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Today, we happened upon an old issue of the Boston Globe dated exactly two years ago–March 9, 2006. In it, an article reported that oil prices at that time were $60.02 a barrel. According to Bloomberg News, March of this year saw a record high in the cost of oil at $106.54 a barrel. Bloomberg goes on to quote an analyst’s assessment: “At some point the fundamental news, either rising inventories or falling demand, will be so stark that prices will have to drop.” Maybe the prices will drop, maybe not. Regardless, something that absolutely must change is our reluctant attitude toward conservation and our limited commitment to renewable energy sources. Like you, I feel it at the pump and each month when I have to pay rising utility bills, but there is something we can do about it. Rather than simply complaining, be part of the solution by finding out about local recycling and conservation opportunities, pushing for more government leadership in these areas, and of course, voting for candidates who are committed to addressing environmental concerns.

There’s been a lot going on in the schools lately, with the superintendent search getting top billing; however, don’t forget that other groups with an interest in education continue to do their work out of the spotlight.  The Citywide Parent Council met on February 25 for a conversation about “What’s Happening in Our Schools.”  The first part of the meeting addressed what is working at the school level with some innovative efforts brought to the attention of the wider group. (The Butler School homework policy where students have to call parents if their homework isn’t done; welcoming and informative math nights at several schools.) There was a consensus that the Connect Ed system (where telephone calls on school events can be done by the district or individual schools) has proved a great source of communication.  Under “What Would You Like to Change,” the most important thing was improved parent/teacher conference scheduling.  One meeting a year is not enough and teachers are not available when parents can meet.  (One of the contenders for the superintendent job, who is now out of the running, had tackled this problem in her distrcit by getting her teachers to be available for parents whenever the parent could meet for one 30 minute conference a year.  She achieved nearly 100% participation by parents and this stipulation is now in the teacher contract.)

Under “What Can We Do,”  parent education (on issues) was a key point, as well as the need to be “proactive so we don’t have to be reactive.”  The CPC keeps reinventing itself to fulfill its mission of informing and empowering parents.  This untelevised, informal chat about what’s working and what could be changed is a great way to stay in touch with the schools. The next CPC meeting on April 7, will bring in other groups to look at the system as a whole.  When we find out the location, we’ll announce it.