EDUCATION

May 05 2026EDUCATION

Behind the scenes: When substitute teachers go above and beyond

The recent awards for substitute educators Esther Yardumian-Smyth and Celia Effrig show that recognizing everyday heroes isn’t just about grand gestures—it’s about seeing the quiet power of persistence. While full-time teachers often get the spotlight, these two winners prove that substitute roles c

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May 05 2026EDUCATION

Local students shine as they announce next steps after high school

Friday wasn’t just a normal school day for many students in Berks County. A special gathering at the Miller Center for the Arts turned the spotlight on young adults who are about to leave high school and start new journeys. Instead of walking out empty-handed, these career and technology students wa

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May 05 2026TECHNOLOGY

A peek inside Staten Island’s high-tech classroom of the future

McKee High School in Staten Island has just launched something unusual—a classroom that feels more like a tech playground than a traditional school space. Called the S. I. C. Space, it mixes cutting-edge gadgets with cozy, student-friendly design to help teens learn, relax, and think creatively. The

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May 04 2026HEALTH

Helping Parents Talk About Drugs with Teens

Parents can start small, saying “Hey, what’s new? ” to open conversation. They should keep the topic coming back over time. A first chat might be about medicine for a cold, then later about vaping or alcohol. Listening is key. When teens speak, parents should not lecture but ask question

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May 04 2026POLITICS

A springtime vote for Connecticut's new official symbols

Connecticut might soon join the majority of U. S. states by declaring an official amphibian. The spring peeper has been advancing through the legislature, pushed forward by students who noticed the state lacked this kind of representation. Lawmakers passed the bill 136-0, showing unusual unity, but

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May 04 2026EDUCATION

Colorado’s School Funding Plan: Big Numbers, Small Impact?

Colorado plans to give K-12 schools nearly $195 million more next year, but that might not go as far as it seems. Lawmakers agreed to boost per-student funding by $440, bringing the total to over $12, 000 per child. Still, many rural schools worry the increase won’t cover rising costs or plug budget

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May 04 2026EDUCATION

Gaming labs in New Orleans teach kids more than just play

A group of friends in New Orleans started something small years ago. They wanted to help young people through sports, school, and community projects. Over time, their idea grew into gaming labs where kids learn skills like design and teamwork. These labs aren’t just about playing video games. They t

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May 03 2026POLITICS

Judges Get a Climate‑Science Showdown at Nashville

In the middle of a growing legal battle over climate damages, two very different programs are trying to shape how judges think about science. One group, linked to the fossil‑fuel industry and conservative free‑market advocates, is hosting a big symposium in Nashville. The other, called the Climate J

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May 03 2026EDUCATION

Tulsa School Board Keeps Special‑Ed Programs Alive

The Tulsa school board decided not to cut funding for special education after a recent budget proposal. The decision keeps the district’s programs running and supports students who need extra help. The board’s move came after a plan to reduce special‑Ed resources was put forward by district offic

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May 03 2026POLITICS

State Budget Passes: Money for Schools, Towns and Health Care

The state Senate approved a new budget that will bring more money to schools, towns and health care. After weeks of public talks the lawmakers voted 30‑6, with all opposition from Republicans. The plan adds $180 million for education and $100 million to help struggling towns, hoping to keep lo

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