Opinion

Letter To The Editor: Hargraves Endorses Bernstein

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By BILL HARGRAVES
School Board Member
Los Alamos Public Schools

I am a member of the LAPS School Board and I endorse Christine Bernstein for the LAPS School Board (District 3 Aspen).

Christine has been an active, in-the-classroom teacher for over 20 years, including several years in Los Alamos Public Schools, giving her an expertise in areas that distinguish her from her opponent. If elected, Christine would be the only Board member also actively teaching students.

As a teacher, she has the knowledge and the skills to work effectively with other Board members, lead committees, and make real

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What If The U.S. Had Invaded Japan On Nov. 1, 1945?

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Courtesy photo
 
Courtesy photo
 
By JOHN C. HOPKINS
and CLAY DILLINGHAM
Los Alamos
 
On June 6, 1944, Allied forces stormed Europe at Normandy in the D-Day landing. This successful operation hastened the collapse of Nazi Germany, and we rightly commemorate this day and celebrate the enormous contribution of our armed forces. 
 
But another date, November 1, 1945, should also be remembered for what did not take place as originally planned and for the lives that were not lost. This was the date the United States had chosen for the invasion of the Japanese Home Islands.
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Letter To The Editor: Supporting The School Bond Is Just The Right Thing To Do

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By SARA SCOTT
Los Alamos

I have been pleased to see so many letters of support for the school bond question and would like to add my own for several reasons.

First, the Los Alamos public school system is a key contributor to our community’s quality of life. It is one of the reasons that both I and others have come to, and remained in our town. I feel very fortunate to live in a community that provided our children with a quality education in a safe and nurturing environment and would like to make sure that future generations of children and young adults have the same opportunities. With our growing population Read More

Letter To The Editor: Elated To Vote For Bernstein

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By JAMES RICKMAN
Los Alamos

I’m pleased to share my elation after voting for Christine Bernstein for Los Alamos School Board, District 3.

I think it’s fantastic that an actual educator is running for a seat on the local Board of Education. Both of my parents were teachers—and excellent ones at that, based on the recollections of their former pupils—and I remember them talking often about administrators and policy makers who knew little about the realities they faced, yet who held the purse strings and the power to make meaningful changes on behalf of students and educators.

Electing a teacher Read More

Letter To The Editor: Thanks For LAFSE Endorsement

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By CHRISTINE BERNSTEIN
School Board Candidate
District 3 (Aspen)
 
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Los Alamos Federation of School Employees for their endorsement of my candidacy.
 
I feel very honored to have been chosen. As a school employee myself, I understand the importance of teachers’ unions. They not only advocate for teachers in difficulty, but also for students and for education overall. In a time when teachers are being asked to do so much, it is good to have support and advocates to help us and unions play a key role in that. There is power in numbers. 
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Letter To The Editor: Sheehey Endorses Los Alamos Public School Bonds

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By PETE SHEEHEY
Vice Chair
Los Alamos County Council

Like many of us in Los Alamos, I know I owe a lot to good public education. 

Tax revenues spent wisely on education are a good investment in our future. That is why I urge Los Alamos citizens to vote yes for continuation of our Public Schools Bonds.

This vote will not increase property taxes; it will simply continue the present tax rates so that the schools can continue to rehabilitate and update our aging schools. 

Los Alamos support of these bond issues enables us to receive additional New Mexico state schools capital funding, multiplying Read More

Letter To The Editor: Sharon Stover Endorses Pongratz

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By SHARON STOVER
Former Los Alamos County Clerk
 
One exemplary attribute that no one can take away from Morrie Pongratz is that he has never sat on the sidelines relative to service to his community. 
 
Since early 1980s, he has been actively involved including serving on the County Council and School Board. Below follow a couple reasons to consider why Morrie should be elected to the School Board.
 
Recall and think about in the early 1980s, when young people needed safe activities, Morrie was there to spearhead, secure funding, and chaperone events for teens. Morrie has
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Letter To The Editor: The Big Questions Communities & Parents Face Is How Programs Will Be Funded…

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By DIANA MARTINEZ
Development Director
The Family YMCA

I too read the after-school editorial by Lt. Gov. Howie Morales that Morrie Pongratz referred to in his letter to the editor (link).

My first thought was, “I’m so glad Howie recognizes that!” There is a massive body of studies that essentially says youth should be given resources to help them develop. Dr. David DuBois of the Institute for Health Research and Policy at the University of Illinois at Chicago has research that examines the contribution of protective factors, particularly self-esteem and mentoring relationships, to resilience Read More

Letter To The Editor: Rock The Bond For White Rock Schools

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By MATT SCHMIDT
CEO/President
Los Alamos Schools Credit Union
 
In a time when education budgets are tight, it takes the full might of a mindful community to prioritize education. As a parent of three current Los Alamos Public School students, I’m thankful to have witnessed firsthand how modern facilities can inspire a love for learning.
 
It is our duty to promote health, security, and learning for all current and future students in Los Alamos. Not only is investing in aging school infrastructure the right thing to do for our children and teachers, but it also has lasting economic value
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Letter To The Editor: Melanie Colgan – A Lot To Like About This School Board Candidate

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By KEVIN HONNELL
Los Alamos School Board (2011-2015)

Residents of North and Barranca Mesas (District 4) are fortunate to have two strong candidates for the upcoming school board election. 

But, based on my experience as a former school board member for this district as well as former school board president, I concur with our current member, Andrea Cunningham, that one candidate stands out above the other — Melanie Colgan (link).

I’ve known Melanie Colgan for more than a dozen years, and throughout that time I’ve been amazed by the extent to which she has poured her talent and energy into Read More