A rich summer vs. summer enrichment

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

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