This sounds like a wonderful program. I have seen these young people working at our local Salvation Army and they do a great job! What a blessing to have people help our children who need a little extra "leg up" before they are ready for every day living. Great idea Northbridge!! View Comment

Sadly there have been teachers with bullying issues of their own in this school system. The facts arent present so it is really hard to judge, but to judge the parent isnt fair either since most parents cant control their child from home. There was an incident a few years back where a child did have a medical reaction to something a teacher gave them and the child paid the price for that incident. Being very familiar with this school system, I can tell you it needs a complete overhaul. View Comment

This is a wonderful program and there are many children in need. I hope that the church continues. There are some glitches with children hanging out and inappropriate and illegal activities that I have seen taking place in the parking lot when I have had the occassion to drive through. Its up to the parents of Northbridge to understand that the church is not babysitting they are providing a safe place for the children INSIDE where they can spend time after school. They are not ensuring that your child is not exposed to drug use in the parking lot. They are not responsible for who your child is hanging out with. They are not babysitting the many "couples" that hang out so they can do as they please without a parents watchful eye. ETC... The church is lovingly and willingly sharing their space and time. It's time as parents that "we" teach our kids how to respect and appreciate that. View Comment

My dog had been acting very strangely and would not stop whining. We took him outside probably 5 times in an hour thinking he needed a break. When we heard about the earthquake it all made sense. He definitely felt what we missed! Here he was probably trying to alert us (timmy is in the well) and we were simply ignoring him! LOL View Comment

No tearful farewells here! After many promises made to bring this school system forward and build it to the likes of B.V.T. there has been no measurable progress. We have recently been told, at a school committee meeting, that bullying is only classified as continued physical abuse. This does not include verbal taunts or teasing and we were told our school not only doesn’t have a serious problem but that we are the leader in the area; a model for other schools in fact! I am not sure what dictionary was used but I am pretty sure that verbal abuse is abuse, and that type of daily taunting from the same child/children is classified as bullying. Are we to take the “Bill Clinton” stance that if you are not “fully engaged” in an act, it simply isn’t happening? (Really?!?) It is time that we stop losing wonderful teachers and administrators that care for our children simply because they are treated so poorly by someone enjoying a power seat. Ask yourself why someone leaves just weeks before the school year is over, and so abruptly? Whether this is “retirement” or a polite exit, frankly, it’s none too soon. All we can do is keep a careful watch, be aware, informed, and involved in our children’s school system and demand the best for our children’s educational future. View Comment