50 Questions to Ask Relatives About Family History

A great way to uncover clues to your family history or to get great quotes for journaling in a heritage scrapbook is a family interview. By asking the right, open-ended questions, youre sure to collect a wealth of family tales. Use this list of family history interview questions to help you get started, but be sure to personalize the interview with your own questions as well. 50 Questions to Ask Your Relatives What is your full name? Why did your parents select this name for you? Did you have a nickname?When and where were you born?How did your family come to live there?Were there other family members in the area? Who?What was the house (apartment, farm, etc.) like? How many rooms? Bathrooms? Did it have electricity? Indoor plumbing? Telephones?Were there any special items in the house that you remember?What is your earliest childhood memory?Describe the personalities of your family members.What kind of games did you play growing up?What was your favorite toy and why?What was your favorite thing to do for fun (movies, beach, etc.)?Did you have family chores? What were they? Which was your least favorite?Did you receive an allowance? How much? Did you save your money or spend it?What was school like for you as a child? What were your best and worst subjects? Where did you attend grade school? High school? College?What school activities and sports did you participate in?Do you remember any f ads from your youth? Popular hairstyles? Clothes?Who were your childhood heroes?What were your favorite songs and music?Did you have any pets? If so, what kind and what were their names?What was your religion growing up? What church, if any, did you attend?Were you ever mentioned in a newspaper?Who were your friends when you were growing up?What world events had the most impact on you while you were growing up? Did any of them personally affect your family?Describe a typical family dinner. Did you all eat together as a family? Who did the cooking? What were your favorite foods?How were holidays (birthdays, Christmas, etc.) celebrated in your family? Did your family have special traditions?How is the world today different from what it was like when you were a child?Who was the oldest relative you remember as a child? What do you remember about them?What do you know about your family surname?Is there a naming tradition in your family, such as always giving the firstborn son the name o f his paternal grandfather?What stories have come down to you about your parents? Grandparents? More distant ancestors?Are there any stories about famous or infamous relatives in your family?Have any recipes been passed down to you from family members?Are there any physical characteristics that run in your family?Are there any special heirlooms, photos, bibles or other memorabilia that have been passed down in your family?What was the full name of your spouse? Siblings? Parents?When and how did you meet your spouse? What did you do on dates?What was it like when you proposed (or were proposed to)? Where and when did it happen? How did you feel?Where and when did you get married?What memory stands out the most from your wedding day?How would you describe your spouse? What do (did) you admire most about them?What do you believe is the key to a successful marriage?How did you find out you  were going to be a parent for the first time?Why did you choose your childrens names?What was y our proudest moment as a parent?What did your family enjoy doing together?What was your profession and how did you choose it?If you could have had any other profession what would it have been? Why wasnt it your first choice?Of all the things you learned from your parents, which do you feel was the most valuable?What accomplishments were you most proud of?What is the one thing you most want people to remember about you? While these questions make great conversation starters, the best way to uncover the good stuff is through more of a storytelling session than a QA.

School Uniforms Should They Be Required in Public...

