Sunday, October 12, 2025

YR 2025 Election, Nov 4th (Legislative Propositions, School Districts Candidates)

November 4th, 2025 Election Issues 

Proposition LL  NO

Proposition MM  NO

Please read this Gazette Editorial   Voting" yes" will move citizens closer to a Marxist outcome by giving the responsibility that rightfully belongs to Parents, to government.   I could not have written better.  Increase in taxes for nearly ANY reason decreases a person's Liberty

 El Paso County Commissioner

  • Lauren Nelson Vote YES
  • Ryan Graham Vote YES
Manitou Springs
Once again...Every tax increase is a direct assault on your personal Liberty.  Please read this Gazette Editorial to better understand the ramifications.  
 
SCHOOL BOARD CANDIDATES  
No other political position is more important to the future of our great country.  It has been almost totally ignored for more than seven decades, as we've allowed the Unions to take control.

General points to consider:
Many candidates as well as existing Directors use the phrase  "our children" which then creates a parental mentality.  The children must be considered the Parents' children.  If school board members understood that concept, they would think twice about usurping parental responsibilities with District policies.

Nearly all candidates and Directors consider that the school works for the "Community."  Instead the focus should be to the Parents and voters w/in the District they represent. That is why we have school DISTRICTS.

Most impotently, Colorado's Democrat-controlled legislature has passed several bills that require districts to create policies, many of which are immoral, and go against the values of the most parents who are trying to bring up their children with sound beliefs/faith as advocated by our Founding Fathers and Bill of Rights.  In making sure that those immoral ideologies are not communicated to the children, the boards must refuse to develop such policies.  Thomas Jefferson's quote: “If a law is unjust, a man is not only right to disobey it, he is obligated to do so.” Nearly all districts place man's law above God's.

Closely examine a candidate's campaign material and you will find that nearly all candidates talk in generalities, with no specifics:. For example, "Safety" is mentioned by nearly all candidates, but I doubt that any candidate knows that over the past ten years, the Colorado legislature passed 15 bills dealing with school safety and allocated over $42 Million towards implementation.  Perhaps the first thing to check on before developing even more related school policies is to review every one of those fifteen laws to ensure that, if appropriate, they are being adhered to.

I strongly suggest that you ONLY vote for the candidates you KNOW are the best. even if the you don't voter for ALL you are allowed.  Such voting will place more importance on the ones you want elected.

D2 Widefield
  • Luis Ybarra: YES Endorsed by Moms for Liberty.  Also received MY endorsement.
  • Pamela Jones: YES improve facilities (e.g., HVAC, security); expand CTE and arts programs; promote transparency in budgeting; support diverse learning options for military families  https://pamela4wsd3.com 
  • Robin Jones YES 
  • William Dolphin NO  Supported by Teachers Union.
  • Michelle Hubbard NO  Supported by Teachers Union.

