Eight takeaways from Monday night's debate:- Don't put any stock in quickie post-debate polls. Even if they were methodologically sound, the bigger problem is that those polled don't really know what they think yet. People watch a debate, think about it, listen to commentators discuss it, and ...
I taught university mathematics for more than four decades.Some of my most memorable classes involved teaching elementary education students. They all had to meet the same rigid requirements, no matter what grade level they wanted to teach upon graduation (kindergarten-eighth grade).My ...
On Sept. 2, with the cooperation of the City of Altoona, the Blair County Antique Auto Club had the 10th annual Downtown Cruise.More than 600 vehicles of all sizes and kind lined 11th and 12th avenues. Hundreds, if not thousands, of spectators were in attendance.For those people not aware, the ...
The Blair County Courthouse restoration project is a monumental multi-year repair and improvement project to address numerous inter-related exterior and interior problems.The priorities of the work to date have been correcting dangerous conditions that threaten public safety and stopping ...
On Aug. 29, Colin Kaepernick decided not to stand up for the playing of our national anthem. This was a very bold move, and although it is heavily criticized, Kaepernick has every right to do so. Kaepernick decided that the best way for him to fight bigotry and racism in this country was to ...
We're bountifully bamboozled by Hillary Clinton, Donald Trump, "news" squawkers from cable, network and print, and maddening malfeasance by the RNC and DNC.Our rigged system ignores legitimate presidential contenders, keeping them out of debates and off major news outlets, ensuring that all ...
On Sept. 6 WRTA had as its guest on the morning show Lois Kaneshiki, the new chairwoman of the Blair County Republican Committee.During the course of this show, the guest made the comment she wanted "educated" people working with her to essentially build a strong committee. Apparently, ...
I am writing in reference to the article "AASD asked to review decision."I find in this article statements by individuals like Bob Kutz, president of the Altoona Area Buildings Trade Council, to be absolutely correct in his B building presentation and he is an expert in the structural and ...
Would the Altoona Area School District refuse to accept any monetary donations because "In God We Trust" is printed on our money?I suspect now they must refuse it. Precedence has been set.Jimmie G. MillerCentre Hall
The Altoona Area School District delayed accepting a gift from the class of 1966.The decoration gift included the words "In God We Trust." Board members said they could not act because it was a surprise to them. Was the reason for the delay because it was a surprise gift or was it because of ...
Being a retired early childhood educator, I read with great interest the articles about Hollidaysburg Area School Board member Lois Kaneshiki and her comments concerning kindergarten.Both at a recent board meeting and also when questioned by the Mirror about her comments, Kaneshiki clearly ...
Because the Altoona Area School Board tabled the acceptance of the gift of a decoration that says "In God We Trust," then maybe they need to table the cash they get for their pay, because after all our money has "In God We Trust."Patricia Louise FlukeHollidaysburgEditor's note: School board ...
A decision made by five Supreme Court justices has done more to destroy the moral values in America than any other single decision. Now the sanctity of human life has been completely destroyed, as experienced by the complete disregard of human life.The Roe v. Wade decision that permitted the ...
Recently Hollidaysburg Area Superintendent Robert Gildea asked the Hollidaysburg Area School Board to approve a temporary kindergarten teaching position to keep kindergarten classes manageable at Foot of Ten Elementary School.Gildea was concerned that excessive class sizes would reduce ...
We have lived across the street from Baker Elementary on Logan Boulevard since 1971 and have seen Baker renovated at least two times, now encompassing a block, from Ward Avenue to Landis Street.Fortunately, our four grandchildren attended Baker. They then moved onto Roosevelt Junior High School ...
As a retired teacher for the Altoona Area School District, who taught kindergarten for 35 years, I was deeply hurt and offended by Lois Kaneshiki's reference to kindergarten teachers as baby sitters who are wasting taxpayers' money.May I correct you by saying that these fun-loving, energetic ...
Regarding the Sept. 15 article by Russ O'Reilly about the Hollidaysburg Area School District meeting "Substitute teacher vote fails," how does someone with the level of disdain shown by Lois Kaneshiki for the educational system get voted to the school board?A quick review of papers regarding ...
Both Republicans and Democrats share some basic values that affect the quality of life of most Americans.Some areas of agreement are a strong economy, reducing poverty, protecting the environment and managing immigration.The parties differ in their means of dealing with these issues, but are in ...
At last week's Hollidaysburg Area School Board meeting, Superintendent Robert Gildea presented a reasonable request to create an entry-level long-term substitute (not permanent) kindergarten position to alleviate crowding in kindergarten classrooms.The request failed because of the ...
I'm so glad I live in this area of Pennsylvania.The people are so wonderful and once again, they came to our rescue.My husband fell in a doctor's parking lot. A young man stopped, and a lady came over, and between the three of us, we got him up.You know who you are, and once again: Thanks, and ...