What Got You Talking This Week: Trash Pilot Program
Effective trash removal was a hot topic in the South End this week. South End Patch News
What Got You Talking This Week: Trash Pilot Program
Hot topics in the South End this week included news of the revised trash pilot program that has been in place on some streets since March. Residents talked trash on
Boston Schools Superintendent Shares Tips for Talking with Kids about Marathon Bombing
In the aftermath of Monday’s Boston Marathon bombing, Boston Public Schools Superintendent Carol R. Johnson sent a letter to staff and families of students titled, “Talking with Children about Tragedies,” that was shared via the Warren-Prescott School newsletter on Tuesday morning. In the newsletter, Warren-Prescott Principal Michele Davis wrote: “Our sincere thoughts and prayers go out to all of those affected by yesterday’s events. Our own Melissa Shea ran the Boston Marathon yesterday and her family was among the spectators. I am relieved to report that Melissa and her family are safe.” Davis asked that anyone with information about other Warren-Prescott families that may have been affected by the bombing to contact her at mdavis@boston.k12.ma.us. Boston Public Schools are closed this week for April Vacation. Below is Johnson’s letter: —– Dear BPS families and friends, We hope you and your family are safe tonight. We wish to express our deep gratitude to the first responders, public safety personnel and everyday citizens who stepped in to help today at the Boston Marathon. Many of you have questions about how to talk to your children about today’s events. Below, please find resources from the National Association of School Psychologists, which has prepared tip sheets for parents and teachers to help children, teenagers and adults cope with tragic situations. Among their professional advice (from the NASP website): Remain calm and reassuring. Children will take their cues from you, especially young children. Acknowledge that the threats and uncertainty are unnerving but the likelihood is that you and your children or students will be okay. There is a difference between the possibility of danger and the probability of it affecting them personally. Acknowledge and normalize their feelings. Allow children to discuss their feelings and concerns and encourage any questions they may have regarding this event. Listen and empathize. An empathetic listener is very important. Let them know that others are feeling the same way and that their reactions are normal and expected. Take care of your own needs. Take time for yourself and try to deal with your own reactions to the situation as fully as possible. You will be better able to help your children if you are coping well. If you are anxious or upset, your children are more likely to be so as well. Talk to other adults such as family, friends, faith leaders, or a counselor. It is important not to dwell on your fears by yourself. Sharing feelings with others often makes us feel more connected and secure. Take care of your physical health. Make time, however small, to do things you enjoy. Turn off or monitor the television. It is important to stay […]
Boston Talking About Hosting 2024 Olympic Games
There hasn’t been an Olympic games hosted in America since 1996 in Atlanta, and like leaders at Massachusetts’ State House, the Boston City Council will be exploring the feasibility of bringing the games to New England. “Why hasn’t Boston made a serious play for the Olympics?” District 6 City Councilor Matt O’Malley asked during Wednesday’s council meeting. “It’s obvisouly a huge undertaking. […] It could bring peril. […] The Atlanta Games of 1996 was really run well and turned a profit. […] Montreal hosted the games in 1976 and it took 30 years for them to pay off a billion dollar budget.” He added that Vancouver had debt problems after hosting the games, too. O’Malley said he doesn’t want to rush the process but that there is momentum with State Sen. Eileen Donoghue, D-Lowell, having filed a state bill to study the feasibility of hosting the Summer Olympics. Boston was selected among 35 cities to submit a bid by the United States Olympic Committee. But Mayor Thomas Menino has called the idea of Boston hosting the Olympics “far-fetched” as he told WBUR that it costs $ 6-8 million just to bid, and that would be publicly funded. Pushing for the games is the Boston Olympics Exploratory Committee, which has already reached out to councilors and the city administration (having met with Menino already). The group also has its own website for the 2024 games. “The benefits could be enormous,” O’Malley said. “We have the hotel rooms, the dorms. The locations of sporting events would not just be in Boston proper. It could be 200 miles north, south, east, west of Boston. We could be talking about the New England region. Another strength we have is the city could hold the summer or winter games. When you apply for both your chances are exponentially heightened.” However, O’Malley also admitted it could cost billions of dollars to implement additional infrastructure. The matter was referred to the Committee on Economic Development for a future hearing. SOUTH END PATCH: Facebook | Twitter | E-mail Updates South End Patch