Here we are in mid-December. Everyone doing OK? I hope all of you are getting an ample supply of cookies, eggnog and merriment. I have decided to give myself the gift of using this space to sketch out my ideal community. Right here, in black and white, the way I wish life would be. Now, […]
Forecaster opinion
Posted inForecaster Opinion, The Forecaster
Portland Superintendent’s Notebook: Improving outcomes for all students
I’m writing a series of columns about the impact that our new Portland Public Schools’ five-year strategic plan will have on students in the classroom. This month I’m focusing on our plan’s central priority: equity. Our strategic plan has five priorities: equity, achievement, whole student, people and systems. Each priority has four to seven strategic […]
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Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly, Scarborough Leader, South Portland Sentry, The Forecaster
Mainewhile: Instead of consumerism, try this Icelandic gift tradition
Sometimes things we think of as “usual” are not. This is how I have felt in the wake of the “I’m sorry, what now?” questions and comments, received following my mention that my family has adopted the Icelandic tradition of books on Christmas Eve in lieu of big gifts under the tree. To be honest, […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly, Scarborough Leader, South Portland Sentry, The Forecaster
Mainewhile: Holiday spending is breathtaking; choose thoughtfully
The last of the cranberry sauce has been eaten, the first of the Advent calendar doors has been opened … I suppose we are well and truly in The Holiday Season. I am speaking here (or writing here to be exact) specifically about Christmas. There are, of course, many other holidays, both religious and secular, […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly, Scarborough Leader, South Portland Sentry, The Forecaster
Through My Lens: Taking a step back, but not giving up
Since the summer of 2020, writing for the local paper has been my greatest joy. Through my columns, I have built a community by sharing my love for this beautiful state I now call home, celebrating the culture, food and opportunities I’ve found here. As an immigrant and a proud naturalized American, I have used […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly, Scarborough Leader, South Portland Sentry, The Forecaster
Mainewhile: Doubling down on the act of being thankful
November in Maine. Those gray skies, bare trees and golden leaves on the ground make for one of the most starkly beautiful landscapes I know of. November is a vibe. A slightly solemn one to be sure, but with side notes of joy, gatherings and last hurrahs. It is no wonder this is the time […]
Posted inForecaster Opinion, The Forecaster
Portland Superintendent’s Notebook: Expanding our capacity to deliver special education services
How will the Portland Public Schools’ new five-year strategic plan impact students in the classroom? That’s a question I will be exploring in my column over the next few months. This month I’m focusing on our special education programming. The five priorities of our strategic plan are: achievement, whole student, people and systems – with […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly, Scarborough Leader, South Portland Sentry, The Forecaster
Mainewhile: The value of genuine curiosity of others’ lives
What a weird, weird week it has been. I mean, yes, sure, obviously. Things are very weird all around the globe. Things are even weirder here at home, what with the nominee for attorney general being a man facing multiple charges himself. Dark ones. But none of that is what I mean. I am referring […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly, Scarborough Leader, South Portland Sentry, The Forecaster
Through My Lens: Now is the time to buckle up and fight, not flee
Here we are, four more years of President Trump. To my fellow Mainers and my immigrant friends here in Maine, here are ways we can fight back. I have been writing these opinion pieces for some time now – more than three years. By now, I’ve learned enough about the people who read my work. […]
Posted inForecaster Opinion, The Forecaster
RSU 5 Superintendent’s Notebook: Finding a light in the seasonal darkness
“Gratitude helps us see what there is instead of what isn’t.” – Annette Bridges Each year in early November daylight saving time concludes as time falls back one hour. This act signifies that the days are growing shorter and colder. In Maine, particularly as December approaches, our days begin and end in darkness. During this […]