Friday, December 10, 2010
Assemblywoman discusses bill that awaits governor's signature with 7th graders
State Assemblywoman Mila Jasey gave 7th graders at South Orange Middle School a lesson in civics, civility and standing up to bullies today. Jasey told about 100 7th graders on Team A how she sponsored and won approval for the country's toughest anti-bullying bill, which is now sitting on Governor Chris Christie's desk awaiting approval. "The hope the governor will sign it soon," she said. "The bill is the toughest and most comprehensive in the country. It makes it mandatory for schools to act when they suspect bullying. We can't ignore the problem. We can't turn away from the problem. We can't say, 'That's just boys being boys,' or 'You know how girls are.' " Because Jasey sponsored the Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights and her children went …
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
SOMbike features members in videos; students hunt for leaves; and knitters take to the streets -- again
SOMbike's first video features CHS student This video is the first in a series short videos profiling local residents who love bikes. The common theme in these videos will be personal stories about riding bikes and how it is a part of their life. These videos are presented by SOMbike, the South Orange-Maplewood Bicycle Coalition. videography: Jeff Zelevansky Love 'Em and Leaf 'Em Marshall School second graders are looking hard at leaf piles. No, they don't have raking in mind (unless you make a good offer, maybe); they're doing the annual Leaf Project. Pioneered by Robin Margent, who adapted the project from one her son did, the Leaf Project asks students to gather and identify various types of leaves, sort of a nature scavenger hunt. The…
Friday, November 19, 2010
Funky gifts, united knitters, yoga for labor, and a letter of intent for Seton Hall
Looking for something kitschy or just for the kitchen? In either case, you can find it without going into the city or to a mall. Kitchen a la Mode has some great gifts for that person on your list that has everything. Or perhaps for the hostess with the mostess. Between now and Christmas we'll publish fun items you can find shopping locally this season. And don't Hannukkah sneak up on you; it's early this year (starts Dec. 1). Check out the 1940s-style Gangster Grater (the car door is riddled with holes for grating cheese. Or some little kitchen-themed Christmas tree ornaments (my personal favorite is the rice bowl and chopsticks) but there are also pots and pans, a rolling pin, whisk and others. What if you could make your ice shaped like…
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
South Mountain works to create a kinder culture; knitters look to raise awareness; Habitat for Humanity students rake leaves; Coalition hosts preschool open house
South Mountain's anti-bullying campaign South Mountain Elementary is working to stop bullying on several fronts – assemblies, meetings with parents, peer counseling training and perhaps the most effective of all, says Principal Tina Lehn, the "morning meeting." Each morning, all classrooms from kindergarten to 5th grade, start the day seated together on the floor and share a relaxed conversation about what's going on, what's coming up and talk about things they can do to help each other and to be inclusive. "Our emphasis on a kinder, gentler school is already showing results," Lehn said. "I've overheard and our teachers have heard children reminding peers how to treat another child. And several have reached out to someone who looks like …
Laura Griffin
11:06 pm on Sunday, December 12, 2010
Judge Tom, Thank you for sharing those sites. Teens definitely don't seem to understand how things last forever online and on their phones and IMs, or how, ultimately, they have far less privacy than they think they have. "Think B4 U Click" is great advice, for teens and adults. Thanks for sharing the information and your free website. Laura more ›