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Palos Park sisters help high school students improve literacy

After returning from a debate camp at Harvard University this summer, sisters Bella and Mia Narciso decided to create the Turn the Page Foundation to help disadvantaged high school students improve their reading skills.

The foundation’s first partner is the iCan Dream Center in Tinley Park.

The teens, who live in Palos Park, said they met people from all over the world and heard stories of the challenges some camp participants had to overcome. When they returned, they realized they were fortunate that their parents encouraged reading.

“My parents have always thought that literacy and reading were a top priority.

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The way ahead for higher education | columnists

Higher education in Indiana is facing a turbulent future. Fewer Hoosiers are graduating from high school, and a declining percentage are going on to college. There are many reasons, including the pandemic, a strong job market, high sticker prices, growing student debt and a belief that many good jobs don’t require a college degree. The bottom line is that higher education needs to change, and fast.

What are colleges and universities to do?

First and foremost, we need to put students first. This may sound obvious, but it can’t be taken for granted. We need to offer academic programs and

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Worried About Vax-Related Side Effects? Breath Easier One Year Out

Photo by RODNAE Productions on Pexels.com

I’m at my one year anniversary of getting Pfizer’s COVID-19 vax. I’m starting to worry less about adverse effects, not that I’ve lost much sleep over it. Luckily, I’m hearing no chatter at my hospital about requiring the boosters. Yet I don’t hear any of the vax mandaters saying “we were wrong.” A relative of mine is searching for a job now and reports that the great majority of posted jobs still require the vax. Unbelievable!

The patient is wise to look away. If you watch the needle go in, it’ll hurt more.

From

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Clinton High School teacher receives a national award as part of the ‘Amazing Teacher’ program

Mary Lesko Kokenakes, left, who taught for many years at Madison High School but this year began teaching English at Clinton High School, was recently named an Amazing Teacher of the Month as part of the Amazing Teacher Awards promotion that is live on The Daily Telegram's website.  It is a national award through Gannett publications, and the program is sponsored by McDonald's.  Presenting a ceremonial $5,000 check to Kokenakes Nov.  17 is Adrian South Main Street McDonald's owner Mike Bodman.

Mary Lesko Kokenakes, left, who taught for many years at Madison High School but this year began teaching English at Clinton High School, was recently named an Amazing Teacher of the Month as part of the Amazing Teacher Awards promotion that is live on The Daily Telegram’s website. It is a national award through Gannett publications, and the program is sponsored by McDonald’s. Presenting a ceremonial $5,000 check to Kokenakes Nov. 17 is Adrian South Main Street McDonald’s owner Mike Bodman.

CLINTON — An educator who earns praise for her instructional methods, reaching students at all ability levels, has been

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Should You Eat With Your Hands and Eschew Cutlery?

November 22, 2022 · 7:30 AM

“Me Grok”

DailyMail has an interesting article that promotes eating with your hands instead of forks, knives and spoons. After all, caveman Grok didn’t have eating utensils.

Those who are a stickler for etiquette should look away now.

That’s because we’ve all been dining the wrong way and should be eating with our hands, according to a psychologist.

Professor Charles Spence, from the University of Oxford, said giving up cutlery is the secret to enjoying food.

He says eating with our hands can ‘heighten the dining experience’ – even for meals like pasta and

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Randolph High School investigating gender locker room dispute

RANDOLPH, Vt. (WCAX) – Randolph High Schools girl’s volleyball team has been banned from its own locker room while school officials investigate a conflict involving a transgender student on the team.

Vermont education policy says students can play sports and use the locker room corresponding to their gender. But some members of the Randolph girl’s volleyball team objected to having a transgender teammate in the room while they were changing.

“It’s a huge thing. Everyone’s asking, ‘So, why aren’t you allowed in the locker room?’” said Blake Allen, who along with her fellow teammates are currently barred from using the

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Education: Students tout benefits of EMCC’s Adult Education programs

Two north Mississippi residents are taking advantage of the programs offered at East Mississippi Community College’s Golden Triangle campus.

Brandon Miller of West Point and Trey Logan of Eupora are both enrolled in the Adult Education Launch Pad where they are taking GED preparation classes, and the two were guest speakers at a Sept. 22 events about the program.

“I’ve been working for three years towards earning my high school diploma and after only a couple of weeks at the Launch Pad I have already passed two of the four subject areas for the GED test,” Miller said. “I want