We're airing a story on Thursday about a proposed parade for veterans of the Iraq war.  You hear some opinions on both sides of the issue - some saying it's needed now and some saying it's not time yet - and we're hoping you'll add your thoughts here.

Carl Azuz, Anchor

I'd like to think it wasn't that long ago that I was in school...but I will admit that virtual schools didn't exist. We either showed up to class, or we had imperfect attendance. Internet schooling was not an option.

But about 250,000 American students attended virtual schools last year. They saw their teachers on their computer screens rather than in person. They didn't have to wait for the bus or get locked out of their lockers or have the excuse that they left their homework at home. But they also didn't get to see all of their friends, have a class discussion in the same way, give a report to their class or interact with a smart board.

So you can see some of the pros and cons of virtual schools, and we're hoping you'll add your own ideas here - virtually, of course.

Carl Azuz, Anchor

A school district in Texas is in danger of being shut down because of unacceptable academic performance.  So the district is taking "swift and drastic action":  It's cutting out school sports, taking the money it would've spent on them and using that money to improve student education.

We know that many of you believe sports are an important part of your school experience, whether you play or cheer or root from the sidelines.  But if a school system's goal is to improve its academics, would eliminating sports help?  ...and if not, what would?

Carl Azuz, Anchor

 

In legal terms, a pardon means someone convicted of a crime is forgiven or let off the hook.  Presidents and state governors sometimes pardon criminals, but as you'll see in Friday's show, that can come with a risk.

We'd like to hear your thoughts on what a president or governor should consider when pardoning a criminal.

Carl Azuz, Anchor 

The U.S. presidential election is certain to be one of the biggest news stories of the year.  And even though many of you aren't old enough to vote yet (though some will be this November), we'd like to get your take on this:  Why is it important for young people to follow their country's election process?

Carl Azuz, Anchor

Maybe you're heading off to college next year or starting an apprenticeship.  Maybe you're looking forward to the benefits of being an upperclassman, or maybe you'll be eligible to drive for the first time or to vote next November.

Whatever your hopes for 2012 are, we'd love to hear about them. Leave us a comment below on what you're looking forward to in the new year.

Carl Azuz, Anchor

GREAT story out of Tennessee on Thursday's show: A teacher asked his students to give up ALL electronics for three days.  They were challenged to go without computers, iPods, radios, cell phones, television...  You name it:  If it had a battery or needed an outlet, students couldn't use it!

Now as I sit at my desk at work, typing on my blog, with my cell phone next to the keyboard and CNN playing in my monitor, I fully understand how dependent we all are on technology.  But I am curious to what you think about this:  Can you see any benefits to going without technology for three days?

Carl Azuz, Anchor

 

Some folks get up at the crack of dawn on Thanksgiving Day for a community race.  Some get up at the crack of dawn on Black Friday to start their holiday shopping.  And some try to outdo those folks by lining up to shop at midnight on Thanksgiving.

Next week, I'm planning a report on some of the unusual Thanksgiving traditions that don't seem to have anything to do with that first feast in 1621.  Whether it's bowling frozen turkeys, frying thawed turkeys, or passing up turkey for another meal altogether, we know there are a lot of offbeat traditions out there.

Tell us yours!

Carl Azuz, Anchor

A study you'll hear about on Wednesday suggests that it may not matter whether "sugary" drinks are allowed at school; students drank them anyway when they weren't on campus.  So here's my question:  Should schools with bans start to allow the sales of sugary drinks again?  Or do you think a campus ban helps discourage childhood obesity?

Carl Azuz, Anchor

As I type this, we're a little more than a week away from Veterans Day, but we wanted to give you a head start.  We're looking for your comments and your iReports (if you're 13 or older) discussing why it's important to honor America's veterans.

And be sure to tune in next Friday to watch our coverage!

Carl Azuz, Anchor