Dear Everyone Learning @ Amherst, Region, and Pelham Schools:
Today marks a turning point in our history. For our children, 40 years ago is history. For many reading this, however, the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is not history, it is recent... in our lifetime. It is an event that occurred when many of us were at an impressionable age. (I suppose that never ends, though). It is an event seen through many and different lens and perspectives. We think back and wonder "What if..." and fortunately, school children and leaders everywhere continue to explore what it means to fulfill Dr. King's dream in the 21st century.
In light of this 40 year marker, there have been more than the usual news features and articles analyzing Dr. King's work, all that he accomplished, and where his work was focused at the time of his death. I wonder how he would respond to No Child Left Behind Legislation (a fascinating discussion I have had with many African-American superintendents), to desegregation efforts and recent Supreme Court decisions, and many other contemporary education-related issues. And, I think about this in context of our attention to high levels of achievement, equity, and social justice. On one level, we still have so much adult work to do on issues of race and class. On another, it seems so simple to find common ground: high expectations, no ceilings, opportunities to nurture talents, and an eye on the prize of the meaningful diploma that opens doors to continued learning... for EVERY student.
We will never know what Dr. King's perspective and wisdom would be today at the age of 79. We do not know what actions he would have taken with an eye on public education. I would like to think, however, that the focus would still concentrate on the dream of children learning and playing together and a dream that brings calculus, music, innovation, inquiry, and remarkable aspirations for all students into the planning and conversation, as well.
Today causes us to remember a leader and to consider the course of history in the public arena over the past 40 years. I imagine together we can figure this out now for the next 40.
Thank you.
Jere Hochman
Contract Negotiations
The Amherst-Pelham Education Association and the Amherst-Pelham Regional School Committee are pleased to announce that an agreement has been reached regarding contract negotiations for unit A, teachers. Information is about this agreement is attached and will be presented at the Regional School Committee meeting Tuesday night.
Regional School Committee
The Regional School Committee meets Tuesday night, April 8 at 7:00 p.m. in the High School Library. The agenda is attached.
World Series Trophy
Don't forget the World Series Trophy will be on display Saturday, April 5, at Town Hall.
Attachments:
April 8, 2008 - Regional School Committee Agenda
Joint Press Release - Contract Negotiations