D11 Colorado Springs

  • Bruce Cole: YES Oppose master agreement return (hinders innovation); "back to basics" academics, accountability, safety; infrastructure fixes; student growth over bureaucracy.
  • Jeremiah Johnson: YES  Accelerate progress (e.g., 10 schools now removed from state watch list); student safety, bureaucracy reduction; security expansion (trained personnel, police partnerships); metrics transparency.
  • Michelle Ruehl: YES  Address low proficiency (38% ELA, 29% math); bold leadership for global prep; teacher pay, mental health; facility/infrastructure upgrades; end failing system.
  • Charles Johnson  Leans pro-Union
  • Michael Carsten  Pro-Union
  • LeAnn Baca Bartlett  Pro Union
D12  Cheyenne Mountain
  • Janna Blanter: YES - fiscal transparency and efficient budgeting to maintain low tax rates while funding facilities upgrades; emphasizes merit-based incentives over collective bargaining expansions.
  • David Schultz: YES favors flexible, performance-tied support rather than rigid union structures; board transparency and reducing administrative bureaucracies to benefit classrooms.
  • Jessica Lehman: NO Pro-Union 
  • Kara Mehall; NO Core academics (reading/math proficiency) and school safety measures; parental involvement in curriculum decisions; opposition to "ideological" elements in education, focusing on "basics" over social initiatives; prioritizes direct accountability to parents and administration.
D20 Academy
  • Edward Waldrep: YES, YES Endorsed by Moms for Liberty. Also received MY endorsement. Maintaining high accreditation by focusing on proficiency scores; budget efficiency to fund teacher incentives without tax hikes. Safeguard children from Gender-Affirming "Care." Supports educators via merit-based reforms; views unions as potential barriers.  Need strong American History teaching component. No CRT or DEI. No boys in girls sports.
  • Cynthia Halverson: YES YES Moms for Liberty endorsed. Also received MY endorsement.  Focus on "traditional values" (e.g., book reviews on explicit content); facility upgrades from bond; parental voice in decisions like library access policies.
    emphasizes parent-led education over union negotiations).
  • Holly Tripp; NO Parental rights and curriculum transparency (e.g., limiting "inappropriate" library materials); school safety enhancements; fiscal oversight of 2024 bond projects to prioritize basics over "ideological" initiatives. Aligns with anti-progressive board; focuses on family/admin accountability. OK with "developmentally-appropriate content" in classrooms.
  • Renee Ludlam: NO Equity and mental health support for all students; transparent bond spending; rebuilding trust post-lawsuit by depoliticizing board (e.g., opposing CHSAA suit). She equates dealing with Transgender issues is politicizing issue.
    Advocates collaborative teacher support but no explicit union expansion.
  • Brian Moody: NO Few funds raised. Apparently not running.
  • Susan Payne: NO Student achievement via core academics; Favors "Restorative Justice." Prioritizes direct parental involvement; critical of external influences like unions. Was responsible for all children in all school districts having to wear masks during Covid-19. Personal LIBERTY and Parent Authority both ignored when enforcing the mask mandate. Prioritizes educator input via partnerships;
  • Jennafer Stites; NO Academic access for underserved groups; safety and facility equity via bond oversight; inclusive policies without politicization (critical of trans ban).
  • Prioritizes educator input via partnerships; no pro-bargaining stance)
  • Brandon Clark: NO Student-centered innovation (e.g., STEM/CTE expansion); teacher retention through professional development; community healing from divisions on cultural issues. Focuses on staff incentives; educator-friendly but non-union specific).
D38 Lewis Palmer

  • Tim Bennett: YES  Prioritize core academics, transparency, and depoliticizing education; support school choice (charters, homeschooling); advocate secure facilities (e.g., armed staff with ROI focus); single-user restrooms for gender issues; proactive parent-teacher communication; seek state funding reforms.
  • Ginger Schaaf: YES  Support broad options (charters, special ed, homeschool); educator-led curriculum with parent opt-outs; ban cell phones in school; birth-gender facilities/sports; strengthen mental health and advisory committees; transparent budgeting and mill levy understanding
  • Jackie Burhans: NO Pro-Union 
D49 Falcon
  • Jamilynn D'Avola: YES YES STRONG, courageous, moral conservative. Moms For Liberty endorsedAlso received MY endorsementAcademic excellence and personalized learning (e.g., expanding CTE/STEM pathways); teacher recruitment /retention through competitive pay.; fiscal transparency amid growth to avoid tax increases while funding infrastructure. Be sure to check Jamilynn's website.
  • Lori ThompsonYES. Conservative; pro-parental rights and teacher support; backed by Republican-linked groups (e.g., Springs Opportunity Fund); focuses on community needs without overt culture war emphasis
  • Holly Hagler Withers: NO  Advocate for underserved kids in classrooms. 
    Advocates for collaborative mental health support in schools; prioritizes inclusive education and student well-being; inclusive leanings; emphasizes collaboration over ideology; supports mental health as core to education,
  • Chris Harrell: NO Collaborative approach to mental health (school-based support with parental input); prioritizes student development and addressing daily needs in a growing district. 
  • Ivy Liu: Vote NO Running same district as Jamilynn D'Avola. Curriculum review; oppose SEL/CRT; emphasize American values and parental involvement. 
RE2 Woodland Park
  • Clayton Austin: YES  Diplomatic leadership, end "us vs. them" divide; focus on post-K-12 preparedness, classical American history; ban cell phones, prioritize facilities/teacher pay; parental primary role, opt-in sex ed (anatomy only); two genders, protect facilities/sports.
  • Norman Michaels YES Prioritize teachers/students, trim waste, protect from politics/lawsuits; support trades training, American Birthright curriculum; ban cell phones, oppose graphic sexual materials/LGBT topics in sex ed; armed security expansion; parental opt-in/out, transparency portal.
  • Kassidi Gilgenast NO Strategic vision, transparent governance, collaboration, fiscal responsibility; heal divisions via unity/common ground; data-driven decisions, stakeholder engagement; model ethical leadership for students.
  • Laura Gordon NO Didn't respond to questionaries.
  • Carol Greenstreet NO  Did not participate in questionnaires.
  • Cleo West III NO, NO.  Did not patriate in questionnaires

