers, writers: Please focus your comments on the story, not other writers. "

JimmyCrackedCorn wrote on Nov 13, 2008 2:15 PM:

" Bis Prof, You refer to hunting as a low brow activity, which makes you a classist. Preaching to carry society out of the darkness by enlightening all those who don't think like you, makes you more ignorant and dangerous than those that simply would like to live simply. Hunting has been the sport of kings for millennia. Society would be no more or less advanced because of hunting or other low brow activities. Hunting and warfare have brought about a certain number of useful inventions. You purposely punish your students for wanting to maintain a part of their culture that has been going on for generations, and this is not your job. Yes you have the ability to do it, but that is not your job, you are an educator. Teach what is required of you. I have never tried to fail one of my students, I believe it is my job to get them to pass my class. I'm glad you recieve a raise every year, perhaps you should not rub that in the face of those that grant that raise. You and I are servants of the public, and despite our personal opinions we must be compassionate to the lives or our students.
I believe that your two attacks on idioms used by two other posters shows an inability to accept valid points. "Get off your high horse" refers to you being arrogant with you opinions, which you are. "shoving it down my throat" refers to you attempting to make them believe in your opinions, which you also are. The blog is informal, if you really need help understanding the language directed at your postings you might want to try having a conversation with someone other than yourself. If anyone would listen. "

wondering... wrote on Nov 13, 2008 2:15 PM:

" To Bis Prof.
No need to explain!
But do remember that how you treat others is often a reflection of how you really view yourself. What appears on the outside is not always as it seems.
Have a great day! "

engr wrote on Nov 13, 2008 2:14 PM:

" Bismarck Professor,

There is one thing that I do not understand. Can you explain to all of us lower class people without "Ph.D" behind our names why it is you choose to make Bismarck your home or North Dakota for that matter? It seems a large majority of your posts on this blog and others sponsored by the Bismarck Tribune bash North Dakota people and the traditions we have and hold dear.

I know you choose to stay in Bismarck for the recreational activities, the political affiliations, or the finer things in life. I know it isn't the weather or your job at BSC.

Can you step down from your anit-gravity machine and do this without insulting us?

Thank you in advance... "

Bis Prof wrote on Nov 13, 2008 12:57 PM:

" Another Hunter:

Could you please describe, using examples and detail of how I have "shoved" my opinion "down your throat?"

Then, please explain how your act of reading my posts constitutes "shoving it down your throat," when the act of posting an opinion is passive, but your act of reading my posts is active.

Wondering: Please see these posts. Do I really need to explain? "

LoveND wrote on Nov 13, 2008 12:56 PM:

" Considering how much school students miss for sporting events, should one day that is actually made up later really even be an issue? "

ljfrommin wrote on Nov 13, 2008 11:12 AM:

" Hy doesn't NDEA do their thing over the weekend? Seems like a waste of potential classroom time to me. "

Personally wrote on Nov 13, 2008 10:51 AM:

" My school isn't going to close because I have hobbies. What about the kids who don't hunt? And there are a lot out there. "

me wrote on Nov 13, 2008 7:50 AM:

" We had to laugh because of the last snow storm visibility here in garrison was like..maybe a block n a half..school stayed open til 1:30 i think it was..n the next day alot of kids were gone for opening day. Only in ND!! It dont matter to me one way or another. I just think they were crazy to go hunting in that weather!! lol "

another hunter wrote on Nov 12, 2008 4:59 PM:

" I'm a hunter also and don't think the G&F should have to change anything - if the schools decide to take the day off then sobeit. If not, either take the day off and your kid out of school, or wait till Saturday. It's not rocket science .

to Bis Prof - I agree with all the other other posters - get over yourself. You're entitled to your opinion, but don't shove it down my throat!! "

B in M wrote on Nov 12, 2008 1:50 PM:

" I'm a long-time hunter and wouldn't have a problem with G&F changing the opener to the Saturday morning instead of noon on Friday. I'l likely continue to take the friday opener off and will soon let the kids skip school when they are old enough. "

justwonder wrote on Nov 12, 2008 11:39 AM:

" First to Bis Prof: you said " Oh tsk tsk. To paraphrase another post, there are other days to hunt, like on the weekend. If I go to opening night for a new movie or see it a week later, what is the difference? There will still be deer in the woods after opening day. I am following the calendar and legal holidays as set down by the fed and the state. After 18, it'd time the young folks learn about personal responsibility and also about sacrifice. They can bond with family, traditions, and whatever else at Thanksgiving Break. Shame on any adult who condones students skipping school. "

