Archive - 2011 - Page
January 20th
School testing seems to be in the news constantly, partly thanks to the “No Child Left Behind” act — NCLB, pronounced as nickel-bee by anyone who works in or covers schools, or works on laws that affect them.
There are a few things the general public should, but may not in all cases, know about tests. First, most probably know they measure students’ knowledge in the core subjects of language, math and science.
Something many may not know is that tests do OK at evaluating students’ grasp of core content.
What do towns need to thrive in today’s global economy? How do we counter the loss of manufacturing jobs? How do we lay a solid economic foundation for tomorrow’s economy?
How do we prepare for things that we cannot yet know?
Here’s a suggestion: Let’s be part of communities that move forward.
Forget the details for a moment; embrace the concept.
MIDDLEBURY — After more than two decades of working for various florists in Addison County, Carolee Ploof has arrived at a point in her life where she is able to take the reins of her own business.
Ploof, a Salisbury resident, officially opened “Middlebury Floral & Gifts” on Monday in what many locals recognize as the Little Red Schoolhouse at 1663 Route 7 South.
The new store offers fresh flowers, floral arrangements and live plants available for delivery within Addison County and beyond, thanks to its affiliation with FTD wire service.
Last week, the Legislature’s consulting economist, Tom Kavet, presented his semi-annual revenue forecast and analysis of the Vermont economy to Gov. Shumlin and legislative leaders. Kavet’s reports are important events in Montpelier, because they identify issues that are likely to be on the Legislature’s agenda in the next session.
Pity the poor liberals. They spent decades convincing Americans that it was a good thing for women to be strong, high-profile leaders. So who comes along and grabs the mantle of the high-profile political woman? Not a liberal, but the dreaded Sarah Palin.
Then after years of creating space for men to be more in touch with their feelings, liberals have to watch new Speaker of the House John Boehner — he of the tough-guy politics and country club demeanor — become the most emotive man in public life.
It’s enough to make progressives want to go out and burn a bra.
January 17th
MIDDLEBURY — The Middlebury Union High School girls’ hockey team split two home games late last week, but the MUHS co-coaches may have been even happier with the Tigers’ effort in a Friday loss than in a Thursday win.
On Thursday, the 5-5 Tigers doubled up visiting Mount Mansfield, 8-4, in a game that had been postponed from the day before by a snowstorm. The Cougars dropped to 2-7.
MIDDLEBURY — Everyone’s life has ups and downs: moments of triumph or defeat, of hope or despair.
Twelve Vermont youths (including some from Addison County) with difficult pasts recently got a unique opportunity to transform heightened moments from their own lives into works of art.
Each year on Dr. King’s birthday, I find myself reflecting on his message of equality and giving back. This year, as Americans grapple with the tragic events of Jan. 8 in Arizona, including the attempted assassination of Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, my perspective on the holiday has taken a different focus.
