Key education stakeholders are pursuing the idea of establishing an innovation school in the City of Somerville.

Representatives from the Somerville School Committee, the administration, and the Somerville Teachers Association met recently to map out a plan for exploring the option, which provides educators with a unique opportunity to create in-district or charter-like schools while keeping school funding within the district. The Achievement Gap law, passed in 2010, provides the framework for establishing an Innovation School within a public school district.

By William C. Shelton

(The opinions and views expressed in the commentaries of The Somerville News belong solely to the authors of those commentaries and do not reflect the views or opinions of The Somerville News, its staff or publishers.)

The Republican primary elections are giving us a preview of the hateful name-calling that will characterize the general election. Name-calling is as old as civilization. But over the last quarter century, political “leaders” have made it the most potent weapon in what has become electoral warfare.

Somerville Reads 2012, the Somerville Public Library’s third annual community reading program, will occur this spring.

By Cathleen Twardzik

Somerville Reads 2012, the Somerville Public Library’s third annual community reading program, will occur this spring. This year’s the program theme is food, therefore they would like your help with two things: recipes and stories.

By Jim Clark 

A distraught woman showed up at the Somerville Police station, complaining that a man had stolen her laptop computer out of her car near Dunkin’ Donuts last Friday.

Athol farmer David Graham (center) and Tai Dinnan of Groundwork Somerville (upper left) talked to Mary McClellan's third grade class at East Somerville Community School as part of a Meet The Farmer program. – Photo by Elizabeth Sheeran

East Somerville kids learn about farming from the source

By Elizabeth Sheeran

In their classrooms, Somerville students learn about healthy food choices, including the benefits of locally-grown food. In their schoolyard gardens, they see firsthand how food can grow. And in their cafeterias, they taste fresh local produce.

Last week we crushed Melrose (sorry, Frank W.) and tomorrow we destroy Revere (sorry, Brian A.). 

Tomorrow morning, Mayor Curtatone takes on Mayor Rizzo of Revere in the My Song is Better than Your Song competition on WFNX 101.7 FM radio—and he needs your help to win, again.

By Harry Kane

The flow of sap from maple trees at Tufts University was the center of attention for at least 25 kids and as many as 30 adults on Jan. 28.

By Harry Kane

Congressman Michael Capuano spoke about the local economy, and how Washington’s gridlock is adversely affecting the Somerville residents at the Chamber of Commerce Government Affairs breakfast at Mount Vernon Restaurant on Jan. 31.

Somerville High School students and staff participated in the signing of the “Black Out Bullying” banner, signifying their support for the “No Name Calling Day” initiative. – Photos by Kevin Ma

By Savath Yong

On January 25, “No Name Calling Day,” a provision of the anti-bullying legislation signed by Governor Deval Patrick in May 2010, was recognized in schools throughout the state, as students pledged to take a stand against bullying with organized efforts by the Youth Council Members from the Governor’s Statewide Youth Council.  Kevin Ma, a Somerville High School student and one of the Youth Council Members appointed to represent Middlesex County, promoted awareness about the effects of bullying and encouraged classmates to wear black to empower his school to work against this harmful behavior.

Thursday evening, February 2, from 5 to 7 p.m., come join the members of the Somerville Chamber of Commerce at their monthly “Business After Hours” at the Independent Restaurant, located at 75 Union Square. It’s a great time to meet and greet and especially network with all the members throughout the city. There will be a free gift certificate raffle, so bring your business cards. This month’s event is sponsored by Respond Inc. and Hosted by Somerville Chamber of Commerce Business after Hours Co-Chair Dana Iacopucci, of Chubby Oil. Remember, everyone is welcome.