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Students in San Antonio Schools in 2008 will have college savings options that havent existed since 2003. The Texas Tomorrow II plan is a revamped version of the original state savings program that many residents in San Antonio Schools blasted as useless before it was ended in 2003.

The problem with the original plan was that it didnt account for inflation. So San Antonio Schools families who used it as their main vehicle for college savings found themselves no better off. Governor Rick Perry announced this newer version that is based on the purchase of units. Heres how it works.

Imagine a student in the San Antonio Schools hope to attend a decent four year college. The parents would purchase the appropriate number of units that the family can currently afford. Unlike the old plan, families dont have to pay for 2, 4 or 5 years, but whatever they want. The Texas Prepaid Higher Education Board will set prices annually. Currently a two-year college costs 23 units for a full year, and four-year colleges range from 57-81 units.

Proponents in San Antonio Schools and throughout Texas claim that this protects parents because any inflation increases will be paid by the colleges. However, some in the San Antonio Schools fear that the results might actually hurt those the plan was designed to help. A great concern for San Antonio Schools is closing the achievement gap that exists between white and minority students. There is a strong correlation between poverty and poor academic success. Some administrators in San Antonio Schools fear that the current set-up will put colleges in the position of raising tuition to make up for the inflation they are stuck paying. And whos left with the higher tuition? Students who didnt purchase prepaid programs- usually the lower income families.

Thats not to say that most residents of San Antonio Schools dont like the program. Actually, most parents are pleased that the state has finally replaced the old model. Some features that parents in the San Antonio Schools like are that they can transfer funds from the old program, or from 529 plans, into the Texas Tomorrow II plan. Its also more accessible because families can start paying even if they dont have money to pay for a complete year.

But, some parents and educators in San Antonio Schools point out- its still not perfect. Funds can't be used for books, food or housing; all items that make up a significant portion of college tuition. And for the poorest students in Texas and in San Antonio, it may not do much to get them into college. Still, the overall attitude of most of San Antonio Schools families seems to be that they need all the help they can get. With college cost rising, and even upper middle class families struggling meet tuition, its not surprising that scores of San Antonio families are eagerly anticipating the new plan.

Patricia Hawke is a staff writer for Schools K-12, providing free, in-depth reports on all U.S. public and private K-12 schools. For more information please visit San Antonio Public Schools

Turquoise has been sought after for centuries for its beauty and healing powers. Well known for its uses in Native American jewelry and carvings, it has been used for centuries and dates back to ancient Egypt as evidenced by turquoise jewelry found in the ancient Egyptian tombs.

This popular stone can range in color from vivid sky blue to a yellowish green color and is found in mines all over the world. Although quite porous in nature, most turquoise has been stabilized for use in modern jewelry which renders it less apt to chip and protects it from discoloration due to exposure from body oils. Turquoise can be strung as beads, carved into animal fetishes and combined with a variety of other stones to make striking handmade jewelry.

Turquoise gem stones are reputed to have powerful healing properties. This stone is said to help with public speaking as well as enhance calmness and creativity. The wearer of turquoise my also notice improved wisdom and honesty as well as a new sense of empathy. It has also been used to help enhance relationships, strengthen the bond in friendships and allow one to have a better connection with their inner self. Its healing properties are associated with the respiratory, skeletal and digestive systems and has long been used to cleanse the body of toxins.

Turquoise is mined in many places around the world including Iran, China, Turkey, Persia, Egypt adnNorth America. The color of the stone depends on the minerals that are in the ground. Blue stones are found where copper is present, green stones are found where iron is present a yellowish green stone which is quite rare is found where zinc is present and the White Buffalo Chip Sturgis Rally turquoise found in Nevada is mined where there are no minerals present.

If you wear turquoise jewelry, take care to clean it carefully. This porous stone can be easily damaged if submerged in chemical cleaners. Never use steam or ultrasonic cleaners for your gemstone jewelry. The gentlest method of cleaning is to dip a Q-tip in warm soapy water and wipe the stone with that - wipe again with plain water to remove any soap residue.

Lee Dobbins is owner and editor of Artisan Jewelry Online where you can learn more about turquoise jewelry.