A student perspective on Malloy’s reform bill

Written by Kathleen O'Brien, Gael Winds newspaper
Thursday, 03 May 2012 00:00

Gov. Dannel Malloy's education reform bill has been causing controversy among residents and educators across the state of Connecticut.

In response, Malloy has been holding informational meetings in cities and towns across the state for teachers, students, parents and interested individuals. On April 5, I attended one of these meetings at Ansonia High School. After arriving 15 minutes late due to traffic, Malloy mounted the podium and began his presentation about the proposed bill and then opened the floor for questions from the audience.

The Herald’s name game

Written by Mike Wood
Monday, 30 April 2012 00:00

As a freelance contributor to this paper — and I do mean free — I'm not surprised that I wasn't consulted for my opinion on the recent name change. But the good thing about having a column like this is that I don't have to wait to be asked for my opinions. I can just go ahead and offer them. And here's mine on the new name: I hate it!

Okay, maybe ‘hate’ is a little strong. But I really don't like it. To me, The Herald sounds like a really lame superhero. Or worse, just some guy named Harold who talks about himself in the third person. And of course there's the whole “Hark!” thing. Maybe it's just me, but it's hard to read the news while humming about the herald angels singing.

Liscinsky: Engage in the process

Written by Arlene Liscinsky, Board of Education
Thursday, 26 April 2012 00:00

Where have all the parents, teachers and vested community members gone?

We have again embarked on the yearly budget process and it is in its final stages. This year, the Board of Education has requested quite a conservative increase to keep up with primarily increased health care costs and contractual salary increases.

There is a small amount of allocated budget dedicated to program improvement and also a reduction in Pay to Participate fees. This request amounts to $64,336,129 or less then 1%. In fact, the last two years our budget request have been quite modest to keep some stability in the district. After our reduction in force two years ago, 100 plus staff members, of which 36 plus were certified teachers, were let go. We are essentially treading water.

Pitch in and help clean up

Written by Anthony Simonetti
Wednesday, 25 April 2012 00:00

Shelton is a great place to live, learn and play in. As a native Sheltonite I know it will always be so because of the people who make it a great city. Most of them work behind the scenes, coaching, as committee members, generous corporate CEO's and the volunteers who keep our Boys' & Girls Club, Scouting and so many athletic and social programs going.

Speaking of sports, Shelton has always been known for its football. I am a big fan of football and baseball throughout the state but let's not forget our state championship women's soccer team, softball and the nationally recognized cheerleader squads who so proudly wear the orange and black. All good things that shine the best light on our children, parents and school system.

I could not be prouder of my hometown for all the reasons I cited above and many more but I want everyone take a moment and to ask each of you to stop and think about something else. It looks like a horrible American pastime is taking over in Shelton, and I have four 55 gallon bags full of trash in my garage to prove it.