Douglas County School District RE-1 (DCSD)

Keaton Cambill   YES
Deborah Kramer YES
Matthew Smith    YES
Stephen Vail        YES
Clark Gallahan NO Did not respond to TransformColoado.org Election Guide
Kelly Denzier   NO   Did not respond to TransformColoado.org Election Guide
Kyrzia Parker   NO   Did not respond to TransformColoado.org Election Guide
Antony Ryan    NO    Did not respond to TransformColoado.org Election Guide

Wednesday, October 1, 2025

A New Era for Religious Liberty in Public Schools

 

A New Era for Religious Liberty in Public Schools

6/13/2025

 

Matt 18:6 NIV: If anyone   causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.

Fact: America’s Public-School Systems’ policies have become virtually void of any mention of Religion or Religious Liberty…a policy never intended by our Founding Fathers.  After approximately seventy years of deliberate misinformation regarding the Church/State issues, the Supreme Court finally rectified this deliberate error of religious discrimination in both the recent Kennedy v. Bremerton School District and the Carson v. Makin Charter School rulings.  Unfortunately, for decades, nearly all citizens have been deliberately misled into believing that any mention of religion or of one’s faith is illegal in the public square as well as inside public-school buildings or grounds and that equal access excluded citizens of faith government funding.

Today, Spiritual Revival is as Essential Today as was the Great Awakening Prior to 1776.

https://tinyurl.com/yc3w7w62

 1.     Carson v. Makin School Choice – Maine

A 2022 Supreme Court decision in Carson v. Makin ruled that if the government provides financial support to parents of children attending a secular public charter school it must also provide the same financial support to parents for the financial support of religious schools.

The U.S. Supreme Court returned a decision to reverse the unjustly banned families from participating in a government student-aid program if they chose to send their children to religious schools.

o   Syllabus:  https://tinyurl.com/3er35723

o   SCOTUS blog:  https://tinyurl.com/2p92awxh

o   Chalkbeat:  https://tinyurl.com/5n7mhm8c

o   Heritage: https://tinyurl.com/yums2yy6

o   First Liberty:  https://tinyurl.com/yc5f2x7w

 2.     Kennedy v. Bremerton School District

The 2002 U.S. Supreme Court’s 6/3 decision respects the Constitutional Rights of all public-school students, teachers, and coaches to engage in a brief, personal prayer in public.

According to the opinion, “Respect for religious expressions is indispensable to life in a free and diverse Republic—whether those expressions take place in a sanctuary or on a field, and whether they manifest through the spoken word or a bowed head.”

First Liberty response: https://tinyurl.com/2xzezcm4

§  Case Facts: https://tinyurl.com/c5fstd6n

§  Gorsuch’s Opinion: https://tinyurl.com/mskp73wj

The “LEMON TEST” NO LONGER APPLIES!  The Court declared it Unconstitutional; The establishment clause no longer applies. See Gorsuch’s Opinion for an explanation https://tinyurl.com/4yzrcj8e

Case overview: https://casetext.com/case/kennedy-v-bremerton-school-dist-1/

The two SCOTUS decisions, (above) provide an opportune time for public school boards to promote an understanding and influence of Religious Liberty that our Founding Fathers desired.  Because these two cases each received a 6/3 vote, the time to reinstate Religious Freedom and teach the history of the Bible’s influence in the formation of the United States is NOW.  Furthermore, with the recent huge influx of illegal migrants from third-world counties, this teaching is more critical than ever to the future of America.

