A mother's sacrifice
Good schools' promise of better future worth separation, she says
Melissa Haneline
The Post and Courier
Candace Capers holds son Dywayne Lawson, 4, while they wait for a CARTA bus. Lawson, temporarily living with his great-grandmother so he can attend a Mount Pleasant school, spent the night with his mother downtown because he was homesick.
Her children's rooms stand empty. Their toys untouched, clothes unworn.
Candace Capers has sacrificed living with her three children for the past month so that they might have a better education and, hopefully, a better life.
Capers lives downtown where the neighborhood schools rank among the worst in the county. She got permission five years ago for her daughter to attend school in Mount Pleasant, and now all of her children — ages 4, 6 and 11 — go to schools across the Cooper River.
She drove them to and from class until January, when she lost her job and car. She resolved to keep them in the higher-performing Mount Pleasant schools, and began using public buses to ferry her kids to class. Their futures made the $10 in daily bus fares and four hours of commuting worth it.
But Capers ran out of cash, and she had to choose: send her children to downtown schools or send them to better schools elsewhere. She made the heart wrenching choice for them to stay in Mount Pleasant schools and live with her grandmother, which means she must live apart from her kids.
Capers sees education as the means for her children to have more opportunities than she does. Capers was 14 when she had her first child, and her education ended after eighth grade. Her lack of schooling has made it difficult to find a job and help her daughter with homework.
She remembers her daughter coming home in third grade and asking questions about a math class division problem. Capers couldn't help her. Her daughter reads books to her that she can't read.
"I have to do what I have to do to make sure they don't end up like I did, so they don't have to go through this," she said. "I just want them to have a better school, so if that's what it takes, that's what I have to do."
Capers' children temporarily live in her grandmother's small, four-bedroom mobile home off a dirt road wedged amid Mount Pleasant's soccer mom suburbia. Capers hitches rides, pedals a bike and sometimes walks eight miles from her downtown home to see her family.
She knows the school district's policy on providing transportation for students: The policy prohibits her children from riding district buses. Parents, not the district, bear the responsibility of finding transportation for their children if they choose a school that's outside of their neighborhood or that isn't a magnet school. An estimated 1,000 downtown children attend public or private schools in other areas.
The achievement and socio- economic gap between downtown and Mount Pleasant schools is striking. Downtown schools enroll mostly high-poverty students who lag academically compared to the wealthier students in Mount Pleasant.
Capers learned about the educational disparity first hand years ago. Her daughter, now a sixth-grader at Moultrie Middle School, began school as a pre-kindergartner at Whitesides Elementary.
Two years later, Capers moved out of her grandmother's home and into public housing downtown. She enrolled her daughter at Sanders-Clyde, a neighborhood school with an unsatisfactory rating. She realized in less than a month that the downtown school offered a lesser education.
Sanders-Clyde teachers taught information her daughter mastered the previous year in kindergarten in Mount Pleasant, Capers said. The downtown classrooms contained fewer students, but it didn't make a difference in her daughter's learning, she said.
"She told me they don't do anything but eat in class," Capers said. "She said all they do is eat and color."
Capers pulled her daughter out of Sanders-Clyde and enrolled her in Whitesides Elementary. Her daughter seemed happier and was academically challenged, and Capers decided that none of her children would attend school on the peninsula.
The commute to Mount Pleasant didn't cause a problem for the first few years because Capers had a car. But when she lost her car in January, life immediately became difficult. When she ran through her savings, she had to make a change.
Capers searches for jobs and money while she endures living apart from her children. Her children call crying and asking to come home, and they sleep on the floor because her grandmother doesn't have enough beds. Last week, her youngest son told her he missed her so much that she managed to scrounge enough bus money so he could spend a night with her at home.
Whenever Capers thinks about giving up and putting her kids in downtown schools, she listens to her children. Her daughter comes home excited about what she's learning, and Capers said she wouldn't get that kind of opportunity downtown.
"She's got to stay there," she said. "Everything's better there."
Reach Diette Courrégé at dcourrege@postandcourier.com or 937-5546.
