Monthly Archives: November 2015

photo by RM

Jogging – Intervals of Shame

I have often seen the joggers on Saturday mornings getting their caffeine fix at local coffee shops before what I imagine must be an epic jog, through parks, over bridges and surely, in and out of multiple boroughs.  I always wondered if I could ever join the god-like ranks of “Joggers.” I am soon to be 40 years old.  If, like… Read more →

The Exeter Whale (courtesy of Nick Lam)

Part 3 – The “Hunger Games” vs. The Hunger Banquet

Every September, the parents of New York City fifth graders begin the dreaded middle school process.  The process is commonly likened to “The Hunger Games” by disillusioned parents for its Darwinian system of reshuffling and categorizing 10-year-olds. Even in District 15, which has many “choice” schools, the middle school application process is truly grim. The Brooklyn Middle School “Hunger Games” – Part 1 explored those grim aspects, while Part 2,… Read more →

Reforming the District 15 “Hunger Games”

Every September, the parents of New York City fifth graders begin the dreaded middle school process.  The process is commonly likened to “The Hunger Games” by disillusioned parents for its Darwinian system of reshuffling and categorizing 10-year-olds.  If you read The Brooklyn Middle School “Hunger Games”, Part 1, you understand that this application process is truly grim.  Now, I will introduce you to District 15 Parents for Middle School Equity… Read more →