You know what!? There is also another day to have a day of school. Majority votes, you lose. Its to bad you don't realize you are losing nothing but offering something wonderful and educational at the same time- yes, its not being taught by you that day but by relatives or friends of the students that day . Be glad we have the freedom and opportunity to make such decisions in our schools and life. You know what, we'll have the same amount of school days and school work anyway, so chill. Open your mind, don't find everything wrong with the situation look at the benefits to the kids out there getting experience not everyone has the opportunity to get! That being said, I don't hunt.

RTG: Just by your poor grammar skills I can tell you really are not so highly educated.

Lynne: HA! We are not ignorant, you are. Nuff said. "

wondering... wrote on Nov 12, 2008 9:45 AM:

" Ms. Bis. Prof
Would you kindly explain to us what it is that makes you so much better than the rest of the human race?
It can't be your education...many of us have Masters and Doctorates (some of us more than one). It musn't be your career, because professors are not that highly regarded.
It can't be your humbleness, nor your kindness.
Please tell us why you believe yourself to be so much more worthy than the rest of society. "

To Bis Prof wrote on Nov 12, 2008 7:02 AM:

" Wow, you think pretty highly of yourself! It comes through loud and clear in your writing, that you are superior to everyone else and if you don't agree with taking a day off to go hunting, then by golly, you wil make sure that everyone around you suffers because of it. Get over yourself! "

Living in MN wrote on Nov 11, 2008 10:58 PM:

" While I no longer live in ND (I live in MN) I really don't see the problem but do admire the solutions presented. I have a sister who is a teacher and my understanding has always been that they have to teach a stipulated number of days during the school year. So what's the problem if they (the schools) decide to take the day off? There are schools who close (planned ahead of time) when state tournaments roll around. As far as I know these schools close even if their team doesn't make the tourney. In MN opening day is Saturday morning at sunrise so what's the problem with chaning it in ND? The deer aren't going to know any different? "

Bis Prof wrote on Nov 11, 2008 10:40 PM:

" This is Nuts:

1) "we have vast knowledge in areas that you haven't a clue."
I doubt it.
2)"If everyone in the country had only your vast knowledge, we would have all been extinct long ago"
No, our society would be far more advanced than it is right now, possibly by nearly a 100 years.
3) Horses are SOOOOO 20th century. Ask me to step down from my anti-gravity saucer. "

To Bis Prof wrote on Nov 11, 2008 8:50 PM:

" You really need to lighten up. I'm not a hunter and neither is anyone in my family, but if people really enjoy it and it's a tradtion they do together every year, then who are you to rain on their parade? Quit being such a control freak and let people have their day. Life is so stressful and if someone wants to take a day off to do something they love, then they should have that right. You punishing them for doing that is just vindictive and petty. Life is way too short to sweat the small stuff like this. The kids will get their education, it's mandated how many days they are required to attend, and everything will be just fine. "

This is nuts wrote on Nov 11, 2008 5:53 PM:

" Ok, I apologize Ms. Prof., Just please remember, even though you may have vast knowledge in areas that we haven't, we have vast knowledge in areas that you haven't a clue. If everyone in the country had only your vast knowledge, we would have all been extinct long ago. Please get off your horse and eat some stew with the rest of us! "

Sam wrote on Nov 11, 2008 5:28 PM:

" To Bis Prof: Your 10 Nov post was - to me - a very emotional and arrogant tirade against the common man; whom you don't seem to respect, but expect yourself to be respected based on position vice earned. NowI sense ridicule in your latest post. Wasn't I married to you once? LOL "

james wrote on Nov 11, 2008 4:10 PM:

" to bis prof They should make it open on Saturday like most of the other states. I would think that would be the most logical way of doing it. "

to WTF wrote on Nov 11, 2008 3:33 PM:

" I can't believe you still don't get it - Bismarck schools have off Monday (for conferences that were already done) - well of course they were already done. The teachers had to work 2 evenings to do these conferences so either they have to be paid for an extra day or there has to be a day off from school somewhere within the school year. Their contract is only for a certain number of days. It really shouldn't matter whether it is a day off on November 10 or getting out one day earlier - they still work the same number of days. Now do you get it?? And just because you don't get Veteran's Day off, no one should? Nice. "

