Parents don’t have — and shouldn’t have — the only voice in public education

By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times @mikemcgannpa I hate to break it to you, but parents don’t — and shouldn’t — get the last word when it comes to public education. Should parents have some say? Sure, and they do (arguably an outsized voice already), but they are far from the only constituency school districts and school boards have to balance to truly represent the greater community. The...

It doesn’t matter where your kid goes to college. Really.

By Kelly Hockenberry, Columnist, The Times It doesn’t matter where you go to college. There, I said it. Out loud. To a community of over-achievers (thanks to a FANTASTIC, highly ranked, competitive school district, for which I am grateful. Honestly.) I know what you’re thinking. This is not a sour grapes commentary, considering that I did not go to an Ivy League school (the footnote being that...

A small gift to those we love

By Nancy Plummer, Columnist, The Times Dear Readers, I’ve promised to keep you updated on my Ovarian Cancer journey…and I’m doing great considering this is indeed a marathon. Sadly, though, my father has cancer too, and he is not fairing as well. In fact, he must have an operation on December 9th. For someone who has had to grapple with the idea of death just around the corner, I felt so...

Do’s and don’ts for preparing your child for a dental visit

By Dr. Stephanie McGann, DMD FAGD, Columnist, The Times As a parent, I always want to make things easier for my kids. However, as a dentist, sometimes I see very well-intentioned moms and dads inadvertently make things more difficult. Here’s what you should know. Don’t promise a reward for good behavior. Most kids have dental visits that are completely free of discomfort and by promising them...

The students are ready to be back in school, but we parents…

Confessions of a mom struggling to keep up with a new school year By Kelly Hockenberry, Columnist, The Times Aaaaaah, another school year has begun!  While I am sad to see summer end, I always appreciate the structure and routine the fall semester brings.  By mid-winter, I’m over it, so, best to embrace these happy feelings now. I feel extremely lucky that our boys receive their education...