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Nothing to Fear in Public School as Costco

Author/radio host/mom Sandra Tsing Loh outlines latest quest

By Kevin Spak, Newser Staff

Posted Aug 19, 2008 1:48 PM CDT

(Newser) – For many urban, middle-class parents, sending kids to public school is a terrifying prospect. If you’re among that fretting class, Sandra Tsing Loh has a message: Chill out. In Mother on Fire: A True Motherf%#$@ Story About Parenting, Loh recounts her own journey through the school conundrum, and realizes that public school isn’t evil after all—then analyzes her quest with Salon’s Amy Reiter.

Loh likens public schools to Costco—“hellacious lighting,” but dig in and you’ll find value. Most parents, she notes, haven’t even visited these places they fear. But by building a community, parents can improve their schools, save money and crack their isolation. Loh started a music and after-school program at her school. “For me it was sort of fun,” she says.

[Images (1)]

[Quotes (3)]

The cover of Sandra Tsing Loh's new book "Mother on Fire: A True Motherf%#$ Story About Parenting!"

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I really don't think our school system is an evil borg force. ... It's not even efficient enough to be a borg of total evil, even if it
wanted to be. - Sandra Tsing Loh

I feel good about the apocalypse. Because I think people will have to relearn their habits, and I think it's going to be better. - Sandra Tsing Loh

You're pretty much surrounded ... by people
who are going to swipe their Visas and get themselves out of the horrible public school system. - Sandra Tsing Loh

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Nothing to Fear in Public School as Costco