Today's poll: Is 7:25 a.m. too early for high school classes to start?
04.21.2011 | HOLYOKE - Signs of spring color a sidewalk on Hillside Ave. early Thursday morning. Anyone know what tree / bush produces these? Please post to the comments.The Forecast
We're only looking at a high of 53 today, but the sun early this morning seemed to be promising a lot more.
Multiple sources -- including the National Weather Service -- have said today will be "sunny" with no mention of precipitation, but wouldn't you know it: a cloud hung over our office around 8 a.m., dropping one last passing shower.
A "Hazardous Weather Outlook" posted by the National Weather Service notes that strong northwest winds today could produce gusts up to 45 m.p.h.
More rain is on the way for the weekend, George Graham reports this morning.
Today's Poll
Newly elected South Hadley School Committee Robert M. Abrams is advocating for a later start to the school day for high school students.
Abrams, a pediatrician who serves as a physician for the Holyoke Schools, has cited research finding that when teens get enough sleep schools see a number of benefits. Among them, an increase in attendance and motivation, fewer disciplinary problems, less tardiness, less depression, and a “calmness” in the halls and cafeterias.
Classes at South Hadley High School currently begin at 7:25 a.m.
What do you think -- is that too early for teens to be bright-eyed and ready to learn? Vote in our poll.
Tuesday's results: On Tuesday, we asked, "Should MCAS scores be used to evaluate teacher performance?" 19 people voted. 63.16% said "no"; 36.84% voted "yes".
Wednesday's Top 5
The top 5 headlines on MassLive.com on April 20 were:
- 2011 Chicopee Comprehensive junior prom [photo gallery]
- Paul Mueller, abc40 and fox6 anchor, resigns abruptly
- Chicopee Comp junior prom April 8, 2011 [photo gallery]
- Activists, stoners and casual tokers celebrate 420: unofficial pot smokers holiday
- Massachusetts SJC ruling weakens pot enforcement
Quote of the Day
“It just doesn't strike me right. There must have been some political godfather there.”
— Governor’s Councilor Charles O. Cipollini, of Fall River, on John S. Gay’s promotion in 1986 at Dorchester District Court in Boston. Gay is Gov. Deval Patrick's nominee for the position of Springfield District Court clerk magistrate. Read Dan Ring's article about the nomination hearing here.