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The Grazing Ram: New Canaan Will Do More for Its Cemeteries, But We Need Your Help

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[Leo Mikkola-Patel is a New Canaan High School junior. He writes “The Grazing Ram” column for NewCanaanite.com.]

My last article covered the neglect of many small cemeteries around town. After writing that article, I had the opportunity to meet with Tucker Murphy, administrative officer in the first selectman’s office, and Tiger Mann, director of the Department of Public Works (DPW.) We discussed a plan of action to resolve the neglect and extreme overgrowth in many of our cemeteries, which I believe dishonors the veterans and everyone else buried in them. 

Our plan centers on requesting that the town government, specifically, the Board of Finance, establish an official budget line for the DPW to start the routine and appropriate maintenance of many of the public cemeteries. Based on my discussions with Ms. Murphy and Mr. Mann, the town should be able to accomplish this at de minimus cost. The next step would be for me to speak at the Nov.

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The Grazing Ram: New Canaan Needs To Do More for Its Small Cemeteries 

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“Integrity is doing the right thing even when no one is watching.” 
—C.S. Lewis 

Cemeteries are an important part of New Canaan’s heritage. They house the legacies of the town’s past. This is why they need to be preserved and maintained appropriately. Sadly, many have been ignored and fallen into disrepair. This dishonors the many veterans and other important figures buried in these cemeteries and reflects poorly on our town. 

 

Why do they need to be restored?

Board of Education

The Grazing Ram: The Real Problem with Making Columbus Day a Holiday 

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[Editor’s Note: This is the second installment of “The Grazing Ram,” an opinion column by New Canaan High School sophomore Leo Mikkola-Patel.]

The Board of Education last month voted not only to make Columbus Day a holiday but also to extend school by one day in the summer. This decision is detrimental to students and also demonstrates a broader issue in the Board—namely, that its members are putting personal political interests above the general interests of the student body and town. The Educational Drawback 

It’s obvious why taking away a day in October is extremely detrimental to learning. As school is starting up, having every day that we can in school is extremely important. In early October classes start to get into the rhythm and large projects, assignments and tests are assigned.

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The Grazing Ram: Why We Should Get Rid of Gradeless Classrooms

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[Editor’s Note: This is the first installment of “The Grazing Ram,” a new opinion column by New Canaan High School sophomore Leo Mikkola-Patel.]

Breakdown of the Gradeless Classroom Grading System 

The gradeless classroom grading system is used in some English classrooms at New Canaan High School. This has been in place for a number of years.  Throughout the marking period, students complete assignments which are put into the gradebook. These assignments typically are marked as ‘complete’ and have feedback on them, but point values are not attached. During the marking period, teachers assess students on their performance, keeping note on specific categories such as work ethic, timeliness and quality of work. At the end of the marking period, students reflect on their performance throughout the quarter.