Education Director Notes: Education Plan

Johan Dawson Shazad
The hood council wants me to create a report of my goals for the students and school.



Chose school colors and mascot
We need to chose 2-3 school colors and a mascot, apples are not very intimidating. Something to build school pride.



Chose an extracurricular for students
Should have at least one school sponsered extracurricular that students would enjoy and participate in. Sports teams are hard to do unless we travel to compete, maybe a club of some sort.


Students learn average of one skill a day
Should students focus on specializing and learning particular skills (ie level 8 or higher on skills test in 1 or 2 skills) or leave school with broad knowledge (ie leve 3 and higher on skills tests in 5 or more skills)

Medical Centre Note-Health Insurance

I report to the Community Director and one of her objectives is to research health insurance options. Thus this assignment falls to me. I've looked at other hoods to see how thier health insurance works and if health insurance is a neccessary part of Apple Valley life.



The fundamental concept of insurance is that it balances costs across a large, random sample of sims. Apple Valley is a small sample of sims and in addition, medical costs are low in the hood and sims do not utilize the medical centre as often except for prescriptions. Also, there has not been a need for expensive procedures such as surgeries and intensive testing.


Current Medical Fees
Broken Limb $1,500 (0)
IVF Treatment $5,000 (1)
Induced Labor $2,500 (1)
Consulation with Doctor $100 (0)
Plastic Surgery/per part $3,000 (0)
Prescription Medicine $450 (4)
to be added
Rehabilitation Services/per simday $500 (0)
Midwifery Services (including pre-natal care, delivery, 1st check-up) $1000 (0)

There are numerous health care options, I would recommend a non-profit hood funded/managed healthcare system. This can be accomplished by having an additional tax for each household (say about $50-$100/simweek). This would currently provide about $900-$1800 a simweek for the healthcare bank. This money can be used to reduce the cost of services for residents that use it during the simweek. However, this would require more thought and planning.


Due to the lack of need for a health insurance and amount of difficulty in creating such a program, I recommend that the topic be shelved until next simweek to see if any changes have been noted in the hood and the health of the residents. Until then, residents can use the options currently available to them (installment plans, welfare assistance application, healthy living).

The Next Generation

I haven't spoken with Elda in a while, I know that she has been working hard as a science teacher downtown and also part-time with the AVSA. I doubt that she will be able to become an inventor-not only does she lack the desire, but she lacks the drive. What's going on? Will the next generation not aspire to downtown jobs, only working for local businesses? What about technical jobs-will there not be any?

Finances

Things are better-our mortgage was refinanced and the job at the bank was taken...actually the current cashier from the Apple Valley Gift Shop took the job, now there's an opening for that...I don't know about that, I would have to restock as well as do the register, plus the pay may not be that much better-at least here, there's free coffee and dessert. Silas-the barista (or is it baristo?) left. He moved to another hood-he was also my neighbor and we carpooled to work together. I might sell the car, I could walk to work...maybe. I told Cassandra that if she wants to continue to stay at home, she might have to start a small garden or something to save money. Maybe she could get a job at the flower shop. Even if it's part-time, that would help.

We're Off!!!!

Fiona and I are off to university!!! I can't wait! We both got accepted and we have scholarships, mom said that we will do well. Fiona has it already mapped out-she wants to major in political science, me...well, I'm not sure yet...I rather have some pratical skills-maybe cashiering or sales or restocking. I don't want to own a business, but I wouldn't mind working for a local business...I wonder what mom would say.

Hood Council Note: Financial Director Update

Update on Plans-need to start thinking about new set of plans now that the new deal is signed.

Local businesses and associated laws

• Establish a program for New Small Business Owners:
  Give new business owners $1000-$3000 credit towards purchase of a community lot.
  Help business owners network with other small business owners in other hoods, perhaps the resurgance of the Small Business Conference.

