For those of you with school age children - what are your summers like? Are they a time to explore new interests, further develop skills and pad college applications? Are your children busy with summer jobs or camps? Maybe they're already tackling their summer reading lists to get a jump on things for fall. All … Continue reading A rich summer vs. summer enrichment
Category: Education
Joe (go to) College
Did you happen to see this article in the Times Union recently? I'm sure lots of folks feel gratified by their decision to reside in one of the successful suburban districts which are considered to be the best in the region. Me? I'm left with more questions than answers by the conclusions drawn and I … Continue reading Joe (go to) College
Music lessons
During last night's run, a song I was unfamiliar with came on my Spotify playlist. The voice was familiar, but it took me a minute to bring the vocalist's name to my lips...Lana Del Ray. As I listened, a face popped into my mind and I smiled, thinking of the now-graduated student who had brought … Continue reading Music lessons
Twenty-five years to life
I don't know how it happened, but this month marked 25 years since I first moved to Albany. I wonder, does the fact that I've lived here more than half of my life make me an Albanian? So many of my life's milestones occurred here, in one of America's most unfriendly cities, that, no matter … Continue reading Twenty-five years to life
Impressions from a spring concert
Last night's concert at my son's middle school made an unexpected impact upon me emotionally. I'm not usually inclined to tears, but this gathering of kids, led by their obviously committed teachers, left me absolutely weepy. Here are the thoughts I had while sitting in that auditorium... ...there was a boy with a cast on … Continue reading Impressions from a spring concert
Testing – 1, 2, 3
No notice on this really - I'm sorry! It's my fault, not Pat's. From NYS Assemblymember Pat Fahy: Local Education Forum: School districts across the region are feeling the strain of limited federal and state funding, a convoluted funding formula, and increasing testing and other state and federal mandates. To give voice to these concerns, the … Continue reading Testing – 1, 2, 3
Destination lame
My middle son is wrapping up his middle school academic career in a couple of weeks. There are a few events to commemorate the occasion, including a day trip to NYC, later this month. When I was in 8th grade, we also went to the city. I remember it vividly because I saw my first … Continue reading Destination lame