These are the times when holding to the worth of others is imperative

“We can say ‘retard’ and ‘pussy’ without the fear of getting cancelled,” the banker said. “It’s a new dawn.” We see it rather as dusk — and darkness will prevail if not just our schools, where students learn lifelong values, but each of us as a human being does not make an effort to see and respect our differences while acknowledging our common humanity.

Discipline should not mean disconnection for students

A school should be a place where a child can make a mistake, be corrected, take responsibility for that mistake, learn from it, and carry on with his life. The health and safety not just of individual students but of our society as a whole depends on it.

An inclusive playground lets kids of all abilities play together

We commend the Guilderland school district for being aware of and trying to meet the needs of all of the children it serves and we encourage families to use those five playgrounds when school is not in session. But we urge the town to create an inclusive playground, perhaps at the centrally located Tawasentha Park, that would serve as a magnet for children of all abilities to play together.

From the editor: Elisabeth Vines delights while she enlightens

by Melissa Hale-Spencer

January is named for Janus, the ancient Roman god of transitions. He is frequently portrayed as having two faces — one looking back and the other looking forward.

Natural needs should take precedence over human political differences

Every year, students at Farnsworth Middle School in Guilderland volunteer to raise butterflies, tend to native plants, and educate the public about both.

Governor, stay the course for fair school funding

The Rockefeller Institute report, filled with data, makes a cogent argument in favor of Hochul’s original proposal on save harmless. But now, the governor is backing away from that. We urge the governor to stay the course. What is popular is not always what is best.

A gift

The heart of that story has more to do with the value of caring — caring so much you would sacrifice your most prized possession — than it does about the material possessions, which of course are worthless: a chain with no watch, hair combs with no hair.

Bring the Long Path home to Altamont

The Long Path: “It’s about connecting people to other communities and natural areas.”