Following are just a few examples of how Religious Liberty can be expressed within the Public School System:

1.      Public school districts should consider creating a Resolution and related policy acknowledging Religious Liberty for all Administration, Teachers, Students and Parents, referencing SCOTUS’ 6/3 decisions in both Kennedy v Bremerton School District and Carson v Makin.

2.      Develop and update a URL link on the School District’s and each school’s website entitled: Major Legal Rulings Affecting Public Schools in the Past Decade with links to related cases and easily-understood explanations.  Advise all school personnel, teachers, high-school students and parents of the URLs’ existence. 

3.      Notify all school personnel, students and parents of the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling on Religious Freedom in Public Schools (Kennedy v. Bremerton School District)

https://tinyurl.com/y44w4ps9

https://www.religiousfreedomday.com/

4.     At the School District’s board meetings,

a.      Begin each public board meeting with prayer

https://tinyurl.com/3mtz4thd

https://tinyurl.com/4k8jdnau


b.      Following the Pledge of Allegiance, read the Preamble to the Colorado Constitution.

“We, the people of Colorado, with profound reverence for the Supreme Ruler of             the Universe, in order to form a more independent and perfect government;  establish justice; insure tranquillity; provide for the common defense; promote      the general welfare and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our       posterity, do ordain and establish this constitution for the “State of Colorado.”

 


c.       Board members are able to begin their public statement with prayer or scripture. Citizens engaged in public comment must not be discouraged to included religious content.

https://tinyurl.com/mr3m3n4s

 

5.      On the exterior of every public-school building, post the U.S. Motto, “In God we Trust.” Follow Texas’ example, which was approved by the Texas Supreme Court. Numerous other examples exist in other states. Cover cost through donations.

https://tinyurl.com/kny7vw2u

a.      AND/OR…Require U.S. Motto be posted in every classroom, the Teachers’ Lounge, and main entrance to each school.

6.      Instruct all teachers to lead their classes in the Pledge of Allegiance on the first class of each day The Massachusetts Supreme Court ruled that because reciting the Pledge of Allegiance is a patriotic, rather than a religious exercise, saying the words “under God” does not discriminate against atheists. -- May 9, 2014.

 

7.      Terminate the employment of School-based Mental Health Counselors

Such counseling usurps parental responsibility.

Most mental health counselors are trained to affirm a student’s gender transition.[1]

Such counselors should not be employing secular counseling methods with children whose parents hold faith-based or other viewpoints. Matt 18:6

 

8.      Develop a process to identify and promptly remove pornographic books in school libraries.   (See https://d20books.com/  )

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lp_sxx_5cCs

https://tinyurl.com/4d7fnaad

At District level:

1.      Post U.S. National Motto at district entrance.

2.      Hang a removable plaque of the U.S. National Motto, “In God We Trust” permanently on the wall behind the Board Members’ seats at the start of each board meeting.

3.      Start each district school board meeting with Opening Prayer, in English, by a local pastor or at a minimum, provide a moment (1 minute) of silence.

4.      Post lists of students’ and teachers’ Religious Rights on each school’s website

5.      Post list of Teachers’ Religious Rights in each school’s teachers’ lounge/breakroom and on District’s website [2]

6.      Periodically, when there is a school assembly, or at another appropriate time/location sing the National Anthem, “The Star-Spangled Banner,” written by Francis Scott Key

7.      Consider eliminating membership in American Library Association. https://thefederalist.com/?s=Library+Association

8.      Allow for Release time for Religious Instruction

https://tinyurl.com/mfyn827d

9.      Encourage the display of Christmas (A federal Holiday) to be celebrated.

https://lc.org/newsroom/details/111124-friend-or-foe-christmas-campaign-2024


In Classrooms

1.      Affix an 11x17” poster of the U.S. National Motto in a prominent location in each classroom and on the district’s website.

2.      Post a list of Student Religious Rights in each classroom and on District’s website, including links to the SCOTUS’ rulings.

3.      Begin each day with a one-minute moment of silence in the first class of the day.

4.      Cite “Pledge of Allegiance” in the first class of the day.  Teach the meaning of the words.

5.      Post a framed picture of a Founding Father with his quote on Education. (a few classrooms may use the word “Bible.”)

