It is past time to rethink and resist standardized testing
The Waterbury Area Anti-Racism Coalition is encouraging families and students in our community to consider opting out of statewide standardized tests this spring. On Wednesday, April 21, 7-8 p.m., WAARC will host an online information session to discuss the harms of standardized testing and how to opt out if that’s your choice.
LETTER: Former school board member writes Gov. Scott about school gridlock
Our districts merged into the HUUSD under Act 46. Since the merger, other than some administrative efficiencies, no major steps have been taken to move the district forward with regards to increased equity, robust academic programming or more efficient use of our facilities.
Rep. Wood: Bill H.225 aims to prevent opiate overdose deaths
You can tell when legislators sense the end of the session is just a few weeks away because the pace of work in the virtual halls of the Legislature definitely picks up as many bills come to the floor for a vote and key “money” bills pass the House and are now being worked on in the Senate.
Census drives legislative apportionment in Vermont
It’s that time of the decade again! The U.S. Constitution requires a census every 10 years, and this up-to-date population count is used to ensure that our elected representatives in the legislature are equitably apportioned across the state.
LETTER: Bolton couple thankful for outpouring of support after tragedy
We want to thank everyone from all over: our friends and family, our neighbors and community, people from all over Vermont and surrounding areas who have driven to help search, people from all over the country and world who have reached out to us with prayer and love and kindness.
Students organize blood drive in Waterbury April 28
A big thank you again to the community for helping the Harwood Rotary Interact Club raise money and collect bottles during our recent bottle drive for the Waterbury Area Senior Center.
Teacher to lawmakers: Table this proposal
My name is Tommy Young and I am a 24-year teacher with 22 of those years being here in Vermont. I am a 1st- and 2nd-grade teacher at Waitsfield Elementary School.
Legislative committees working to shore up teacher, state worker pension plans
As I write, we have finished our work on Crossover Day, which is the last day we can pass bills that originated in our committees of jurisdiction and have them considered in the Senate (if they pass the full House) this session.
Census data will guide legislative reapportionment
This month I want to update readers on reapportionment. First, what is reapportionment? Reapportionment is the process that happens once every 10 years to review and redraw the current legislative districts to insure equal representation as required by the Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution.
Letter: Middle schools need reasonable class sizes
I would like to thank the Harwood Unified Union School District School Board for rescinding their last-minute decision to cut a middle school teaching team.
LETTER: Veteran educator sees need for more, not fewer, teachers ahead
I live in Waterbury, but I am a veteran educator in another district. Education anywhere is important to educators everywhere, so I want to express my relief that the new Harwood Unified Union School District School Board voted to rescind its decision to cut teachers for next school year.
Thomsen: School Board revote on teacher cuts needed public involvement
The board owes it to the community to rescind its vote, properly warn the topic on the agenda, debate the topic, and provide opportunity for public comment consistent with open meeting law.
Spring forward! And please support local journalism
As the days grow longer and mud season unfolds and we all eagerly await the demise of this pandemic, we are thinking of how far we've come in this unusual pandemic year. Waterbury Roundabout will mark one year in early May and we're thrilled to be settling in as our community's local news source.
‘Upkeep and maintenance’ of democracy means strengthening voting rights
Under normal conditions, the new year is a time of reflection on the year past. 2020 was no ordinary year.
Harwood Interact: Thanks for all of the bottles and cans
Harwood’s Rotary Interact Club would like to thank the community and everyone who donated cans and bottles to the Waterbury Senior Center.
Petition supports bill for insurance, Medicaid to pay for hearing aids
Our state Rep. Theresa Wood drafted H.266, the Hearing Aid Bill. For that, I am truly thankful she did that because it will have a huge impact on many Vermonters' lives. We have over 70,000 Vermonters who are hard of hearing, several hundreds of Deaf people including children who could benefit from this as well.
Size matters in middle school classes
As a former 40+-year teacher, I was very disappointed to read that Harwood school board members voted to reduce by one-half the number of core teachers in the Harwood Union Middle School.
Jerry McMahan: ‘The Town needs to be proactive’
I am running for the three-year Duxbury Selectboard term that is up for election this year.
Brock Coderre: ‘I will go the extra mile for my neighbors’
I’m just a 30-year-old, working class guy. You’ll see me delivering food for your local pizza place. I work nights at a warehouse in Barre.
Mark Frier: ‘Freedom and a sense of belonging’
I am hoping for your support in continuing to represent you, the voters, on the Select Board for another term. This past year has brought many challenges to our community and many difficult but necessary conversations.