FRIENDS CENTRAL SCHOOL

May 08 2026EDUCATION

Finding time for free play in school

Schools often focus on structured lessons, but a new study suggests something simple might help kids more: free play. Researchers looked at 125 elementary students in a high-poverty area. The kids were split into groups that got 12 weeks of 45-minute free play sessions either in fall or spring. The

reading time less than a minute
May 07 2026OPINION

Phones in schools: why a total ban misses the bigger picture

Schools today aren’t just teaching algebra or history—they’re preparing students for a world where phones are everywhere. A complete ban on these devices might seem like an easy fix for distractions, but it ignores a bigger issue: teaching responsible use instead of avoiding technology altogether. T

reading time less than a minute
May 03 2026WEATHER

Cold Snap Hits Central New York This Weekend

Central New York feels a chill as cold Canadian air pushes in. Temperatures sit around the mid‑30s on Saturday morning, and a frost warning is still in force until 9 a. m. The Binghamton office says the cold will linger through Sunday, keeping early‑May warmth far below normal. Saturday highs top on

reading time less than a minute
May 03 2026OPINION

Teachers and nurses deserve real respect, not just online words

Schools used to be places where adults actually worked with kids, not battlegrounds. Teachers once had room to teach without constant fear of insults, threats, or budget cuts. Now many quit because the job has become harder than it needs to be. Some parents and politicians seem to think teaching is

reading time less than a minute
Apr 26 2026FINANCE

Stablecoins: Why Central Banks Are Worried About Digital Money

Central banks around the world now see stablecoins as a major financial challenge, not just a cryptocurrency experiment gone too far. These digital dollars, euros, or other currency-backed tokens have grown big enough to disrupt traditional banking in ways regulators never anticipated. Unlike bank d

reading time less than a minute
Apr 20 2026WEATHER

Dry Skies and High Winds Raise Fire Risk in Central Virginia

Central Virginia will face tough fire conditions on Monday, April 20th as parched ground meets strong winds. Dry air and gusty breezes could turn even small sparks into big problems. The state’s forests already show signs of stress with plant moisture levels dropping to just 10-12 percent—about half

reading time less than a minute
Apr 17 2026TECHNOLOGY

When student data leaks in the cloud

Schoolbook publisher McGraw Hill discovered a gap in its online defenses this April that let outsiders view 13. 5 million user files stored on Salesforce. The hole came from a simple setup mistake, not a hacker tunneling through complex code. Attackers calling themselves ShinyHunters grabbed the exp

reading time less than a minute
Apr 13 2026WEATHER

What to expect when spring heat meets rain in Central New York

Central New York is trading winter coats for lighter jackets this week as temperatures rise fast. Midweek highs could hit the mid to upper 70s, making it feel more like April than March. But with warmth comes a price—moist air sneaking up from the Gulf will bring frequent showers and even thundersto

reading time less than a minute
Apr 09 2026POLITICS

A High School Teacher Gets a Surprise Applause

Central Catholic High School in Southeast Portland buzzed with excitement when Senator Cory Booker made a spontaneous stop at the campus. The New Jersey senator was on a book tour that appears to be testing the waters for a future presidential run. Instead of a typical speech, Booker filmed himse

reading time less than a minute
Apr 03 2026EDUCATION

How Can Schools Help Students Work Well With AI Tools?

Schools today face a new challenge: teaching students how to handle AI without losing important human skills. AI tools are everywhere now, from chatbots that explain homework to apps that grade essays. But just teaching students how to use these tools isn’t enough. The real goal should be helping th

reading time less than a minute