Implement taxes and welfare support

• Establish a program for Mortgage Loans:
  Borrower must provide at least 10% down paymentLoans must be paid off within 42 simdays (six simweeks) Payments will be daily.


• Increase rental fees:
  Increase rental fees on the Starr Grey Townhomes (two-2 unit townhomes on McIntosh) due to promixity to main strip.


• Change tax structure:
  Instead of $750/simweek per residental lot, increase it to $750/simweek per family. Removes loophole where families in multi-family housing paid less in taxes than other residents.

Manage the local real estates and architectural planning of the hood

• Decrease number of multi-family units from 10 to 4


• Build mixed income housing area:


• Renovate Pavilion


• Build Celebration Park II


• Revamp Celebration Park I


• Combine Celebration Park I and II


• Expand Modern Sculpture Park


• Renovate The Core

Errors!!!

Aghhh, for some reason The Herendez Art Gallery's lot was defined as buggy. I don't want to believe in curses, but this has happened to the gallery's lot on multiple occasions since the OFB deal. Aghhh! We had to sell the lot back to the hood-they demolish it and then we brought the land and rebuilt. Thankfully they sold it to us as a discount, but hassle nevertheless. I'm getting too old for this...when will I join my lady loves?

Studies

With Julio gone I have to concentrate on my studies more-no more dates, well, I do see him sometimes, but school has gotten so busy-especially with my business classes. Mom and Dad are moving to another house-I was able to see it since I will be the one inheriting it later...wow...I am almost an adult-it doesn't feel like it.

Reviews

Did a review for the Apple Valley News of Tati's. I won't say too much since it will be in my article, but I can talk about the reviews/trend section.



Each paper will have the section and we'll either have a review of a business (done by various sims so businesses won't start trying to be nice to one particular viewer). The businesses can earn ratings of up to five apples (the worst rating is the "Rotten Apple" the best is the "Golden Apple"). Ka'obi wants to award a Golden Apple to a business each simweek and the reviews will help her with the task. The other part of the reviews/trends is that we'll have residents tell us what's hot and what's not...we haven't fully decided about this part yet since STAR has a similar section and Clark doesn't want to repeat.

Discussions

Johan stopped by for dinner (actually dessert), he stayed out the way while Jan and I talked to Janet about her plans for the future. She said that she didn't have any...doesn't she know that we won't live forever!!! Johan then suggested that she leave the hood and help out another fledging hood that needs adults, it would be good for her to become involved in the beginning. Why is he trying to send Janet away? Maybe because his fiance isn't native to Apple Valley...still, I'm not sure how comfortable I am with that idea.

When?

Johan and I are discussing dates for the wedding. Perhaps simTuesday would be a good date, we are thinking of having a destination wedding. Maybe in the rainforest of Tiki Island, that would be great!

Archives/Technology Notes: Update Report

Clark Grey

Another update report:


Assist in the management of family tree information: Goal is to update the family tree document bi-monthly. Missed August's deadline-next update is September, along with updated map of the hood.

Collect community & residents registry: Will offer template to other hoods by request.


Test and implement 3rd party technology: Going well, technology is held in testing folder and changes are noted due to the usage-however the folders are getting quite large as residents buy more items online and ask for it to be tested. SOLVED-recent apprearences of menu-options on fridges for "management/make single plates/bank controllor" or "management/make single plates/colonial window" due to the massive imports of new food items from TSR2. All new recipes taken out and will slowly be reintroduced to find the culprit-might be a conflict bewteen the foods and Monique's computer system the hood uses.


Perform back-ups of resident information: With the new deal -another backup was done right before the hood council signed it.


Serve as local reporter: online paper is published each simday, new section of paper added with reviews of local establishments.


Manage the local library: Still not so well, residents don't utilize the library, perhaps creating special events? Incentives for reading?