Every year there is a large debate about school uniforms and whether they should be required in our public schools, or not. Some parents and school staff think that uniform policies should be enforced, as they feel it provides a sense of safety, structure, a lack of ridicule and modesty to our children. On the other hand, there are parents that argue that it takes away a child’s freedom of expression, independence, free spirit and individuality. Both parties have good and effective arguments and I hope to provide insight into this subject, so that you can gather current and valid information. There are many dangers that children have to face when going to school. There is a lot of school violence that can cause children to dread going†¦show more content†¦school to adopt a uniform policy. The policy was to help with cost of clothing and to curb social pressures (Konhelm, Kalkstein). There was another study on the other side of the U. S. in the 1995, Long Beach, Califo rnia, got a lot of attention, because the school the school implemented a school uniform policy. â€Å"The result was that the policy was supporting the implications in 70 schools with around 60,000 students, kindergarten to eighth grade. In the first five years there was a dramatic difference in school violence and misbehavior, the overall crime rate dropped by 91 percent, sex offences dropped by 96 percent, and vandalize had gone down 60 percent, reported Jasmine L. Konheim-Kalkstein. New York City has allowed school districts to choose whether they want to implement school uniform policies, in 1999, 70 percent adopted uniform policies. Forty years ago, the Supreme Court issues a landmark student speech decision, Tinker vs. Des Moines Independent Community school district, stating that students do not â€Å"shed their constitutional rights to freedom of expression at the school house gate.† There have been court hearings all the way up to the Supreme Court. One example wou ld be in September 2007; Paul Paulmer went to school wearing a San Diego logo’s shirt. The school said that was that was inappropriate because it wasn’t following a dress code. So, he had his parents bring him another shirt, it said John Edward’s for President 08’ on the front, and theShow MoreRelatedShould Uniforms Be Required For Public School Students?1203 Words   |  5 PagesThe idea of uniforms being required for public school students has been a widely controversial topic in the recent past. In the 2003-2004 school year, only one in eight public schools required students to wear uniforms (ProConorg Headlines). In the 2013-2014 school year, one in five public schools required students to wear uniforms (ProConorg Headlines). This essay will discuss the reasons that uniforms restrict the individuality of students, burdens families that cannot afford two sets of clothesRead MoreThe Fashion Industry1447 Words   |  6 Pages decorative cities but also into the lives and environments of public schools and their students. The insertion of so called â€Å"fashion† into the public school environment can be taken either as noble or corrupt; however in this case, there is nothing spectacular about the so called â€Å"fashion† and or â€Å"self-representation† that students are claiming to be wearing in today’s society. Not only has the non-uniform policies at public schools aloud students to wear pretty much whatever they want, with someRead More Uniforms in Schools Essay541 Words   |  3 PagesUniforms in Schools School uniforms in public schools are becoming increasingly popular across the nation. The public school system would benefit greatly if this policy were to be adopted. Opposition is always a factor when trying to make changes. Taking all things into consideration, the positive effects would be far greater than the negative effects. School uniforms should be required in public schools because their use would lead to higher education, less violence, and lower cost to parentsRead MoreWhy School Uniforms And Low Income Areas1512 Words   |  7 Pages Why are required school uniforms always discussed in low income areas vs. medium or high income areas? The fact that required uniforms are well established in low income areas.The question is why are required uniforms so popular in low income areas?Will require school uniforms in low income areas in Chicago drive students to become more successful? It seems that there are no reasons for middle/higher income areas to implement these require d policies since there are a lower percent of â€Å"at risk† studentRead MoreSchool Uniforms : A Veil Of Creativity1615 Words   |  7 PagesEnglish III Honors 12 November 2015 School Uniforms : A Veil of Creativity Although the uniform requirement has just been recently imposed, uniforms have been in existence for several centuries now. The first documented usage of a ‘standard’ garment in education was in 1222, where students were required to wear a â€Å"cappa clausa† or a robe-like outfit. School uniforms make schools a less happier place. School uniforms restricts self expression. Having required uniforms in a school’s curriculum negativelyRead MorePersuasive Against School Uniforms716 Words   |  3 Pagesyou think school uniforms will help your child not become bullied? Well, you’re wrong. Studies are showing that school uniforms are beginning to cause bullying instead of preventing it. School uniforms are becoming a bigger and bigger problem in today’s society. They are very expensive, they do not allow students to express themselves, and they are not helpful for students to try and find out who they are. On average parents will pay close to $ 300 per child every year for school uniforms. StudentsRead MoreSchool Uniforms And Its Effect On Self Image1548 Words   |  7 PagesMost commonly found in private schools, school uniforms are slowly being adopted by public schools in the US. In the 2003-2004 school year