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Comments
This article has 44 comment(s)
Posted by moonpie on November 15, 2008 at 6:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)
"Don't judge or you'll be judged"
I have bit my tongue off on this one!
Posted by SimplyMad on November 15, 2008 at 7:27 a.m. (Suggest removal)
LOL moonpie, there is so much to comment on in this "news" story. But, I will just wager that the follow-up to this will be *donations pour in for struggling mom*.
I sacrificed my time working 2 jobs when I first moved here in 2000 so my kids could go to the so called better schools.
How did this country produce some of the greatest thinkers with one room school houses?
Anyway, I hope a things work out for this lady and her children so at least the cycle can be boken in their life.
Posted by meg7 on November 15, 2008 at 8:33 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I admire this mother. I would live in a tent before I would send my children to a downtown school. A few years ago, I tutored downtown 6th graders in an afterschool program. Most didn't know their multiplication tables and they refused to memorize them (but they could recite vulgar rap lyrics on demand). They had no concept of basic measurements. They chased each other around the class with brooms and simply ignored redirection and encouragement. They openly mocked my hair and generic (i.e. non-designer label)clothing. Instruction was impossible because of the behavior problems.
Posted by planet_earth on November 15, 2008 at 8:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)
This mother evidently does not know the district transportation policy. (P&C - do your homework)
If this mother applies for a No Child Left Behind transfer by the deadline to have her children sent to non-failing schools, the district DOES indeed provide transportation...This has been the policy for years now...
Posted by NativeSon on November 15, 2008 at 8:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Children learned better years ago because they did not go to schools controlled by democrap teachers unions, were not bombarded by ignomous stupidity of ACLU and actually had a deep, home-inspired desire to learn everything possible to succeed in this world.
And none of the students had their butts sticking out above their pants!
Posted by moonpie on November 15, 2008 at 8:55 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Wow "meg" you mean they were not taught basic rules of authority before they were sent to school? I saw the same thing at another school in Berkeley co. Total disregard for the white or black teachers. Total distruction of the school grounds only for us the tax payers to build a new one, theft by the community that thought they owned the school and the stuff in it and the uneducated populace. This is what you end up with. People that can't respect teachers, police, each other, any authority figure. Raised to only believe the gov will take care of them.
Posted by dawhetsell on November 15, 2008 at 8:58 a.m. (Suggest removal)
This proves that education is NOT equal. The Legislators need to run the Schools. They need to go back before home rule and let the Legislators run the school funding by state taxes and not by what kind of home you live in. Taxing homes is the worst way to fund schools and it makes it very unfair to the children. This parent is taking responsablity for her children. We need to hold ALL parents responsable. Do away with all the School boards and let panels of parents who have volunteered run the schools. We don't need the high priced, overpaid,nonproductive administrators with overpaid nonproducing staff. I would think the schools would work better and more efficent this way. The other way has not worked for over 50 years and privite schools produce better children at half the cost.
Posted by onesidedsquare on November 15, 2008 at 9:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The only way to 'fix' the system is to be more involved in your child's education. Teach your child about budgeting, moderation, flipping burgers, self respect and they will be on there way to be a productive member of society.
Posted by jk_newhard on November 15, 2008 at 10:02 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Amen, onesidedsquare! I would also add to read to your kids and read yourself. I am appalled by the number of parents who have no books in their home.
