Alison Novak

Managing Editor at Seven Days

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Articles

Lawmakers Fail to Find Consensus on Education Reform Bill

1 week ago | sevendaysvt.com | Alison Novak

click to enlarge The task before the Vermont House and Senate this week seemed relatively straightforward: resolve somewhat minimal differences in their two versions of an education reform bill, pass it by Friday night and adjourn. A conference committee, made up of three state representatives and three senators, convened on Tuesday afternoon to work toward a compromise.
Harwood Students and Staff Reflect on a Phone-Free School Year

1 week ago | sevendaysvt.com | Alison Novak

click to enlarge Social studies teacher Phil Stetson was initially skeptical last year when Harwood Union Middle and High School announced that students could no longer use cellphones during the day. He'd seen how addicted they were to their phones and the anxiety-producing power struggles the devices created between students and teachers.
After Days of Wrangling, Senate Passes Education Reform Bill

2 weeks ago | sevendaysvt.com | Alison Novak

click to enlarge With an already-extended legislative session nearing its end, the Vermont Senate on Friday evening passed an education reform bill after several days of political wrangling. There was no roll call but the bill appeared to have passed along party lines, with Democrats voting for it and Republicans against. The bill closely resembles one passed in the House, with some key amendments.
Program Provides Free State Park Passes to Eligible Vermonters

2 weeks ago | sevendaysvt.com | Alison Novak

click to enlarge For residents on a tight budget, exploring Vermont's 55 state parks can be cost-prohibitive. This summer, a pilot program aims to remove that barrier. Vermont Parks Forever will offer more than 100,000 income-eligible Vermonters free entry to all state parks, from May through October. The nonprofit foundation has been dedicated to promoting nature education and equity in the outdoors since it was founded in 2013.
School Leaders Speak Against Ed Reform Bill Ahead of Vote

2 weeks ago | sevendaysvt.com | Alison Novak

It does not make sense for a new funding formula to be put into statute before new school districts are created, Flanagan wrote.
Winooski Student Competes in National Poetry Event

2 weeks ago | sevendaysvt.com | Alison Novak

click to enlarge Before last December, Winooski High School junior Mapenzi Selemani had never performed onstage. But as part of an American literature class, she was required to memorize and deliver two poems in front of her peers as part of the school's Poetry Out Loud competition. On the day of the event, she considered skipping school because she was so nervous.
In review: State budget agreement, education reform, cannabis market improvements

3 weeks ago | vermontpublic.org | Alison Novak |Sasha Goldstein

With federal cuts on the horizon, Democratic lawmakers agree on a state budget that reserves more than $100 million in anticipated revenue surpluses. Plus, as education reform efforts continue at the Statehouse, rural families question if their voices will be heard. And regulators look for ways to improve Vermont’s cannabis market. Subscribe to the Vermont This Week podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen.
With Little Enthusiasm, Senate Committee Advances Ed Bill

3 weeks ago | sevendaysvt.com | Alison Novak

click to enlarge The Senate Finance Committee on Thursday voted 5-2 to advance H.454, a sweeping education reform bill that has been the main focus of this year's legislative session.
Rural Families Feel Disempowered in the Face of Efforts to Reshape Their Schools

3 weeks ago | sevendaysvt.com | Alison Novak

click to enlarge Parents in Worcester fought to protect their small elementary school twice in recent months. Last fall, when the Washington Central school board began talking about potentially closing the central Vermont town's Doty Memorial School — as well as Calais Elementary — families successfully organized to shut down the discussion.
South Burlington Student Shines at Neuroscience Competition

3 weeks ago | sevendaysvt.com | Alison Novak

click to enlarge South Burlington High School sophomore Momin Waqar has brains on the brain. As a member of his school's neuroscience club, the 16-year-old competed in the annual Vermont Brain Bee, a competition held in February at the University of Vermont that covers the science of sleep, brain anatomy, and neurological and psychological disorders, among other topics.