I often receive inquiries about Ramadan and fasting, and recently a white Maine student asked me about my favorite part of Ramadan. Surprisingly, many of my favorite experiences are not directly related to the religious significance of the month for Muslims. I began observing the Ramadan fast at the age of 8, even though fasting […]
Forecaster Opinion
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly, The Forecaster
Mainewhile: Cut down on artificial light, dark skies are healthier
I am off on an adventure. My honey’s solid bestie is getting married in Tucson, Arizona. Science nerd that I am, I leaped at the chance to visit “the astronomy capital of the world” and see those famous skies for myself. Tucson is an official Dark Sky City. In fact, it is home to the […]
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Posted inForecaster Opinion, The Forecaster
Portland Superintendents’ Notebook: Highlighting the value of the arts at city schools
March is National Youth Art Month, as well as National Music in our Schools Month, so we’re using our column this month to shine a spotlight on recent art and music accomplishments of our students and the dedicated educators who teach them. In just one example, PPS High School Orchestra students helped make the 39th […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly, The Forecaster
Through My Lens: Higher education accessibility a boon for immigrants
A year after the onset of COVID-19, I had the privilege of speaking with students at Lewiston Middle School, which has a large number of first- and second-generation immigrant students, including many from Somalia. During the discussion, the students expressed their hopeful excitement that they would be the first in their families to attend college, […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly, The Forecaster
Mainewhile: Americans can agree on one thing: no more daylight saving time
Odds are, as you are reading this, you’re tired. Maybe feeling a little worn down. Sluggish, even. It’s the time change. We have just done the big “spring forward,” turning our clocks ahead one hour as we fall in line with daylight saving time – and while it is lovely to have my car dashboard […]
Posted inForecaster Opinion, The Forecaster
RSU 5 Superintendent’s Notebook: School budget development underway with opportunities for input
We have much to celebrate as a school community. The schools in RSU 5 have a culture of kindness and respect for individual differences. Our students continue to have high academic performance which supports the achievement of their postsecondary goals. Students in the visual arts receive many awards and accolades for their outstanding accomplishments. Musicians […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly, The Forecaster
Mainewhile: More moviemaking in Maine makes sense
The other night, the honey and I were watching a show. It was set here in Maine, and I have to admit they had done a decent job of making it look like they were actually here. Right sort of beach, working pier, proper looking boats, not a “Murder She Wrote”-style California cliff in sight. […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Coastal Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly, The Forecaster
Forum: The wide availability of marijuana serves Mainers well
Heather D. Martin’s column posted Feb. 14 titled, “Mainewhile: Absurd concentration of pot shops a reason to worry?” begins with the author expressing sadness that the “tumbledown junk shop” she passes daily is closing, and readily admits in the next paragraph she “had never once, not in the many decades of driving past, gone into […]
Posted inForecaster Opinion, The Forecaster
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Posted inForecaster Opinion, The Forecaster
Brunswick Superintendent’s Notebook: Addressing absenteeism takes a team effort
I love the vibe of a bustling school hallway. Conversations bounce from an upcoming math quiz to what’s for lunch to who’s going to the big game on Friday night. Students have an energy and enthusiasm when they are talking with their peers that you don’t find anywhere else. Sadly, many of our young people […]