Posted by capnphil on November 15, 2008 at 10:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)
JimIsle and sawhetsell hit it. Anytime a parent/grandparent complains to the Administrators, (they don't go to the teacher first), the Administrators automatically side with the parent. These low socio-economic poor-performing schools continue because the students come in way BEHIND at age 5, forget the NCLB label. The minute teachers try to hold high expectations (State Standard: All third graders should have mastered the multiplication/division facts at the end of that year answering at least 100 facts within 3 minutes.) parents complain because those parents DON'T want to spend the time assisting the child, making the child learn the facts. The minute a teacher says, "If you don't do your homework, you will fail. If you fail over and over you will want to quit high school because you will be in classes with mates much younger than you. You may end up on the street with a guitar case open playing for money. Not that that is a bad way to make a living if you like it, but you have to memorize chords and poetry. It is hard work." The teacher is said to be making a racist slur! Another example, "If you fight on the playground you will get suspended. You will get zero's for missing work while you are suspended. You may not like everyone but you have to respect their personal space. If you really feel you have to fight, do it after school on Highway 52, so at least you won't get suspended." The County Administrators said, That was a racist slur said by the teacher. The parent and students are ALWAYS RIGHT supported by the administrators. Now, answer me this. IF a student is ALWAYS RIGHT, how are we teachers supposed to teach them what is WRONG? We really don't need administrators, we need teachers who want to teach, plain and simple. Give the teachers a manageable class size, texts and materials and let them teach with high expectations. Parents, like Candace, at least admit they don't know how to help the child, so let the professional teacher do so. These similar parents and grandparents ought to do the same. Sorry, for my diatribe, I needed to vent.
Posted by ashleyatwork on November 15, 2008 at 10:13 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Residents should hold the school board and Nancy McGinley (sp?) accountable.
Posted by Mom_of_4 on November 15, 2008 at 10:25 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I moved to Summerville with my four children so that they can have a better education. I'll admit, the comute to work is hard, especially with gas prices! I couldn't imagine what I would do without a job or car. Not only is the mother putting the needs of her kids before her own. I have to commend her for knowing her own faults and doing her best to stop the cycle. That's the key! Wanting your children to excell PAST your hopes and dreams! The grandmother deserves recognition as well!
Posted by tc1 on November 15, 2008 at 10:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)
3 Cheers for capnphil!!!
If the teacher is afraid of the class and courts and the administration has to have fear of the courts and the public and is forced to spend a majority of time on CYA how can anyone learn anything? Someone mentioned the one room school house earlier and asked how it was able to produce. IMO that would be because Adults and Not children were in charge. This problem is part of a permissive, overindulgent and selfish society that includes "adults" in legal and calendar terms only. No matter how much money you throw at this it won't change because children will still be in charge.
Posted by DowntownMama on November 15, 2008 at 11:49 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Unlike Ms. Capers, my family has the ability to simply move to Mount Pleasant. However, it is our choice not to "sacrifice" the educational benefits of living within one of our countries most sustainable, beautiful, historic, and educational cities.
We will not write off our downtown schools. We will enter their classrooms. We will unite with other parents to be the change we want to see.
Next year, my oldest son will enter kindergarten at Memminger Elementary School.
He will benefit from innovation encouraged from CCSD, Principal Dixon's new leadership, caring staff, great teachers skilled at providing differentiated learning opportunities, an environment which welcomes parental involvement, and strong community partnerships - including the College of Charleston, Grace Episcopal Church, Limehouse Properties, the SCSPA, Rawle Murdy, Nexsen Pruitt and the Charleston Restaurant Association.
Memminger will benefit from having him in their classroom not only because he is funny and smart, but also because we read to him constantly, we have been able to send him to early childhood educational programs since he was born, we will do everything we can for his school, and likewise we will expect nothing less from them.
I invite Ms. Capers and all other parents interested in excellent educations for their children (both in the classroom and in their city) to come to Memminger and learn about all of the new initiatives underway.
Posted by I_Love_d_Peninsula on November 15, 2008 at 12:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)
CCSD Schools are seperate and unequal. I live in Mt. Pleasant and pay, a very high price, to have the best opportunities made available for my children.
I would never send my child to any school on the peninsula, except, Buist or Porter Gaud.
Posted by saharadan on November 15, 2008 at 1:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I do not feel sorry for this woman. Where is her husband, the father of her three children, in all this? choices, choices. does she listen to her Ipod during all of her quality time with her children? sorry, not buying it. I would be ashamed to sport a silly "doo" like that and cry about not having extra money.
Posted by cyberbob on November 15, 2008 at 2:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I agree with saharadan. I'm sorry she can't see her kids but come on! She CHOSE to move from her grandmother's house into PUBLIC HOUSING. Then CHOSE to spend her money on that crazy (and expensive) hair do and the IPOD. Maybe she should move back in with grandma so she can see her kids and let someone else into public housing that really needs it. Some people are truly poor and need the help. Others make stupid financial decisions and expect society to pay for it. Why move into public housing if you can pool your money with other family members and live with them??!!
