DECEMBER NEWS
News Briefs: Donating Ping Pong tables * Read to Feed is a way for Day students to help poor nations * Starlight, Starbright enables Day students to help hospitalized kids
Two speakers at Understanding Our Differences shared personal experiences
by W. H.
Two speakers at the Understanding Our Differences awards program, Bonnie Kaplan and Karen Keefe, spoke from their own personal experiences.
Bonnie Kaplan is currently the director of cultural access at VSA Arts of Massachusetts. VSA helps individuals with disabilities by creating opportunities in the area of arts. VSA has a website at www.vsamass.org.
“Since I was born deaf, I’ve had to always advocate and stand up for my rights as a deaf person, so this job was a perfect fit!” Kaplan said.
It is important to Kaplan that students hear from a deaf person to gain their own perspectives from listening to him/her. Kaplan advises Day students to believe in themselves and not let others tell you who to be. “You are who you are, and be proud of yourself.”
Karen Keefe is a 46 year-old mother living in Newtonville. She was born deaf in her left ear and nearly deaf in her right ear. At the age of 37, Keefe became completely deaf. Six years later, she got a cochlear implant in her right ear, enabling her to hear. It was an emotional moment for Keefe and her family when after so many years, she could once again hear. Keefe describes deafness as a peaceful experience.
“Being deaf has its advantages. If there is too much noise, we deaf people can turn off the hearing aid or take out the cochlear implant...hearing people cannot really do that.”
Senator Kennedy outlines major goals for the future
by J. R.
The Newton-Needham Annual Achievement Breakfast was held on Tuesday, November the 23rd. The purpose of the annual breakfast is to recognize outstanding achievement by people who have either helped the chamber of commerce or who are members of the chamber of commerce.
Before Senator Edward M. Kennedy [D - MA] delivered the keynote speech, many other city officials spoke, such as: Lorraine Kohr, The President of the Newton-Needham Board of Commerce; Michael S. Jellinek, MD, Newton-Wellesley hospital; Fran Yerardi, a member; and Newton Mayor David Cohen, who spoke about how “...commercial property makes up about 15% of our [Newton’s] tax base,” and how, “...that 15% is absolutely essential to the well-being of our city.”
When Kennedy took the microphone he said, jokingly, “How as some one perhaps looking forward to another election, I liked your style. There was sort of one nomination, a little mumble of seconding, the next thing it was overwhelmingly approved, and they went on to the next item.
Later in his speech he talked about three major topics that he hopes can be addressed in the next few years. The first was that Massachusetts is both the most competitive state and “...number one in regards to science and technology.”
The second issue was “...$3 million of investments that are primarily put into the smaller companies in the region and in the area.” Also, he touched upon the advancements at Hanscom and in Needham.
The third issue he addressed was education and no-child-left-behind. He felt that teaching areas need to be made smaller, so that the teachers are well-trained and have manageably-sized classes that the teacher can evaluate fairly. The ending parts of his speech were about how some companies are not using newer technology that could save people money.
THE DAYTIME had a chance to speak to the Senator and asked him what he believed was the purpose of government; to which he responded, “To serve the people.”
A second question THE DAYTIME asked him was how he and his family have been inspired to help people less fortunate than themselves. He responded that it is “The Christian ethic that we all have some benefits,” and that “...we all have a responsibility to help others.”
Day’s Student Council weighs in on Albemarle use
by J. H. and A. T.
The Student Council has many different ideas on how Albemarle Field should be used. 6th grader N. C., a student council member, thinks that a science-related pond should be constructed and in the winter, it could be used for ice skating of some sort. N. C. also suggests that a skateboard park could be built in this area.
One of the 7th grade representatives, C. J., thinks that a school garden could really be good for the community and that if everyone contributed to the creation of the school garden, it would be real easy. S. A. agrees and also proposes a Zen garden. Another idea similar to a school/Zen garden would be to build a community park, according to B. R.
Besides ideas about ways to use Albemarle Field, Student Council is going to continue their previous Courtyard Clean-up in the Spring; they are looking for a grant for planting different plants and creating a painting project with the Day community.
Student Council also is supporting a toy and book drive that started the week of November the 29th through December the 21st. The Student Council is looking for new books and new toys only. Additionally, there is a pizza party reward to whichever homeroom gathers the most toys and books. The toys and books should be submitted in homerooms, unwrapped. |