Searching

Well, I figure if I want to find a girlfriend I need to start looking. Mom wonders why I took out a townie and not a "nice girl from the hood", but the truth is...there's only one girl for me and our love is forbidden. O Fiona! How I wish I could change for you! Her family refuses to allow her to date a man who's not dark like her...I would be a good husband...sigh...I guess it isn't meant to be...besides...she wouldn't be able to move into the jail's apartment with me when I take over security for the hood.

Archives/Technology Notes

Another update report:


Assist in the management of family tree information: Goal is to update the family tree document bi-monthly. Missed August's deadline-next update is September, along with updated map of the hood.

Collect community & residents registry: Will offer template to other hoods by request.


Test and implement 3rd party technology: Going well, technology is held in testing folder and changes are noted due to the usage-however the folders are getting quite large as residents buy more items online and ask for it to be tested. SOLVED-recent apprearences of menu-options on fridges for "management/make single plates/bank controllor" or "management/make single plates/colonial window" due to the massive imports of new food items from TSR2. All new recipes taken out and will slowly be reintroduced to find the culprit-might be a conflict bewteen the foods and Monique's computer system the hood uses.


Perform back-ups of resident information: With the new deal -another backup was done right before the hood council signed it.


Serve as local reporter: online paper is published each simday, new section of paper added with reviews of local establishments.


Manage the local library: Still not so well, residents don't utilize the library, perhaps creating special events? Incentives for reading?

Now What?

Nicole thinks it's time for us to adopt again. I think she might be right, I would like to wait until Faith is older, once she starts school so we can focus on another baby. Apparently there's been an influx of children to the local orphanage...Nicole mentioned that we might want to look into creating a orphanage for Apple Valley. I don't know, we don't have very many children that need to be placed in the system.

Husband

Sandy and I are married now. The ceremony was held at home and we spent a relaxing honeymoon at Three Lakes...well, I thought it was relaxing..at times. Sandy kept me a bit busy *wink wink* since we want to give S'Ahmisa a little sibling soon. Hopefully we won't have twins, but who knows. O, on our honeymoon we did a lot of camping, hiking and fishing. I thought Sandy wouldn't like it and so did she, but she said that she had a good time. After the vacation I feel so refreshed and alive! I can't wait to get back to work with CupaJava!

Some Fotos

Iz back! The honeymoon was fun and the wedding was great of course. I didn't think I would like visiting Three Lakes, but it was fun, I found a new hobby-Fishing! I also am good at the ax throwing-whoohoo!! Now I need to find a job, there's an opening at the Herendez Gallery. Maybe I could be cashier there...or in the salon there. Either way, that's the job for me-hip and cool invornment!

Marriedz

It was a beautiful ceremony and we're headed off for our honeymooon, i will post photos soon!

Fatherhood Part 2

Carmela had a little boy, we named him Verde due to his eyes of course. I am rethinking the art gallery, with the introduction of personal cameras, we will no longer sell photos, but perhaps portraits and other custom paintings. Thankfully my license allows me to sell custom artwork, Carmela is anxious to get back to the salon. I'm thinking of remodeling the facility into two stores side-by-side. Her salon and my gallery. Who would watch Verde?

My Life is Basically

over. I contacted Patricia and she didn't respond, probably doesn't feel anything for me anymore. She started a production company and is working on a soap opera-I wish her luck...hmmm, maybe I could audition for a part-I can't act, but maybe I'll see her again! I could move to her hood! See her everyday!

Moving AGAIN!!!

Our neighbor-Elaine Dawson-died and Astaire's wife left him. As a result Clark and I are moving in with Astaire and our nephew Astute. Thomasina will grow up with her cousin. So we're moving to the townhouse next door and probably doing some minor remodeling to make it a 3 bedroom (one bedroom for the adults and a bedroom for the kids). Thankfully we'll split the rent ($1350 for each family each simweek). Well, let me pack...again.