Ipod - $150
Songs for the Ipod - $1 each
Rainbow hair do - $100
Getting kicked out of public housing after admitting to the newspaper that you are living there alone without the children that qualified you - PRICELESS
Posted by SpongeMunkie on November 15, 2008 at 3:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Maybe with the money she saves by being in public housing, and assuming she gets other state benefits, such as food stamps, and the extra time she has with the kids being gone all week, she can easily afford the Ipod and the hairdo. And I may be wrong, but I bet her nails are real nice too.
Posted by SpongeMunkie on November 15, 2008 at 3:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)
And before anyone cries racism... I'd like to point out that there are too many white mothers out there who do the the same thing. But you have to add in the tanning beds, to go along with their poverty stricken hair and nail appointments. At least this woman is trying to raise her children up to be able to do better than she has. Have to give her a little credit for that. But I can not feel bad for her. Can't do it.
Posted by BigDaddy on November 15, 2008 at 4:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)
ASSUMING she gets other state benefits such as food stamps?? Who's kidding who here? You can bet she is getting every bit of freebie known to mankind! They are pros at it! You see, the handicap placard comes when they get their driver's license at 16. Then come the food stamps, welfare, etc. when they begin their family of 12 shortly thereafter. It's kinda like a RE-ward. A birth right if you will.
This article was written for the sole purpose of getting a liberal bleeding heart to donate a car for her. Or start a collection for the same. She says she has to hunt for bus fare, but sure has money for that kickin' hair do and the cell phone service! She's looking for a pot of gold at the end of that rainbow! What a loser!
Posted by CharlysMuffin on November 15, 2008 at 4:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I have to disagree with Sahardan.
Posted by mlm on November 15, 2008 at 4:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Comments like some of the ones shown above are proof positive how we get the public school leaders we have...totally out of touch with the reality of others.
Ms. Capers is one parent who is doing the best she can for her kids without much help from those who are paid to know and do more. This situation could be greatly improved without spending any more than CCSD is spending now, but this mother is running up against bad public policies that officials don’t want to change. Like many parents, she’s focused on the day to day necessities of her kids and not on poor policies that make no sense except to local politicians.
To those who find fault with her hair and i-pod, they are missing the point of the story. A lot more of us might find fault with what a majority in Charleston County has allowed to happen to downtown schools. Downtown schools may be out of sight and therefore out of mind to most P&C readers, but the history of official neglect of these schools is becoming a problem that will eventually loom large over us all. These are personal tastes not character flaws.
It could be argued that the number of SUV’s lined up at Buist every morning has a more direct relationship to the low quality of downtown schools than Ms. Capers’ hair-do or choice of radios has to her children’s education.
This story shows to what extent a working stiff has to go on behalf of their children’s education without cheating. Still, like CCSD playing dress-up with the program at Memminger, the deck is stacked against too many like her trying to do the right thing.
Posted by mlm on November 15, 2008 at 4:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)
A correction is in order. planet_earth said, "If this mother applies for a No Child Left Behind transfer by the deadline to have her children sent to non-failing schools, the district DOES indeed provide transportation...This has been the policy for years now..."
That's not exactly true. CCSD will provide transportation to the school of THEIR choice not one chosen by the parent.
This is how CCSD steers certain families into certain schools so as not to provoke the wrath of voters and schools where active parents oppose NCLB. In some schools is has been reported that NCLB transfers are openly discriminated against in ways that set them apart and identify them as outsiders. CCSD officials have allowed this happen in some Mt. Pleasant schools, even if they may not have officially encourgaged it. If CCSD didn't limit what schools a student can attend and how they got there, Mt. Pleasant would be not only where most of our school money went but also where most of our children would already be enrolled.
There is no free transportation for those who want it because CCSD is denying it. CARTA doesn't fill the gap, and why not? Who knows? The Buist buses bring kids into downtown but the same buses can't take downtown students to Whitesides or Mt. Pleasant Academy. Why not?
