Syracuse Assemblyman Bill Magnarelli is one of 27 co-sponsors of a bill that would postpone the impact of the state’s tough new tests on New York’s students and teachers for two years.
The bill, sponsored by Assembly Education Chair Catherine Nolan, would prohibit the use of the Common Core-aligned three- through eighth-grade state exams from being included on students’ permanent records or transcripts.
The bill would also prohibit the state from providing student data to in Bloom and other data management companies until July 1, 2015. And it would give parents the option of refusing to allow their children’s personally identifiable data to be provided to in Bloom or other vendors.
If the bill passes the Assembly, it would still have to be taken up and approved by the state Senate and be signed by Cuomo
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Rob Gronkowski will undergo back surgery
In the NFL, news out of Foxborough today is that the New England Patriots star tight end Rob Gronkowski will undergo back surgery this Friday.
After leaving last weekend’s game against the New York Jets and not returning, Gronkowski was diagnosed with a herniated disk in his back. This will be the third time since 2009 that Gronkowski will undergo surgery on his back for a herniated disk, with the recovery time this time expected to be approximately two months.
This isn’t the first time this year that ‘Gronk’ has been bit by the injury bug, as the 27 year old missed the beginning of the season dealing with a hamstring injury, and missed the Patriots’ game two weeks ago against the San Francisco 49ers with a punctured lung.
Gronkowski has appeared in eight games this season, only starting in six of them, but has still recorded 25 catches for 540 yards and three touchdowns this season.
Even if the Patriots were to advance to Super Bowl LI, the game is scheduled for February 5th; meaning Gronkowski’s season is likely over, barring a New England playoff run.
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2nd Annual “Outrun Autism” 5K and Breakfast
by Kimberly Strong
Oswego, NY- April is Autism Awareness Month. The Oswego County Autism Task Force hosted their 2nd Annual 5K and fundraiser to kick off the month on Apr. 2.
Over 160 runners, walkers, and supporters lined up on E 1st St., just outside the Press Box Restaurant at 8:30 AM the 5K. The race’s three mile route worked its way through Oswego’s East Side and Fort Ontario area.
In addition to the race, there was a “Breakfast of Autism Champions” buffet provided by the Press Box for anyone making a $10 donation.
All proceeds from the 5K and breakfast benefited the Oswego County Autism Task Force, an organization that supports autism awareness and creates possibilities for those affected by autism.
The event brought together families and residents of all ages. who have a personal connection with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
““It’s near and dear to my heart,” Special Education Teacher Elisabeth Haight said. “Last year my daughter and I ran, but this year we decided to volunteer and cheer on the racers.”
Race Director Julia Chetney’s son was diagnosed with autism and started the 5K last year.
“There wasn’t a lot of events that support the autism community,” she said. “I was really excited to be a part of this community and this event…People are really excited about it, and grateful.”
For updates on the next 5K and more information, go to the Oswego County Autism Task Force’s website.
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A Word’s Worth
by Stefanie Sciolaro, WTOP10-TV
They say a picture is worth 1,000 words. Well members of SUNY Oswego’s Student Association took that saying even farther in their 1,000 Words Campaign on Thursday. The event was held in room 133 of the Marano Campus Center from 10AM to 4PM with another event later in the night in the Marano Auditorium from 6PM to 7PM. The afternoon event consisted of an activity students could do to help promote positivity and hope on campus.
Students would come in and choose any quote that means something to them. After choosing a quote, they’d decide where they wanted it to be written on them. An event volunteer would then write the quote on the student and a picture of them would be taken in front of a black back-drop. The student would then fill out a form with their information, and a member of the Student Association would email those pictures to them after the event. If a student did not want to have their picture taken, there was also a white board that students could write their quotes on.
Allif Karim is one of the students who took part in the event. He explained the reasoning behind why he chose the quote, “ Don’t change to be, be the change”.
“Growing up I used to be the typical kid trying to change myself, you know trying to see what fits, what’s hip. Now I understating that you don’t really have to do that, be someone who influences others,” said Alif.
Later that night the event held in the Marano Auditorium showcased all the pictures of students that had participated, along with guest speakers who explained the stories behind their quotes.
With evident tension between people within society today, this event was aimed at bringing the people of SUNY Oswego back together again. The student body has become separated, to a concerning degree, by views over recent events that have occurred in the United States. The 1,000 Words Campaign event was a way for students to positively express themselves through the inspiring words they each individually stand by, and share them with each other.