Working Out

I've been gain weight...as a result my agent put me on a strict diet...exercise and eating right...actually eating less. I think that since I got my contract for Pahala Shore this season I've been depressed and disappointed, then grandmother's death, it was all too much and that strawberry cake was too yummy. Well, I refuse to get fat (fatter) and am working my butt off (hopefully).

Wedding Planning

I've been spending a little time planning our wedding. I've decided on a color scheme:
lilac, white and taupe.
I have chosen a dress from A.Pentragnani, it was a discarded design from a prior collection that never took off, so I'm getting that dress and they're creating a collection for me. Jorge will need a tuxedo and by the time we marry, his nephew (Verde) will be a toddler. I wish I had a flower girl *sigh* I know the wedding will be in my parent's backyard-in the house that will eventually be mine ^_^. Mum said that they would start planting some nice plants and tulips so the yard would be blooming and pretty in time for the wedding. Naturally I'm creating the menu, but the wedding will be simple. A simple afternoon ceremony and reception with tea and roses and little snacks and a yummy cake.

Why Her?

I met Tobi Sweeny today, he's the dreamyest sim in the hood! But why did he talk to Marilyn all the time. I was sincerly upset. Instead of joining thier conversation I sipped coffee and waited for Hazel Starr to finish visiting with her friend...I wonder if I will ever find a guy for me?



O! I won a coupon for Dinner for Four $200 at Tati's during the Food Expo. I don't know what to do, there's five of us! Hazel Starr said that she might be too busy working to go, so it may be mother, father, Marilyn and I.

Financial Director Note: Mortgages II

Ka'Obi Sweeny

After much complaint, the mortgage system has been altered.

After investigating the options and noting current technology Apple Valley will use the following system for mortgages.

Residents will use the Monique Payer/Payee Bills/Book for mortgages.

Mortgages will have a daily payment and must be paid within 42 simdays.

Families must have a minimum of 10% downpayment for thier home.

Current interest rate for all loans is 5%

The total amount of the mortgage will be calculated as:
( Amount of house - downpayment ) * (1 + interest rate)
(§20,000-§2,000)*1.05=§22,500 mortgage

The daily payment is calculated as:
mortgage amount/42 (rounded to nearest §10)
§22,500/42=§540 daily payment

The mortgage amount, interest rate and number of days remaining for the mortgage will be noted in each household's "bio" screen and maintained by the Financial Director.

All families that have mortgages less than five simdays old, their mortgages will automatically be recalculated using the new system.

Families are encouraged to meet with the Financial Director at the bank in order to discuss affordability based on daily salary and current debts.

Community Director Note: Report

Rayne Wilsonoff
Update on my progress this term:

Secure family values, uphold rights for children and elders

• Encourage families to create wills by hosting a free class at The Centre, free donuts will bring a bigger crowd



• Research health insurance policies for residents



• Establish a play group system for children to meet thier neighbors

Ensure a family friendly and healthy community for current & future generations.

• Encourage residents to compost instead of trash



• Install more lights and benches at the parks



• Obtain address signs for homes

Ensure adequate culture, local food produce, restaurants and bars, & social meeting places.

• Host a child friendly event: Children's Festival with free lemonade and sweets and local entertainment and games and prizes. Location: Celebration Park or Modern Sculpture Park, cost for residents: free



• Host a teen-friendly event. (What's cool now?): Musik Festival with concerts from local bands (contact Selita Grey) and maybe some international acts (contact Sergio Gitano of Harper's Cove, post notice on Career & Fame Board). Location: The Foundry



• Add a trend section in the local paper. Will review resturaunts, bars, etc. Also help residents stay abreast of the local trends.



• Allow local farmer's to reside on larger lots, thus produce more food.



• Build a public pool and gym for residents to enjoy in the summer time

Ensure a quality education system for residents

• Build a local school for the children of Apple Valley.



• Host graduation ceremonies for graduates of the school and the university



• Encourage more extracurricular activities for teens and children-start with debate team, chess club, and simscouting program

Hood Council Note: Hood President Report

Update on my progress this term-I must say, things are going rather well.