Bis Prof wrote on Nov 11, 2008 2:46 PM:

" Okay, I shall try again and with a different tone. Make Opening Day on Veteran's day. "

Bis Prof wrote on Nov 11, 2008 1:56 PM:

" Online Editor: my last post is not here. It addressed the issue, offered a solution, and contained no personal name-calling like some of the posts here. Therefore, I fail to understand why my comment is not posted.
Thank you,
BP "

james wrote on Nov 11, 2008 9:52 AM:

" To wtf Just because the kids get the day off does not mean I do. It is cool for the students that can drive and can hunt with their frinds but I know I can not take my Girl Friends boy out on Monday as I have to work. I did not take off friday either. I was going to take today off but that would make it so no one would be watching the shop. We can not have that. "

LDH wrote on Nov 10, 2008 9:39 PM:

" Mom 101, your post absolutely moved me. Thanks for sharing those wonderful memories of your son. "

This is nuts wrote on Nov 10, 2008 8:15 PM:

" Chet, trust me she is a prof.

A liberal elitist who deams themselves superior, with the claim of higher intellegence, 100% of which was gained from the classroom. The problem with that is, classroom experience and knowledge is just enough to get you out into the real world, which is where the real classroom begins. Those that never leave the classroom really haven't a clue, which is obvious by the small box of thought.

What she doesn't really understand, which shows her arrogance, is that she is not the only educated person here, but the rest of us are more tolerant and forgiving of louts and provincialists. When she said, "Just try to imagine you are a "holier than thou, everyone else is riff-raff" North Dakotan," I really think she is talking about her own feelings about all other people. "

engr wrote on Nov 10, 2008 7:24 PM:

" Bis Prof,

Can you and your ego fit thru the door at the same time??? My gosh... "

WTF wrote on Nov 10, 2008 6:58 PM:

" This is ridiculous! I day off to go hunting! Ummmm if you can't get it done over the weekend, you still have the following weekend. Plus in Bismarck the kids have Monday off (stupid - for teacher conferences that were already done) and Tuesday off (a day of rememberance I understand, but my job does not give me the day off, only state/fed emp). You've already got a 4 day weekend. Closing school to go hunting, um no. Are they going to close school to do a sewing weekend, or beach weekend now too???? "

Bono wrote on Nov 10, 2008 6:14 PM:

" Our kids and my spouse enjoyed some good hunting FRIDAY, Saturday and Sunday. More educational than any day in school would have been.

Sounds like Bis Prof is a control freak. Wonder if her husband enjoys living with that. Would be willing to bet she's single or divorced. Can't control the entire world. "

LDH wrote on Nov 10, 2008 5:40 PM:

" Whatever school Bis Prof teaches at, I don't want to go there. What do you teach anyway, Bis Prof? Hate 101? That's all I ever see spewing from your posts. I feel sorry for your students. "

Razors Edge wrote on Nov 10, 2008 3:48 PM:

" I have a question. Why don't we just move the opening day to Saturday/Sunday, and start at dawn like MT does? If we moved it to Saturday/Sunday you would be able to get a full day of hunting in, and students wouldn't be skipping classes. Just a thought. "

hmmmm..... wrote on Nov 10, 2008 10:46 AM:

" To Chet...
I was thinking exactly the same thing !!
I think the "prof." is just here to stir the waters (these types are called trolls on discussion boards)
I saw right through his/her games a long time ago!!!
In fact, I wonder if she/he is even from Bismarck?? "

zzz wrote on Nov 10, 2008 10:21 AM:

" Shouldn't paint all professors with the same brush -- one of those that had the greatest influence on me, an award-winning history professor, is an avid hunter. He can't wait for antelope and deer season so they're not all so inflexible. "

Chet wrote on Nov 10, 2008 10:21 AM:

" I'm beginning to think "Bis Prof" is no professor at all. Smells fishy... "

zzz wrote on Nov 10, 2008 10:17 AM:

" Professors like "Bis Prof" are why, after a year of grad school, I quit and got a job even though I wanted my masters. I got tired of people like her looking down at people like me that liked things the "average" person liked, like sports, the outdoors, etc. If you haven't been to most universities in, say 20 years or so, you'd be astounded at the elitist attitudes and just plain arrogance of so many there today. "