6.      When teaching on the Revolutionary and Civil War, read/sing a couple of songs sung by the soldiers.  Some may have religious references.

7.      Much is being said about “Christian Nationalism,” framing it in such a way as to make it sound conspiratorial.  This link below discusses what it really is.  It was on Tucker Carlson in 2024.  https://tinyurl.com/pp2nhjuy                                    https://x.com/RealCandaceO/status/1780001138785288304

 

Student Performances (Talent Shows)

1.      Students can express their religious personal religious views in song or poems

https://firstliberty.org/news/school-will-allow-students-to-sing-worship-songs/

 

Teachers:

1.      At the beginning of each school year, sign acknowledgment of understanding of the Religious Liberty rights that each teacher and student has. For guidance, review First Liberty’s “Religious Liberty Protection Kit for Students for Students and Teachers.” https://firstliberty.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Religious-Liberty-Protection-Kit-for-Student-and-Teacher-PDF.pdf

 

2.      Have teachers sign a document annually, that disavows Colorado’s May 2023 anti-U.S. Teachers Union Resolution

 

Graduation Ceremonies

1.      Graduating-class students must be informed that the school district cannot legally censure a student’s comments concerning his/her religion or importance of his/her faith..

Valedictorian faith-filled speech:

http://tinyurl.com/3cs4rwud

 (1 Cor. 1:18). Jesus Himself was blunt concerning the consequences of adhering to His teachings, noting, “You will be hated by all for my name's sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved” (Matthew 10:22).

 

Image


A New Era for Patriotism in Public Schools

 

A New Era for Patriotism in Public Schools

6/30/25

Fact: America’s Public-School Systems’ policies have become virtually void of any mention of Patriotism which was never intended by our Founding Fathers. Many of the founding documents available regarding patriotism mention a Supreme Being of the Universe, or “God.”  Could it be that the reason America’s history is being scrubbed is because it validates the reliance on God? As Karl Marx said, "The first battlefield is to rewrite history. Take away the heritage of a people and they are easily persuaded.” -- Karl Marx

 

America has had several decades of indifference to patriotism. Failure to accurately teach American History in the public school system is destroying our collective knowledge of the past, including the important role of Religion. If the U.S is to regain its former status in the world, serious action must be taken to address the founding principles upon which our country was based, with due recognition to the enormous courage and sacrifice exhibited by the Founding Fathers, even at the cost of their lives. This is now particularly important with the current invasion of our country taking place by millions of the world’s people from countries whose people have no idea of the United States’ Republican form of government.

 

George Orwell once said, “Who controls the past, controls the future. Who controls the present controls the past.'” With the anti-American and anti-Jewish displays seen on college campuses all over the world, Orwell’s warning could not be more current. Read More...

 The first battlefield is to rewrite history. Take away the heritage of a people and they are easily persuaded.”Karl Marx

 https://tinyurl.com/4tuz6rhs

In a series of surveys conducted from 2001 to 2025, respondents were asked how proud they were to be an American. re extremely/very proud dropping from 87% to 58%, while simply very “Very Proud” dropping from 32% to 17%. --- the lowest percentage ever recorded in recent history. Patriotism is declining rapidly in America. Public schools’ rewriting of history is the major cause. Patriotism must begin at home and be reinforced within public schools. School districts should consider encouraging parents to work with the schools to effectuate a change.

 The nation’s public schools provide an ideal location for cultivating patriotic fervor.  Below are a few examples of how Patriotism might be expressed within the Public School System:

1.      Public school district boards might consider creating a Resolution and related policy acknowledging decades of diminishing emphasis on America’s history, and the resultant decrease in patriotism, reliance on the Supreme Being, and committing to emphasize patriotism’s importance to the nation’s abundance and future. Writings by the Founding Fathers and others engaged in the formation of the U.S. Constitution, including the Bill of Rights, often referred to patriotic themes that included their reliance on God.


2.      At school district board meetings:

a.      Following the reciting of the Pledge of Allegiance, read the Preamble to the Colorado Constitution. ( https://tinyurl.com/yshz4ts9 ) which states, “We, the people of Colorado, with profound reverence for the Supreme Ruler of the Universe, in order to form a more independent and perfect government; establish justice; insure tranquillity; provide for the common defense; promote the general welfare and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and establish this constitution for the “State of Colorado”.

b.      Encourage Board Members to include comments and periodic quotes from the Founding Fathers that further the importance of education and the concept of patriotism in their public statements.

