“Caregivers and school personnel have a responsibility to help children and youth feel safe by establishing a sense of normalcy and security, reinforcing their natural resilience, and talking to them about their fears,” according to the National Association of School Psychologists. I am a proud lifelong resident of the beautiful state of Maine. In the […]
Forecaster opinion
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly, The Forecaster
Through My Lens: Nowhere is safe from gun violence
The Lewiston mass shooting has served as a stark reminder that such atrocities can happen even in places we consider safe right within our communities, seemingly out of the blue. Just prior to the shooting that evening, I had returned from a refreshing 4-mile run in Yarmouth. With no knowledge of what was going on […]
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Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly, The Forecaster
Mainewhile: Spread goodness and notice everyday fortunes
“How’d your pumpkins do this year?” The question from my brother-in-law caught me and my husband off guard. What? What pumpkins? For a few different reasons, all of which would be too long and boring to recount here, we don’t have a vegetable garden. Yet. Maybe not ever. Jury is still out, but certainly not […]
Posted inForecaster Opinion, The Forecaster
Brunswick Superintendent’s Notebook: When does learning not feel like learning?
Mary Poppins had the right idea. A spoonful of sugar does make the medicine go down, and the Brunswick School Department has found a way to sweeten the learning experience in our science-based programs. Brunswick schools have been working with the Cathance River Education Alliance to bring kids outdoors to learn in a hands-on environment, […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly, The Forecaster
Mainewhile: May Lewiston’s tragedy be a marker for change
Like most, I am heartbroken and anxious and angry over the recent mass shooting in Lewiston. I am heartbroken for the lives lost, the families shattered, the kids who are having trouble sleeping at night now. I am anxious over the lack of answers, clarity or safety we have. I am angry because this feels […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly, The Forecaster
Mainewhile: Don’t sterilize Halloween, let kids face and conquer fears
Halloween is my absolute favorite holiday. I mean, what’s not to love? It has whimsical costumes, scary stories, a normal bedtime (looking at you, New Year’s) and chocolate. What could be better? Plus, it takes place at this magical time of year where everything is windy and dark, shifting and in flux. Best of all, […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly, The Forecaster
Through My Lens: Interfaith unity needed here as conflict rages far away
The past couple of weeks have weighed heavily on many of us, especially within the Muslim and Jewish communities here in Maine. For me, as I witness the unfolding events in Israel and Palestine, I can’t help but reflect on a challenging period in my life when I was just 15, growing up in Mogadishu, […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly, The Forecaster
Mainewhile: Creative use of old spaces can bring back sense of community
It is not exactly news that the recent global pandemic took a toll on our collective sense of community and belonging. Sociologists are busy constructing studies to calculate what, if any, impacts upon our social fabric can be attributed to the pandemic, but while we wait for the graphs and figures, I’ll just wander out […]
Posted inForecaster Opinion, The Forecaster
Portland Superintendent’s Notebook: Our schools have many strengths to build on
When I first transitioned into the district in July, I committed to spending the first three months listening and learning in the community. In that time, I’ve met with more than 500 students, parents, staff, business leaders and community partners face to face, and we’ve gathered additional information through a survey that over 925 people […]
Posted inForecaster Opinion, The Forecaster
RSU 5 Superintendent’s Notebook: Staffing shortage is impacting our district
While driving in communities in our region you will see “help wanted” or “we’re hiring” printed on signs on the doors of businesses or on banners draped across buildings. You may have also had the experience of arriving at your favorite eatery or coffee shop only to find it closed due to a lack of […]