LoveND wrote on Nov 10, 2008 10:06 AM:

" Sounds to me like "The Great Bis Prof" has a little to much animosity toward our way of life and should maybe look for a job elsewhere. I can guarantee that if she had to tell us her real name she would be run out of the state. If nothing else the majority of her students would find another class to take. It sounds to me like she still has some lessons to learn herself...."when in rome..." "

anon wrote on Nov 10, 2008 9:21 AM:

" hunting....learn it. Besides the educational value, it provides food. You can't eat a book. "

W2 wrote on Nov 10, 2008 8:16 AM:

" I see the Bis Prof now calls herself "The Great Bis Prof." After reading her comments I wonder if she considers herself an "Egotistical Maniac?" Hmmm, very interesting indeed!! "

Bis Prof wrote on Nov 10, 2008 1:56 AM:

" The Great Bis Prof is neither anti-gun nor anti-hunting. She is anti guns on campus and anti skipping school. I am also anti-anti-intellectualism. I frown upon such things as lowbrow activities, overly emotional people and their arguments, uneducated louts, the purposefully illiterate, provincialism, rodeos, and beauty pageants. The list is too long to post. Just try to imagine you are a "holier than thou, everyone else is riff-raff" North Dakotan. Then imagine you represent all that the Bis Prof frowns upon. Then imagine that the state gives me a raise every year. "

Will wrote on Nov 10, 2008 12:54 AM:

" To Bis Prof: I know your type, I remember college, and yes I had a few professors just like you. I understand that you feel its your "responsibility" to educate us in the ways things are going to work in the "real world", that we can't skip days whenever we feel like it. But you know what WE DO!!! All you accomplish is creating disdain between you and your students which doesn't help them learn anything, or help them to want to apply themselves more. After that assignment all you do is damage everything you attempt to do. I wouldn't just trade in one day's worth of pay for that opening day, but the whole week if I had to. The time I have spent with my father, grandfather and now my own children in the field. Not to mention the lessons learned and taught in respect of the land and wildlife I wouldn't trade for anything. "

ljfrommin wrote on Nov 10, 2008 12:07 AM:

" Perhaps Bis Prof will agree that taking class time away for NDEA is also nonsense! "

james wrote on Nov 9, 2008 8:35 PM:

" bis prof. You should be ashamed of yourself for punishing students that take off a day like that. To answer your questions about the guns und I am getting A's and B's. When I get my paper stating I know something it will not state that I have a 3.?? average. It will have my full name and what it is in. Again you are a bad person for punishing anyone that takes that day off. For many they drive hundreds of miles to go hunting and it can not be done in a weekend. You are very anti-gun / anti-hunting. With that being said I would gladly fly around in a helicopter killing deer if your people win the anit-hunting case. I did it once when I was in the USMC so I guess we can do it in ND.

To Nick if you are the guy I am thinking about you are the best teacher I have ever had. "

Chet wrote on Nov 9, 2008 8:15 PM:

" To "This is Nuts"...are you referring to BSC? I thought they were a 4-year college now...? "

This is nuts wrote on Nov 9, 2008 6:05 PM:

" Bis Prof wrote on Nov 9, 2008 3:41 AM:

" I'm sorry to say, but when I read the two posts that follow mine, it reinforces why ND students need as many days of education as they can get! Good grief! What an embarrassment. "

Dear Prof. of a two year junior college; I guess I think you are an embarrassment too! Your opinions are so narrow in scope. "

Lil Sis wrote on Nov 9, 2008 12:00 PM:

" To Bis Prof: What do the students get to do to you when you take a personal day? How many times have students showed up for class only to find you aren't showing for the day? Do you give them notice? The students who are taking off for deer hunting usually give a notice. You sound very revengeful for something that is a part of our heritage here in North Dakota. Why not have missing students make up the day by writing about their hunting experience. I bet that would make enjoyable reading. I am a college student who doesn't hunt and it does not bother me that students take off for that day. There are different days that I need off and when I am gone you don't do stuff like special assignments because I took off. When teachers play your game I lose a lot of respect for them. I have sat in many college classes where the teacher wasted my time because of a no show. I didn't do anything to them because they were absent. Ease up there and ask for samples of their venison! "

larrybird wrote on Nov 9, 2008 10:05 AM:

" You know professor, "personal responsibility" and "sacrifice" are very conservative values my friend. I agree - our students do need to learn personal responsibility and sacrifice! "

Mom 101 wrote on Nov 9, 2008 8:06 AM:

" Come to my house and the first thing you see is a big buck head mount with a picture of my husband and son sporting their success. My son has a big ol' smile from ear to ear because it is his 1st buck. The picture is priceless!! You see my son passed away and looking at that picture shows me one moment in time where he was having a special time bonding with his family and friends and enjoying the nature of North Dakota. I remember the excitement of him getting to miss school to go with everyone on the hunt. If he did not miss school he would not have been able to join us in the Badlands later. Missing school that one day did not affect his education.He graduated from high schol and went on to college. My younger son now follows the same tradition. The days of hunting are more than just about shooting your deer, its getting out and seeing North Dakota RAW with family and friends. What you experience is not taught in school. When we ate deer sausage stories were shared about our hunting week-end. What you experience makes you NORTH DAKOTAN!! Priceless in this moms words. "

Interested wrote on Nov 9, 2008 7:30 AM:

" From "Make Men of Them:" After the principal business was settled in 1744 between the Virginia government and the Six Nations at the treaty of Lancaster, the commissioners offered to educate a dozen or so Indian youth at a Williamsburgh college. An Indian rule of politeness is not to answer a public proposition the same day that it is made: it would be treating it as a light matter, and they show it respect by taking time to consider it. The next day the speaker began by expressing their deep sense of kindness of the Virginia government, in making them that offer. 'For we know,' says he, 'that you highly esteem the kind of learning taught in those colleges, and that the maintenance of our young men, while with you, would be very expensive to you. We are convinced, therefore, that you mean to do us good by your proposal; and we thank you heartily. But you who are wise must know, that different nations have different conceptions of things; and you will therefore not take it amiss, if our ideas of this kind of education happen not to be the same with yours. We have had some experience of it; several of our young people were formerly brought up at the colleges of the northern provinces; they were instructed in all your sciences; but when they came back to us they were bad runners; ignorant of every means of living in the woods; unable to bear either cold or hunger; knew neither how to build a cabin, take a deer, or kill an enemy; spoke our language imperfectly; were therefore neither fit for hunters, warriors or counselors; they were totally good for nothing. We are not, however, the less obliged by your kind offer, though we decline accepting it; and to show our grateful sense of it, if the gentlemen of Virginia will send us a dozen of their sons, we will take great care of their education, instruct them in all we know, and MAKE MEN OF THEM.' "

W2 wrote on Nov 9, 2008 7:25 AM:

" It has been pointed out by several people that this day off for hunting is made up at another time during the school year. As a teacher for 30 years I can tell you that ND state law says that there must be a certain number of contact days, or teaching days, per year. Each school district can and will ajust their school calendar to have a day off now and then but they still must be in session a certain number of days per year and I think that number is 173. All you people ranting about this day off gives me the impression that you would be satisfied to have your children in school on Thanksgiving and Christmas also.

The opening day of deer hunting in ND is as close to a religious holiday as you can get and that, boys and girls, is the bottom line. I hope you all had a nice weekend hunting. "

rancher wrote on Nov 9, 2008 6:17 AM:

" Bis Prof,
Glad to see in your response you didn't answer a single one of my questions to you. Oh well - it turned out all right for all of your students because BSC was closed on Friday due to the weather. Hopefully your students made it out to hunt regardless of the snow. "

Bis Prof wrote on Nov 9, 2008 3:41 AM:

" I'm sorry to say, but when I read the two posts that follow mine, it reinforces why ND students need as many days of education as they can get! Good grief! What an embarrassment. "

free will wrote on Nov 9, 2008 12:18 AM:

" Prof, ever take a day off for personal reasons. "

This is nuts wrote on Nov 8, 2008 11:27 PM:

" After close to thirty years of dealing with it, I can tell you it is much easier to get someone to work 4th of July than it is deer opener! I wonder if a certain anti- hunting dude on this forum would approve a school day off every year to attend a ballet. I think someone got dancing slippers instead of a bb gun for their Birthday, what a shame. Of course they should have deer opener a school holiday! "

free will wrote on Nov 8, 2008 9:29 PM:

" I don't know if there is a correlation, however, it seems that hate hunting and would promote more cultural activities and education are also the same people that are pro choice.
I just scratched my head. Bone up on your debate techniques, prove a point by forcing people to make choices that really don't need to be made, or moch another culture because of the precieved short falls according to you. I hope this isn't a taste of the next four years. "

Bis Prof wrote on Nov 8, 2008 6:24 PM:

" Oh tsk tsk. To paraphrase another post, there are other days to hunt, like on the weekend. If I go to opening night for a new movie or see it a week later, what is the difference? There will still be deer in the woods after opening day. I am following the calendar and legal holidays as set down by the fed and the state. After 18, it'd time the young folks learn about personal responsibility and also about sacrifice. They can bond with family, traditions, and whatever else at Thanksgiving Break. Shame on any adult who condones students skipping school. "

larrybird wrote on Nov 8, 2008 1:03 PM:

" I think parents and families are very capable of deciding when their children can take a day off from school.

As a small-school teacher, I can tell you that we'd accomplish very little if we kept school in session on opening day for deer hunting. We're better off adding the school day elsewhere on the calendar when more students will be present. It's a good compromise. "

wg wrote on Nov 8, 2008 9:26 AM:

" I agree with those posters who realize the importance of family and traditions. "Education" in life is much more than just sitting in a classroom -- it involves extracurriculars, family guidance and traditions, community involvement and participation, faith, etc. I'm glad my parents realized this and allowed me to get involved in sports, music, church, hunting, and other activities. I've known too many people that just spent all their time in the classroom; those types may have a doctorate and a masters but half a brain and no social skills. "

Rancher wrote on Nov 8, 2008 5:29 AM:

" Bis Prof,
I bet that makes you feel tough, huh?
Wouldn't it be better to have the assignment due and those that want to go hunting could turn it in a day early? Wouldn't that show a good use of their time, initiative, and responsibility?
Instead, it appears that you are pushing your personal agenda on them. "

Nick in Bis wrote on Nov 8, 2008 1:58 AM:

" To Bis Prof: You sure are an anti-gun, anti-hunting person. I don't hunt, but I envy those who love it so much that they would miss a day of listening to you. Maybe you should broaden your horizons and try hunting some time. I didn't grow up in a hunting family and haven't yet taken the time to learn the necessary skills, but I still hope to. I think an educator who purposely punishes a student for missing a class is being bitter and vindictive. Is that the only reason students attend? My last point is that the various local school boards have decided it is in their best interests to schedule certain days off, whether for hunting or otherwise. "

Dubbles wrote on Nov 8, 2008 1:07 AM:

" Bis Prof, a typical liberal. You deciding whats right for your students lifes. "

JP wrote on Nov 8, 2008 12:53 AM:

" To Bis Prof- The fact that you find great joy in disrupting, what could be, some of the best family time many kids will ever have says much about your character. Education is more than just information... Part of a great education is learning how to work with others and being flexible. Yes, life is full of choices... and we all must make difficult choices. However, flexing your teacher muscle and requiring attendance just because you can teaches horrible social and managerial skills. "

Daycare Mom wrote on Nov 8, 2008 12:21 AM:

" Sometimes a different setting is a good educational experience. Hunting teaches children many things. One day off is not going to hurt anyone. "

Bis Prof wrote on Nov 7, 2008 10:40 PM:

" There is nothing I enjoy more than having a major assignment due on opening day and telling students that I will not accept e-mail assignments; they must attend and they must have a hard copy. At semester's end, when some students fail due to absences and failure to submit major assignments, I tell students that they made their choice: hunting was more important than their education. "

Another Current SoCal. wrote on Nov 7, 2008 9:04 PM:

" To Lynne and RTG: As a North Dakota native, I will also stand to defend my state. I have worked in a couple of states and met people from various backgrounds and education levels. Unfortunately, I have met people with a "high school" education from CA who can't write a complete sentence to save their souls. When you ask then to perform basic math functions, the first quesion is, "Where is the calculator?" I always have a feeling of pity when I see this. They speak of the "opportunities" they had over me based on where they were raised, I can only laugh (internally,of course). No need to hurt any feelings.

I will put my education, days off and all, from a town of 200 people in ND over any "big city" school. I may not be perfect, but I have the upper advantage most of the time.