CCSD doesn't work because we haven't required its leaders to use common sense.
Posted by Bugman on November 15, 2008 at 5:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)
If i lived in that area i would give her a ride. Thats some sad stuff right there.
Posted by mlm on November 15, 2008 at 5:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)
DowntownMama said her son will be entering Memminger for the first time next year. She said, “He will benefit from innovation encouraged from CCSD.”
Wow, she is either a very trusting parent or she’s had some of that Kool-Aid Gregg Meyers is pushing. CCSD hasn’t shown any innovation for a long time. The partial magnet program at Memminger is still only on paper and doesn’t look much different than other CCSD paper plans like the A-Plus middle school and the AP Academy experiments at Burke. Neither one has taken off. Until CCSD starts enforcing its own policies equitably county-wide the Memminger plan will more than likely go the same way.
Ask yourself if CCSD will guarantee Memminger will be operated like the magnet schools it used as examples to the partial magnet models: Jennie Moore, St. Andrews Math and Science or Ashley River Creative Arts. There are no guarantees from CCSD, but there are plenty of examples of what it has done to break its promises. The fate of the Memminger program hangs on an organization that breaks its promises and double crosses its own policies. Parents like Ms. Capers needs solutions already up and running.
Any school that remains tied to CCSD, including its staff, no matter how talented they might be, is at the mercy of school board politics and outside pressure. What’s to keep CCSD from continuing to flood Memminger with kids not zoned so the school never develops a meaningful neighborhood enrollment base?
I wish Memminger well, but the fact that none of these NPT schools was permitted to consider a charter conversion as one of their alternatives shows the deck has been stacked in advance. Ms. Capers understandably wants her children in an already successful school. This may be her legal right, but local administrative policy obsticles have made this almost impossible.
Posted by mlm on November 15, 2008 at 5:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I_Love_d_Peninsula said, “I would never send my child to any school on the peninsula, except, Buist or Porter Gaud.”
First of all Porter Gaud isn’t on the peninsula anymore. It hasn't been for over 40 years. On the Buist alternative, if the odds for the current enrollment are any indication and if you trust same people who kept track of the scores at Sanders-Clyde to continue running the magnet school's lottery, your chances of getting a child into Buist are best if you live in Mt. Pleasant. If you live downtown you can forget it. Ms. Capers and a lot of others already know how that plays.
Downtown parents have few if any choices involving public schools. The school board is in a position to change but its current leadership seems happy as clams to keep things just as they are.
The color, serial asks? Grey!
Posted by saharadan on November 15, 2008 at 5:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Okay. When my oldest boy was four, I checked out the school he would be going to, and it was not acceptable. We therefore did without - practically everything. We both worked two jobs and were able to move into another house in a better school district. We were quite poor. I cannot even imagine the amount of groceries it would take to weigh upward of 300 pounds. That, my friends, is not poor to me. That is excess. I could not even afford to rent a video, never mind actually own an Ipod! I cut my own hair to save money - and I am sure that I am not the only one who has sucked it up to make sure that my children would have a better opportunity. Public housing? was never offered to me. I wouldn't have accepted it anyway. would NOT want to raise my children there. no, this woman has other options. just doesn't want to work that hard. wants to play on the sympathy of people in order to receive money.
Posted by mnushbum on November 15, 2008 at 5:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Other than the obvious problems with this "story" there are a few other things to consider. First this "parent" can apply for ne child left behind and transfer her kids to other schools. Even if they could not get their child to a school that they want how can a "parent" like this say they struggle with money and cant afford to send their child across the bridge via bus when they spend money on such things as this "parent"s hair? The lack of priorities within this community continues to be a HUGE reason for the lack of advancement. Why spend money on things you need (food, transportation, utilities) when you can spend money on showy and flashy things such as this person haas done with her hair. But it doesnt just stop with the hair on this woman. Any reasonable person has seen the crap that money is spent on in these communities(rims, flashy and hideus clothes, grills etc.) But rather than take responsibility for yourself and prioritize what is important, they bitch and moan and complain about things so they may receive handouts. Why work hard or work smart when if you complain enough someone will bail you out? I am just tired of paying for it.
