In reference to the article “Lebanon to Consolidate Pre-K” in the April 13 Valley News, I would like to offer my thoughts. As a taxpayer and a parent of a soon- to-be kindergartner at Hanover Street School, I am asking for a voice in reaching a solution to current concerns about elementary class sizes and enrollment trends.
I want my child to receive a high-quality education in a supportive, healthy and nurturing environment. I want all children to have equal access to quality education with the appropriate amounts of social/emotional supports, the ideal of low student-to-teacher ratio, and opportunities to create, contribute and thrive in their educational experience.
I am willing to work toward a solution to the current challenges our schools are facing. In my experience as a community organizer; communities coming together to solve problems has a far greater value, and brings realistic and sustainable results. To gain community support is to include the community in the planning process, especially when you are unsure of the solution. Resistance comes from a lack of information and the lack of inclusion in a process.
Change can be a wonderful and needed thing. Life brings unpredictable variables, therefore change is inevitable. In this day and age, we must prepare our children to handle change, help them understand when and why change is needed. How change is approached and handled, and how the people affected are supported, makes all the difference. Weathering change can build resiliency that will bode well for children in the future.
Parents and taxpayers, we are all stakeholders in whatever solution is presented. A collective process that reaches a collective solution is invaluable. I am willing to work collectively as this decision has a potential impact on my child’s education and well-being. I’m sure other parents are, too.
I urge the School Board to include the community in this process, as it will benefit the education of all of our children.
Angie Leduc
Lebanon
I read with great interest the article in the Sunday Valley News about an initiative in Hartford, spearheaded by Selectboard member Becca White, to explore ways to make it more difficult to market tobacco to teenagers in town (“Hartford Mulls Tobacco Controls,” April 23). I applaud it, first because it’s good to see former “archenemies” White and Mike Morris in full agreement on a subject of mutual concern, but also because it’s indicative of a “sea change” in regard to consumption of tobacco products by youth. The culture regarding smoking and other tobacco use has changed radically over the past half-century. I’m old enough to remember when cigarette ads proliferated on TV and network news anchors (many of whom later died from lung cancer) were prominently featured smoking the sponsor’s brand on camera. Certain brands such as Virginia Slims were created to appeal to women.
New York City is considering raising the price of cigarettes from $10.50 to $13 per pack, even though it may result in less revenue from a class-action settlement with Big Tobacco. Presumably, the price increase would be a tax.
What did disappoint me was White’s support for legalizing recreational use of marijuana, which I fully oppose because it creates so many more problems than it solves. Over time, marijuana may prove to be as carcinogenic as tobacco, and it has been shown to interfere with frontal lobe brain development, which is not finalized, especially in males, until the mid-20s. Therefore I’m proposing that Hartford go all the way and take steps to keep marijuana out of the hands and lungs of those under 25.
It’s remarkable that the Vermont Legislature has not had the courage to do this, probably out of fear of alienating the college students whose votes they count on for re-election. The House is to be commended for “dragging its feet,” whereas the Senate, traditionally the more stable and deliberative body, has jumped to approve this bill, possibly to legitimize a practice some of its members already engage in. Here is an opportunity for Hartford to show true leadership.
William A. Wittik
Hartford
April 22 was an incredible day for science research, education and literacy throughout the world. Crowds of people took to the streets, joined rallies and events, and took part in programming at institutions throughout the country to advocate for science.
Two articles featured in the April 23 Sunday Valley News highlighted the determination of the scientific community: “Advocates Rally in Support of Science: Earth Day Marches Held Worldwide,” and “Turnout in Thousands at New England Science Marches.”
The Montshire Museum of Science was ecstatic that the energy of this day was equally present in the Upper Valley as well.
Thanks to generous support from local community members and business, the Montshire was able to waive admission fees for the day, and 1,470 people engaged in hands-on science experiences and heard compelling talks about the importance of science and scientific research. Our own local scientists and engineers joined the Montshire’s Day of Science and we couldn’t be prouder. Dr. Vicki May (Thayer School of Engineering) introduced young visitors to the world of solar energy and soldering. Dr. Chris Polashenski (Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory) worked with visitors all day to explore climate change. Dr. Andrew Coppens (University of New Hampshire) interviewed visitors about their personal experiences with the environment. Dr. Mary Albert (executive director, U.S. Ice Drilling Program), Dr. Joseph Helble (dean of the Thayer School of Engineering), and astronomer Christine Black all lent their voices to a series of talks about why climate science is relevant, how science research funding is critical to innovation, and how science makes us human.
Dartmouth students, faculty and staff also marched from the Dartmouth Green to the Montshire to voice their support for science. It was truly a magnificent day and one that shows how much the Upper Valley cares about science.
Montshire’s Day for Science was made possible with contributions from Bill and Jane Stetson, from Roger Sloboda, the Ira Allen Eastman Professor of Biological Sciences at Dartmouth College and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, and Novo Nordisk.
Marcos StafneMontshire executive director
Norwich
While it was not a news story per se, the ad for the Hartford Area Career and Technology Center did in fact contain some news. What it said to me is that there are kids out there who are pursuing trades and occupations and appear to be receiving a quality education, based upon the proud smiles on their faces.
While their education may not have been in the traditional high school curriculum, not all kids are suited to, or interested in, the standard curriculum, i.e., teaching to the tests. It is great to see that there are increasing options for these kids, including charter schools, to enable access and exposure to hands-on experiential learning in trades and occupations. Enabling a student to find their passion at an early age can save them a lot of time and money as they seek to find their niche. Once it’s found, many then pursue additional theoretical coursework in their field so that they can understand and master it. Kudos to the staff at HACTC for initiating and building these programs for these students!
Bart Guetti
West Lebanon