 

3.      Either on the exterior of every public-school building, post the U.S. National Motto, In God we Trust.” Following Texas’ example, the Texas Supreme Court acknowledged the right to visibly post the U.S. National Motto. Numerous other examples exist in other states. Suggestion: While not necessary, the posters’ costs could be covered through donations. (https://tinyurl.com/2s32d6yr)

Unlike many states, school districts do not need a state statute because this would fall w/in the category of curriculum, “teaching.”

 

a.      OR…Require U.S. Motto be posted in every classroom, the Teachers’ Lounge, and main entrance to each school. See Louisiana and others. ( (https://tinyurl.com/2w9fyuvp ).  

b.      AND…place the U.S. Motto on the wall behind the Board Room dais.

c.       Making it optional will cause dissension.

4.      Require all teachers to lead their classes in the Pledge of Allegiance. Each teacher at the commencement of the first class of each day, in all grades in every school, shall lead the class in a group recitation of the ‘Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.’  The Massachusetts Supreme Court ruled that because reciting the Pledge of Allegiance is a patriotic, rather than a religious exercise, saying the words “under God” does not discriminate against atheists. -- May 9, 2014. https://tinyurl.com/zxsnu5mr

Consider a Lesson Plan: https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5a00e57baeb625aaac139aad/t/5d4dd4e15a831c00019f794e/1565381858719/Pledge+of+Allegiance+Lesson+Plan.pdf

 

 

5.      Resolutions can be written to provide information on National Holidays[1] and then taught in the classroom rather than “celebrating” minority groups.

 

6.      Historic Documents[2]  must be taught at the appropriate elementary, middle school and high school levels.

 

7.      Field Trip to the National Cemetery in Colorado Springs to understand the connection between Liberty and the sacrifice of so many to preserve our freedoms. National Cemetery was dedicated in Colorado Springs in 2018.

 

8.      National Anthem

At appropriate events encourage the singing of the National Anthem, the Star-Spangled Banner, “Oh Say Can You See...”[3]

Giants couch explains why he requires players stand for National Anthem

https://tinyurl.com/4bza3jzx

 

At District Level:

1.      Affix a visible plaque of the U.S. Motto, “In God We Trust” behind the Board Members’ seats.

2.      Consider requesting all teachers sign a document annually, that disavows the May 2023 Teachers Union Resolution

 

In Classrooms

1.      Affix an 11x17” poster of the U.S. Motto and Ten Commandments in a prominent location in each classroom and on the district’s website. https://tinyurl.com/57458k38

2.      Cite the Pledge of Allegiance in the first class of each day. [4]

3.      Post a framed picture of a Founding Father in each classroom with his quote on the importance of Education. The students should be taught about that Founding Father. (A few classrooms may include a quote that contains the word “Bible.”)

4.      Teach on the subject of any district Resolution that pertains to a national holiday or other patriotic subject.

5.      Require teaching and understanding of Communism and Nazism

6.      Communist Goals (Examples)

o   Congressional Record

o   https://tinyurl.com/bdcpz4dm

o   In Florida

§   Communist Regimes FL Bill

o   In Arizona

AZ Schools to teach history of all communist regimes.

§  http://tinyurl.com/d2uedhf8

o   Britannica summary of Nazism

§  https://tinyurl.com/edn8ud97

7.      Socialism Goals

o   https://tinyurl.com/mr2ubdm3

8.      Create Resolution entitled Victims of Communism Day  for Nov 7th or other appropriate day.  Such teaching will encompass items set forth in FL Bill 24-1349.

9.      When teaching on the Revolutionary and Civil War, read/sing a couple of songs sung by the soldiers. Some may have religious content that shouldn’t be avoided—it is history. https://tinyurl.com/bdea38wh

 

Graduation Ceremonies

1.      The school district must not censure a valedictorian student’s comments on his/her religion or patriotic views. This freedom should be communicated to the graduating class at the beginning of the senior year.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

https://d.docs.live.net/e8cea5ecc688833b/documents/future options/patriotism/new era for patriotism  in public schools.docx