John Q. Taxpayer
Posted by give_it_a_rest on November 15, 2008 at 5:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Saharadan-You should be ashamed to make some of the comments you do.In most of your comment you say we did this we did that. She cannot say that, all she can say is I. She is a single mother trying to do what she can. The fact that she is wearing a ipod and has hair made up in a style that you feel is ridiculous does not mean she isn't trying to do her best. And her weight means she's not poor,that is the most ignorant thing i have ever heard.Maybe you should think before you post.
Posted by give_it_a_rest on November 15, 2008 at 5:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Also in the hood as you say that hair style is not expensive.You can get that done for as little as 15 dollars.She doesn't have to go to a salon for that.
Posted by jimjones on November 15, 2008 at 6:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)
The problem isn't the schools it's the parents and the lack of discipline in the home and at the school. I have the unfortunate duty of working with one of the most out of touch out of his mind principals in DD2 and trust me its got ALOT to do with discipline. Parents need to be held responsible along with students. When mom and dad(if he is present) care, the kids usually follow suit.
Posted by saharadan on November 15, 2008 at 6:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I made no racist comment. not a one. I am talking about an individual person who could work. what is holding her back from working three jobs if necessary? she certainly does not have to worry about finding child care. it's about taking responsibility for your own actions. what is going to happen as she ages? has more kids? hello?
Posted by Siri on November 15, 2008 at 6:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)
HELP I need the name, date, info, anything relating to the driver released after paying $400something fine after traffic fatality. A friend from MADD needs the article. Please help, must have it tonight or tommorrow.
Posted by give_it_a_rest on November 15, 2008 at 6:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Yes she can work and as the article states she is looking for work. I wonder what type of job she can get with a 8th grade education.If she was working three jobs she would sill be in the same predictament of not being able to see her kids.I do wonder if at this time while her kids are living with there grandma if she is trying to go back to school to get a GED at least and go to a technical college to get a degree. If she had her first child at 14 and the child is 11 then she should be about 25 she's still young and can pull it off.I do wish her the best and I commend her and grandma for doing what they have to so that these kids get the best education they can so that hopefully years from now we would not have to be reading about them in the paper (unless i'ts for being something great).
Posted by Mon_Kie on November 15, 2008 at 6:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Off Topic Siri.
Posted by mkris on November 15, 2008 at 6:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Thank God for Mississippi. At least it has an education system and racist schools worse than Charleston.
Posted by BigDaddy on November 15, 2008 at 7:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)
The article said she was "searching for work and money." Exactly where does one search for money? Other than the welfare office?
She shouldn't have to search long for work. Despite an 8th grade education, McDonald's and Wal-Mart are ALWAYS hiring. Don't need much education to flip a burger or work as slow as January molasses at the Wal-Mart return desk. Doesn't pay enough? Should have thought about that when you dropped out of school and started pumping out welfare bodies!
My heart pumps piss for ya lady! Get off your ass, get a job and buy a car! Take RESPONSIBILITY for your own family and actions! It really is empowering!!
Posted by SpongeMunkie on November 16, 2008 at 12:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Well, you know, some people are just too proud to drive a $400 dollar car that can get them from point A to point B until they can save up enough money to get something better. I know poeple who have been given cars and cell phones and had the gall to bitch about the color or condition. Work with what you can afford until you can afford better! Especially if the car/ phone/ whatever works great.... And, yes, you can find very cheap cars if you look for them. *rant over*
Posted by CourtneyAlexis on November 16, 2008 at 4:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Candace Capers is a fool to allow the P&C use her. She does not have the capacity to pass judgement on the teachers at Sanders-Clyde. How dare she? No offense, but you don't have the right to run your mouth when you have three kids, an 8th grade education, and live in the projects. By the way, how is it that she can live in plublic housing without her kids? Where does she get the money to afford an ipod? She cannot find a job b/c her hair is purple with a ranibow stripe, DUH!!! What does she do when her children are with her grandmother all week long? Common sense says, if you cannot find a job then march your tail over to Tech and get your GED. I am so sure that in a few weeks they'll be a story about folks giving her money or buying her a car. The P&C should give her a job for making an ass out of her. What a shame!!!
