Monthly Archives: April 2011

Through their eyes…

Joshua and I went out to dinner and a movie this evening, leaving Maya, Ben and their friend Greta at our place.   They do this almost every weekend, and since Greta’s Dad lives in our building, we know they are … Continue reading

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Spring Cleaning

Mayor Bloomberg started his Spring cleaning by firing School Chancellor Cathleen Black, only three months after appointing her to the position.   To say that she was unpopular would be an understatement.   To say that I understand what she was expected … Continue reading

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Commerce and Harry Potter

Today we went to Discovery Times Square to see the Harry Potter exhibit.    The exhibit itself was fantastic, filled with actual props and costumes used throughout the series.    Even though you expect attention to detail when it come to films … Continue reading

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In case you missed it: the article that started all the fuss

I subscribe to Lenore Skenazy’s Free Range Kids blog (and you can reach it too through my blogroll).   A few days ago she posted a letter she received entitled “You are a Horrible Mother” from someone who, as Lenore said, … Continue reading

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Life (& education) inside versus outside, the ‘box’

“Think outside the box” is a phrase we have all heard.   It means to get creative, to approach something in a new and different way;  to not do what everyone else does.    High praise is showered on people who think … Continue reading

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The insidious nature of testing, and overcoming school brain induced anxiety

Maya took her standardized tests today.    The anxiety level when she got to questions about which she was unsure was almost palpable.    My anxiety over her frustration mounted, and my school brain started screaming horrible things at me related to … Continue reading

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The American Test

Maya is officially in her 5th year of education, according to the NY Dept of Ed, and as such, is required to take a standardized test and turn in the results, either with our 3rd or 4th quarter report.   We … Continue reading

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Overnight Central and Loose Tooth Patrol

Tonight Maya is spending the night upstairs (on the 21st Floor) at her best friend Greta’s apartment.   We haven’t seen much of Greta lately, as she attends middle school and is usually inundated with homework.  Despite the vast differences in … Continue reading

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