every one in eight schools required uniforms; in the 2011-2012 school year that number had increased to every one in five schools (ProCon.org). As violence increased, schools started enforcing uniforms thinking that it would solve the violence. School uniforms were created in England in the 16th century for students referred to as the â€Å"charity children† (ProConRead MoreEssay on The Benefits of Uniform Adoption in Public Schools1278 Words   |  6 PagesNowadays, public school and many districts are discussing the possibilities of enforcing the uniform policy. In most places, many private schools already require students to have their mandatory uniforms; however, there are only a few public schools ado pting this mandatory school-uniform polices as one of their enrollment requirements. The reason why not all public schools participated was because people believe that they are violating the freedom of choice when enforcing this mandatory uniform policy;Read MoreEssay on Three Reasons Why Public Schools Should Wear Uniforms664 Words   |  3 Pagesseen here, in the USA few public schools have need of students to wear a uniform. I went to school in Mexico City and I got to wear uniform every day. It is very common there for students to be dress in uniforms. Most of the time, I think kids in this country are very spoiled and very selfish too. For them to wear an uniform to go to school it is very offensive. The reason is they think they can no longer express themselves. I agree that asking students to wear a uniform won’t change their attitudeRead MoreSchool Uniforms Persuasive Essay1470 Words   |  6 PagesBenefits of Uniform Adoption in Public Schools Ever wonder what it would look like to have all students wearing the same white polo shirt, black pants, and a district sweater walking in the hallway? Nowadays, public school and many districts are discussing the possibilities of enforcing the uniform policy. In most places, many private schools already require students to have their mandatory uniforms; however, there are only a few public schools adopting this mandatory school-uniform polices

Vandalism in the Philippines Causes and Consequences free essay sample

Vandalism is the willful or malicious destruction or defacement of public or private property and the one who carries out action of vandalism are called vandals. 1 It includes behavior such as breaking windows, slashing tires and destroying a computer system through the use of a computer virus. It involves criminal damages to people’s property without the permission of the owner. It can be also in the form of graffiti in a non-authorized or government infrastructures and properties. Vandalism is a crime. It is one of the most common offended crimes in the Philippines. According to the 14th congress of the Philippines Senate Bill No. 3042 or Anti-Vandalism Act of 2009: Any person who shall commit any of the aforementioned acts of vandalism shall, in addition to payment of the expenses for restoration of the property vandalized, suffer the following penalties: A. For the First Offense, the payment of a fine in the amount of PhP5, OOO; B. For the Second Offense, the payment of a fine in the amount of PhP8, OOO; and C. For the Third Offense, the payment of a fine in the amount of PhP10, 000, plus imprisonment of not less than 30 days but not more than one (1) year depending on the gravity of the infraction. In determining the gravity of the infraction, the court shall consider the extent and the amount of the damage caused to the property in question. 2 Despite the act implemented by the government, many people still engages in the activity. Some had taken the government law for granted while others intentionally break the law in defiance to the government. Cases are still rampant that mainly involves delinquent juveniles. There are many traces of vandalism everywhere most common of which is in school. Sticky gums under a seat, scribbles and useless words written in permanent ink on desks, broken classroom windows and backstabbing words and gossips in the walls of both male and female comfort rooms, all of these are examples of school vandalism. Why students often commit vandalism? There are many types of vandalism according to a leading writer on Criminology and Sociology Stanley Cohen and those are3: 1. Acquisitive Vandalism- committed to obtain property or money. Ex. Looting and petty theft 2. Tactical Vandalism- used to accomplish goals or to advance some end other than acquiring money or property. Ex. Setting a fire to a school property to set the fire alarm to get the classes cancelled 3. Ideological Vandalism- oriented toward a social or political cause or to deliver a message Ex. Damaging school properties as protest against school rules 4. Vindictive Vandalism- done by individuals seeking for revenge Ex. Writing mean words in a girl’s comfort room walls to expose a bully. 5. Play Vandalism- occur when youth intentionally damage a property during horse play Ex. Students roughly playing balls purposely hits the principal’s glass window. 