Posted by realintheus on November 16, 2008 at 10:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Come on guys! I commend Ms. Capers for wanting her kids to do better and make better choices than she did. I do agree, I feel like she should go back to school since she does not have to worry about child care. She actually has enough time to go to shcool and work. School does not take eight hours a day and if it does she can still work after five. People have to be more versatile in their actions and thinking. Let's make better choice! Honestly, you can get a hairdo for less than twenty dollars around here, but the colors would probably deter a real employer from hiring her. I know she only has an eighth grade education, but you have to look serious if you want people to take you seriously. Personally, I don't think she did this article expecting a handout but if someone's heart leads them to help her so be it.
Posted by walleyedwoman1215 on November 16, 2008 at 2:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Re: her appearance. To many people, "being in the paper" is a big deal. They primp or buy new clothes for an interview/photo shoot. A friend could have done her hair. A friend could hae loaned her the iPod. As for her weight, study after study has shown that poverty is a major factor in obesity because starches, fatty foods and junk food(think chips and soda or beans and neckbones)are cheaper than fresh fruits, vegetables, dairy products and lean meats.
I don't have a dog in this fight, but it helps to think twice before condemning someone's appearance.
Posted by aznblusuazn on November 17, 2008 at 9:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Why not ask our newly re-elected Charleston County School Board Chair Toya Hampton Green what she is going to do for Miss Capers? Based on her past, she will very likely tell her that it "isn't [her] problem that [Capers] would need to contact someone on the district level". Who does she contact? The representative in Mt. Pleasant where her kids attend school? Or District 20 where she lives but have no kids enrolled? Doesn't it display what a cancer Toya Hampton Green is to just redirect problems off to someone else? Why not do something like, I don't know... help!? Miss Capers has stated on the radio this morning that she does not want handouts, does not want any free money, she just wants an education for her children. Any parent that has an interest in their children will understand that. Toya Hampton Green does, that why her children go to Buist as opposed to the "other" public schools downtown.
The people re-elected Toya Hampton Green, so what is she doing to assist with this issue? Probably the same thing she has been doing for the past couple of years that she has held the position. Brown-nosing the mayor and building up her political career. Look at the tactics she used to get re-elected, she rode the coat tails of President-Elect Barack Obama, misleading the voters that a vote against her is a vote against Obama...
I will say that the man that is on the board for District 20, the man that was the better candidate for the Charleston County School Board, the man that has been in contact with Miss Capers, Marvin Stewart is working hard to assist Miss Capers in any way that he can. That's a lot more to say that what the CHARLESTON COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD chair is doing.
At least someone cares about the kids... that aren't in Buist.
Posted by 2cents on November 18, 2008 at 11:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)
So, she has a kid at 14, then another and another all without finishing school and she gets this help. I have a family member with medical disabilites who graduated high school,got married THEN had children. Unfortunately, both children have developmental delays due to a medical condition. She is now divorced from a man who has NO interest in the kids wellbeing. Where is her help?? She is on medical disability and is barely scraping by. Send her help too!
Posted by scgirl1 on November 22, 2008 at 4:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)
THE PART I DONT UNDERSTAND IS...WHY THE NEGATIVE COMMENTS TO SOMEONE YOU DONT EVEN KNOW...OKAY WOW....YOUVE SEEN HER IN THE STREETS...BIG WHOOP...UNLIKE YALL I KNOW CANDACE...AND I FEEL FOR HER BECAUSE I SAT AND WATCHED HER STRUGGLE...AND IF I COULDVE HELPED I WOULDVE..TRUST ME..I LOVE MY COUSIN WITH ALL MY HEART...IVE ATTENDED ONE OF DOWNTOWNS SCHOOL AND TRUST ME...YOU WOULD NOT WANT YOUR CHILD GOING THERE....PLEASE RE THINK BEFORE YOU COMMENT THIS...BECAUSE REALLY SHE IS DOING THE RIGHT THING..GIVE_IT_A_REST... THANKS