Thanks to my parents and educators for caring enough to make a difference!!!!! "

LoveND wrote on Nov 7, 2008 7:48 PM:

" To RTG: So since kids miss one day of school suddenly there are no arts or culture in our schools?? How about the fact that hunting is part of our North Dakota culture? And there are a lot of lessons to be learned in hunting. Patience being number one, and everyone could use more of that. Then there is the mathematics that go into a successful shot, including proper sight angle, wind speed/direction and slope. And don't forget about the biology of cleaning a deer. "

Freemarketradical wrote on Nov 7, 2008 7:14 PM:

" It seems to me that the principal in Hettinger , probably a hunter, was just dealing with the reality of the circumstances. Good for him. School is not the only place to learn things. Does anyone really think it would be better if 1/2 the staff and students were sitting in school upset about missing opening day, a day probably talking about hunting anyway. If the parents do not like this they can elect new school board members next time and get a new principal. Besides, Adams county has way to many deer anyway.I would suggest this is community service, and those students get extra credit for every deer they get. Perhaps next year this could be a class project, allowing those kids that do not have parents or friends that hunt a chance to go. I think lots of people in and around Hettinger would agree with me. "

Career Enlisted wrote on Nov 7, 2008 6:11 PM:

" RTG, I never once said that you haven't traveled the world. I simply said that I bet I have seen parts of the world that you will never see and am willing to bet more places than you have ever been. This argument is irrelevent though. It is quite evident the type of person you are. You feel that you have to force your ideals and issues on everyone else and whoever doesn't agree with you is totally wrong. Talk about being narrow minded. It also shows how ignorant you are when you have to make it personal. You don't know my children or what type of parent I am. I grew up in the great state of ND with the family values taught to me by my father and choose to pass them on to my child. Who do you think you are to question our parenting skills? I have been quite successful in my career and even choose to defend people like you, even if you cut me and my culture down. And finally don't refer to me as a friend, I don't call people friends who think they, or their ways, are better than other Americans. "

hmmmm..... wrote on Nov 7, 2008 4:43 PM:

" To RTG
You clearly dislike ND...so why are you on a Bismarck (ND) Tribune discussion board??
If North Dakotas are so repulsive, why would you care to mingle amongst us?
Perhaps you are actually 'Lynne", trying to retaliate against what others wrote about you earlier?? "

yago wrote on Nov 7, 2008 3:49 PM:

" I do live here...by choice...and think that having kids miss school for hunting is something that needs to be reconsidered. And please don't compare to other reasons why kids miss school - it's hunting - very simple. I have a son, and I hunt - he will not miss school for hunting - it's called the weekend, get to know it. Compare school stats? We in America are WAY behind - so your saying that in North Dakota "we are the best of the worst?" What kind of message are you supporting? Keep your kids in school, and continue to instill ND values in them - they are great - but don't take them out of school to hunt - maybe I should take them out to fish - how about a water park - maybe a day at the mall - stop being silly. And let people have an opinon - who do you think you are that you can regulate people's thoughts? "

RTG wrote on Nov 7, 2008 3:41 PM:

" To my dear friend Career Enlisted: You begin your statement with assuming that I have not traveled the world. Of course your narrow minded and wrong. I work for United Health Group a multi- national and multi-billion dollar company and travel the world. The second part of your argument is clearly wrong!!! I live in Plymouth MN. This was voted the #1 city to live in the country!!! I was conclude that you should not be so quick to judge and be open to other opinions besides your own. If you look at my statements, they are indisputable and based on factual information. I learned that in debate class that you should have an opinion and then back up your opinion with factual information!!! You must of missed that class because you were busy hunting!!!! I feel bad for your children! "

Career Enlisted wrote on Nov 7, 2008 3:25 PM:

" To RTG, It is quite evident that you do not live here in ND. As you can probably see from my screen name that I have been outside of this state and around the world. I can just about assure you that I have seen many more areas and cultures then you ever will. With that being said I chose to come back here to this great state to continue my career. What business is it of yours how we choose to run our school system? Tell us where you are from and let's compare school statistics. Along with that let's compare our childrens work ethics and crime statistics. I, along with many others, feel it is wonderful that we cherish our family values and traditions. Why don't you keep your opinions and judgements to yourself and let us live our lives as we choose. "

RTG wrote on Nov 7, 2008 2:57 PM:

" Are you people kidding me!!!!!! Education should be most important!!!! I wonder why does the population in ND continue to decrease.........why are small towns closing up????? where are the arts and culture?????? Why are you not asking these questions????? Too busy hunting!!!! what a joke! wake up!!! There are other states beyond your borders....take a chance and look outside your box and figure it out!!!! "

Ryan wrote on Nov 7, 2008 2:38 PM:

" I guess Lynne would prefer having someone else watch their children as opposed to spending it with family. Go get another Starbucks and stay out of here. "

Caleb wrote on Nov 7, 2008 1:32 PM:

" I currently live in North carolina but am looking into relocating to ND. Of course in NC we don't have the day off for opening day but we had about 75% gone anyway. Sounds great, I like they way family seems to play a big role out there. Good luck hunting, and I hope I do the same here. God bless. "

So.Cal wrote on Nov 7, 2008 12:15 PM:

" I am a born and raised North Dakotan, who now lives in California and I have to say that I completely agree with LoveND. If half of the class was going to be gone the other half would probably have a "free day". I have one child who is not yet of school age, but I would give almost anything to move back to ND, where family and tradition are actually important to people. My boss was just telling me that, here in CA, after teacher conferences, at the end of October, the students do not go two full weeks of school until January; and not to mention they start the end of August and do not get out until mid - to - late June because they have so many days off during the year. So, I see nothing wrong with taking a break to let people spend time with their families doing something that they love. "

LoveND wrote on Nov 7, 2008 11:06 AM:

" This is my 10th deer season in North Dakota, and unfortunately it is the first time I will have to miss opening day due to finally establishing my career. I was one of the few girls in school who missed a day for opener, but I was among many of the boys. Schools aren't compromising education by closing that day, if nothing else they are improving it. In smaller schools typically half, if not more, of the students are gone for opening day. So the students who are in school just play games or watch movies. The teachers don't actually teach because they would just have to do it over again on Monday. By taking this day off and inserting a day somewhere else more students can benefit from that day. And I'm with Dubble.... I'm glad this state still honors family and tradition, someone has to. "

dave wrote on Nov 7, 2008 10:38 AM:

" Lynne, tell us where you live.......maybe California? "

Law wrote on Nov 7, 2008 10:20 AM:

" Lynne, what says because the kids get a day off from school they have less education. No matter what they get 173 days of instruction. It could be in one chunk or there could be breaks every now and then. ( Ever look at a school calendar). ND students rank very high, we compete very well outside of our state, many small town students have gone on to great things, we run large corporations, we are high ranking military officers, we are high ranking govt officials in other states and nationally. Your ignorant statement should have been ignored but I wanted you to know I would take a ND education any day over a NY or a California one. "

i luv ND wrote on Nov 7, 2008 9:52 AM:

" To Lynne: Most other schools in urban areas have to take at least one day off a year for bomb threats, I would much rather have it be a day off to go hunting with their family. "

educator wrote on Nov 7, 2008 9:52 AM:

" Education is very important in ND but so is family and keeping family traditions alive. Schools can schedule a certain amount of days off throughout the year, so some schools decide to take opening deer season off and maybe have a shorter Christmas break. We are not putting anything in front off education, we are giving the students of ND one of the best educations in the nation and preparing them for life after school whether it be in ND or any other state. So Lynne the commit about ignorance, you might want to look in the mirror. "

Shirley wrote on Nov 7, 2008 9:47 AM:

" Lynne, thanks so much for your comment........have you ever had a look at where our children stand nationally with other kids in the nation? Their test scores are always higher than the national average. Our education system is on a much higher level than the national average....and yet you, a person who doesn't even live here feels it necessary to critisize us....Thankx!!! So glad you moved away.....only the smart ones stay. "

Dubble wrote on Nov 7, 2008 9:35 AM:

" Family and tradition first. Glad to see it still happening in this day and age. "

Lynne wrote on Nov 7, 2008 7:07 AM:

" Yet another reason I am thankful for having moved away from North Dakota. Education is second to everything. Wake-up before it's too late, you are putting hunting above the education of your children. The education provided in North Dakota is already greatly lacking as compared to much of the nation. Children growing up in North Dakota are given no chance to compete outside of your state. Perhaps that is the plan, to trap them in North Dakota with their ignorance of the world and lack of education so they are forced to remain. "

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