6. Malicious Vandalism- damage caused by a violent outpouring or expressing diffuse frustration and rage. Ex. A guy dumped by a girl he likes punched the male comfort room’s mirror. Vandalism may take on many forms and serves different purposes, committing it is still a crime. In order for this crime to be prevented, there are several factors contributing to school vandalism that are needed to be considered4 Offenders Characteristics Majority of people who commit vandalism are adolescents that is why among places, school is the most prone to vandalism. Typically, young group of female and male delinquent juveniles. Vandalism is more common on high school students since they are more emotionally disturbed compared to college students and working adults. Young generation often find graffiti as an art rather than a crime. Motivation Adolescents often find reasons to commit vandalism. Peer influence can be a major motivator for teenagers to thrash and damage school properties. Vandalism can also be a cause of students going through depression and those without parental supervision. Most high school students can easily get emotional and more likely to shift that feeling into destruction. Some are just motivated to commit vandalism because of boredom. Times Time can be a significant factor that contributes to vandalism because it tells the possible occurrence of the crime. Vandalism often occurs at night where school grounds are empty and few security guards roam the halls and corridors. High proportion of vandalism occurrence is when schools are unoccupied, before and after school hours, in weekends or during vacation. Targets Vandals often choose properties that are easily accessible and sometimes of great value. Schools are prime target for vandalism for a number of reasons: They have high concentrations of potential offenders in high-risk age groups. They are easily accessible They are symbols of social order and middle-class values Some youth believe that public property belongs to no one, rather than to everyone Other public establishments can also be a potential target to vandals because of their failure to provide their own maintenance of security and supervisions of properties. To further discuss the case of vandalism, I conducted an online survey with 20 respondents in Domingo Lacson National High School in Bacolod City and accumulated the following results: Figure 1 The figure shows the number of students that answered YES and NO when asked if they committed vandalism. Among them, 14 students answered YES which gathered 70% of the whole sample. It shows that there are really many students that are engaged in the activity. Figure 2 Figure 2 show that among those that are guilty of vandalism, they commonly do it intentionally for play. Most students commit vandalism because they are just bored. Some find the crime fun during horseplay. Figure 3 Figure 3 show that most students have known other people committing vandalism. These is true to some students, they know someone doing the crime but don’t tell it to the people in authority. Some even joins them. Figure 4 Figure 4 shows that among the 20 respondents, few of them have been a victim of vandalism. Based on the previous figures, there are many vandals compared to the victims. The essence of the survey is to show how vandalism is becoming more rampant and common among students, many of which easily gets away with the crime. Few are victims because many are vandals. Some victims want to get even so they become vandals too. Effects of Vandalism Restoration of damage properties takes a lot of time, effort and money. Schools pay a potential amount of money just by cleaning graffiti on walls and repairing broken doors and windows. It could also discourage potential investors and sponsors. Vandalism is a major loss for the school budgets that could have been intended for necessary expenses. Not only does vandalism affect school finance, it also ruins the school reputation. Vandalism makes the school environment dirty and gives idea to parents and other people that the school is unsafe for their children. Vandalism can have a great effect on students too. It causes emotional damage to those students that are victims of it. It makes students feel unsafe and unsecured within school grounds. Vandalism can also set a bad example to other students and will increase the rate of juvenile delinquency. Taking actions against Vandalism The government has ever since carried out many ways to minimize vandalism such as fines, imprisonment, or both. However, the law alone is not enough to stop vandalism. It is important for the school to plan necessary actions to minimize its impacts. Strengthen security control Schools should increase the number of security guards for supervision especially during night hours to deter unauthorized entry. It is also important for schools to have a CCTV for surveillance. Use of printed media Slogans and posters around school can be an effective way of transmitting information to the students of the impact of vandalism. It is also good to put warning signs around potential vandal targets to constantly remind them. Penalty Increasing or implementing school penalties could be a way for students to hesitate in committing future vandals. The government may have imposed a law but that alone doesn’t stop it. Setting prohibitions won’t necessarily eradicate vandals. What is in need now is the wide spread of vandalism awareness especially to young age groups. Reduction of cases of vandalism must start with the younger generation and that is by making sure that he or she has no reasons to do it. Adults must set a good example to them and give them utmost attention. It is a good way to minimize vandalism through sublimation. Channel potentials of graffiti vandals into a legal art. Give them opportunity to showcase their own talent without breaking rules like providing them a place for mural paintings. Young children must learn to respect other people’s property so that in the future they will not commit vandalism. In the end, it will come to the responsibility of the parents and the teachers to govern the students at school. They must be able to meet students’ social, educational, and emotional needs. Schools with either an oppressive or neglectful administrative style suffer from high risk of vandalism. The government might not be able to completely eradicate vandals but it is worth doing it one step at a time starting from school where students’ learn and grow. Vandalism is a crime; it is neither an art nor a hobby. People committing an act of crime are considered criminals, so vandals are criminals. The children are the future; we don’t want ours to be criminals.