Hempstead County Quorum Court

The Hempstead County Quorum Court met in the Courthouse on Thursday (10-24). After the prayer and pledge the minutes from the previous meeting were approved.  Bonnie Raff of the John Cain Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution then spoke about November 1st as Family Literacy Day. She said many students can read quite well but lack the comprehension. Raff goes into the schools and pulls 2nd and 3rd graders out of the classroom individually to read to her. She talks with the students and checks their levels of comprehension. Raff said in 4th grade there is said to be a transition where students change from learning to read to reading to learn.  Raff quoted the statistic that two-thirds of the students who cannot read proficiently in fourth grade will end up in jail or on welfare. She also said the attention span is the biggest issue in school. Raff said goldfish have an attention span of 9.0 second while adults have that of 8.25 seconds. She said she uses blinders and a board to keep students focused. Raff encouraged parents, especially Hispanic ones, to hold up and identify items in the kitchen.

Terrie James talked about a “Pink Pancake” breakfast at Hempstead Hall starting at 10:15am Saturday (10-26) promoting awareness of breast cancer and honoring survivors as well at those fighting it and those who have been lost to it.

The Veterans Day events were presented to the JP’s.  A parade is set for November 8th at 6pm for veterans.   The Veterans Day program is set for 11am on November 11th at the old courthouse.  Following the program, a fish fry will be held for veterans, their partners or spouses, and gold star families.  The fish will be prepared by the Hope Lions Club.  Non-veterans can eat for $10.

The meeting adjourned.