The New Paltz Board of Education is still considering changes suggested last fall, including replacing Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples’ Day and changes to the curriculum to reflect inclusion of the original inhabitants of this region in the story of America’s founding.

Attending a community college is often a crucial first step toward greater financial security for the poor and near-poor in this country, but it’s tough to concentrate on schoolwork and achieve academic success when you’re malnourished.

New Paltz Middle School hosted a public forum Thursday, Jan. 30 to provide up-to-date information on the progress of the $52.9 million capital project ongoing in the school district and its possible impacts on the schools and community in general.

In New Paltz, a homeschooled student signed up for this year’s school play, but was later told she couldn’t participate because some rehearsals were done during school hours when she couldn’t be present.

Local students collaborate with students attending a university in another country, each guided by their respective professor. The students study each other’s culture, then work together on a project, communicating through Skype, Facebook and other apps.

Once they got the hang of the software, students were tasked with a collaborative project guaranteed to tickle to imagination of a 10- or 11-year-old: Design an amusement park!

Willa Butler was running before she could walk. Alright, maybe that’s a slight exaggeration, but the New Paltz High School senior, a member of the track and Nordic ski teams and a two-time cross country captain, found her passion for the sport at only seven years old.

New Paltz, like other area districts, has been considering pushing school start times back in light of science suggesting young people aren’t getting enough sleep and have difficulty concentrating in the early morning. A recent survey of students, teachers and parents reflects the advantages and disadvantages of such a change.