Reflection Starter from Theodore H. White

“To go against the dominant thinking of your friends, of most of the people you see every day, is perhaps the most difficult act of heroism you can have.” - Theodore H. White

New Center for Public Education Report Asks if High School Is Tough Enough

The Center for Public Education, an initiative of the National School Boards Association, recently examined the research behind effective curricular strategies for promoting high school rigor. Acknowledging the point of view that high schools should produce “college and career-ready graduates,” and that “a rigorous curriculum” is the way to do so, the Center reviewed four strategies commonly used by school districts to strengthen the high school curriculum - Advanced Placement courses, higher-level math courses, Dual Enrollment programs, and Early College High Schools.

The resulting report acknowledged the positive gains of AP, dual enrollment, early college high schools, and higher-level math programs. However, it also raised a number of concerns, including the lack of challenging courses (e.g., thousands of U.S. high schools do not offer classes in Algebra II) and the availability of appropriate funding.

To access this CPE report, please visit:

Center for Public Education: Is high school tough enough: At a glance

Center for Public Education: Is high school tough enough: Full report

Center for Public Education: Is high school tough enough: References

Media report:

Bangor Daily News: Maine experts agree with national report that says high school isn’t ‘tough enough’ (9 MAR 12)

Background/additional information:

Center for Public Education: Is high school tough enough: Helpful resources for school boards

Center for Public Education

National High School Alliance

National School Boards Association

Common Core State Standards

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for the many ways You extend Your mercy to us in our lives.

Dr. Marcellino D'Ambrosio on the Meaning of Mercy

"The Second Vatican Council calls the Eucharist the “Source and Summit” of the Christian life. Yet we must keep in mind that the same council makes clear that the Eucharist is not the sum total of the Christian life.

"Indeed, the Eucharist, and all the sacraments, are memorials of a dramatic act of mercy that occurred not in the serene majesty of the temple liturgy, but in history, amidst the hustle and bustle of everyday life."

In this reflection, Dr. Marcellino D'Ambrosio offers some thoughts on mercy and its role in the universal call to holiness.

Dr. Marcellino D'Ambrosio: The Meaning of Mercy

Reflection starter from Saint Francis de Sales

“Worry prevents us from doing well the very things about which we are worried.” - Saint Francis de Sales

EPA Releases Guide on Landfill Gas Energy

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently released Landfill Gas Energy: A Guide to Developing and Implementing
Greenhouse Gas Reduction Programs. This publication is part of its Local Government Climate and Energy Strategy Series, which is designed to provide a comprehensive overview of greenhouse gas emissions reduction strategies that local governments can employ.

To access a copy of this guide, please visit:

EPA: Local Government Climate and Energy Series: Landfill Gas Energy (2012)

Background information:

EPA: State and Local Climate and Energy Program

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

U.S. Energy Information Administration: Renewable & Alternative Fuels: Landfill Gas

This Week’s New England City & Town Weekly Dispatch

To access this week’s issue of New England City & Town Weekly Dispatch, please visit:

New England City & Town Weekly Dispatch - 13 March 2012

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord,for the inspirations You give me to pray for others, whether they be individuals and/or groups, and for the effects these prayers have, no matter how feeble the efforts may be.

Benedictine Monks of Norcia Offer New Video

In his blog, Fr. John Zuhlsdorf recently posted an item about a new video produced by the Benedictine Monks in Norcia, Italy. This video is designed to give an insight into their way of life.

To access Father Z’s complete post, please visit:

Fr. Z's Blog: Benedictine Monks at Norcia have a new video on their way of life: Quaerere Deum… To Seek God. (1 MAR 12)

Background information:

Monastero San Benedetto

Wikipedia: Monks of Norcia

Reflection Starter from Pope Paul VI

“Everyone who got where he is had to begin where he was.” – Pope Paul VI

Deborah Liv Johnson: "What Wondrous Love Is This"

As our Lenten observance continues, I offer Deborah Liv Johnson singing "What Wondrous Love Is This":

National Groundwater Awareness Week

This week, the week of 11-17 March, is being observed as National Groundwater Awareness Week. It is designed as a time to focus attention on groundwater and the important resource it is. This year’s theme is “Groundwater is important to you!”

As part of this week’s observance, the National Ground Water Association (NGWA) is recommending an annual water well checkup before the peak water use season begins. NGWA advises that preventative maintenance usually is less costly than emergency maintenance, and good well maintenance can prolong the life of a well and related equipment.

Background information:

NGWA: National Groundwater Awareness Week

NGWA: About groundwater

National Ground Water Association

Facebook: Water Central: Raising groundwater awareness