Construct a Bank

• Add bank office at The Centre.

Re-Establish fines/community service for conflicts

• Construction of jail .


• Find Jailor: Interiem jailor will be Jarvis Forrester-Miller.


• Update Fines


• Create a process for punishing residents and townies.


• Renovate The Centre to add a courthouse.

Increase tourism

• Order additional custom objects: maps, cups, postcards, poster prints, trinkets, etc. Also get map created of the hood to hang in the Welcome Center instead of the TV.


• Keep online Office of Tourism updated with flights and events.


• Hold raffle for a free trip to Apple Valley. Including airfare, accomadations, food, and spending money. ($5000)


• Create a Apple Valley Flag

Change timetable

• Follow Baleen Island's way of keeping time: instead of simdays, use Season # Simday #

Further relationship with affliates

• Email/chat with spokessims from affliate hoods more often


• Travel to affliate hoods

Hood Council Note: Community Director Report

Update on my progress this term:

Secure family values, uphold rights for children and elders

• Encourage families to create wills by hosting a free class at The Centre, free donuts will bring a bigger crowd



• Research health insurance policies for residents



• Establish a play group system for children to meet thier neighbors

Ensure a family friendly and healthy community for current & future generations.

• Encourage residents to compost instead of trash



• Install more lights and benches at the parks



• Obtain address signs for homes

Ensure adequate culture, local food produce, restaurants and bars, & social meeting places.

• Host a child friendly event: Children's Festival with free lemonade and sweets and local entertainment and games and prizes. Location: Celebration Park or Modern Sculpture Park, cost for residents: free



• Host a teen-friendly event. (What's cool now?): Musik Festival with concerts from local bands (contact Selita Grey) and maybe some international acts (contact Sergio Gitano of Harper's Cove, post notice on Career & Fame Board). Location: The Foundry



• Add a trend section in the local paper. Will review resturaunts, bars, etc. Also help residents stay abreast of the local trends.



• Allow local farmer's to reside on larger lots, thus produce more food.



• Build a public pool and gym for residents to enjoy in the summer time

Ensure a quality education system for residents

• Build a local school for the children of Apple Valley.



• Host graduation ceremonies for graduates of the school and the university



• Encourage more extracurricular activities for teens and children-start with debate team, chess club, and simscouting program

The End?

I am out of a job...well, I declined the job offer to join the chef staff at Tati's and instead joined Happy Burgz as a drive thru manager. The hours are shorter unfortunately the pay is too.

Changes

We have moved to Granny Smith Lane. I must say the kids did a good job finding this house. It used to belong to a celebrity couple and it is very well planned. There are three large bedrooms upstairs, plenty of open living space downstairs and garage. I don't like that the yard space is limited especially with a granddaughter that will soon be walking and talking and running about. I will tell Sazo that he might have to do something about that. Oh, another change-we are listed under Warwick. Sazo is going to take Sandy's surname...not sure how I feel about that.

Engaged

It happened so fast - it had to. Rebecca entered uni during my last year at uni. We quickly reconnected and thankfully she feels the same about me that I feel about her. I decided, why wait! I called papi and got one of mami's old rings. Then we took a walk in the snow covered campus and I proposed! She said yes!!! It will be a long engagement, since she must finish school, but I will wait for her. Other news, I start work at the Medical Centre-I will start with managing the gift shop and learning my way around the hospital.

Wedding Planz

I'm trying to make sure that we have all the things we need for the wedding.

We have the broom from Lethe of ModTheSims2-it needs to be decorated.We have chosen an arch from Wood for Sims, my dress and Sazo's tuxedo from A.Pentrignani, the tray for the libation ceremony and alter decor from Around the Sims 2. Sazo said that we can even take a short vacation (1-2 simdays) to Three Lakes for our honeymoon.