# lowell (blogs) — RSS Amplifier Recent posts from the 3 feeds in the RSS Amplifier directory that cover lowell. Page: Feed: --- ## [From disengaged student to heavy construction, career path ‘just clicked’](https://www.schoolnewsnetwork.org/2026/08/20/from-disengaged-student-to-heavy-construction-career-path-just-clicked/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=from-disengaged-student-to-heavy-construction-career-path-just-clicked) _2026-08-20 · Joanne Bailey-Boorsma · School News Network | A Window into Your Public Schools_ She was once unsure of her future and just looking to graduate high school. But Megan Jaglowski found her path through the Kent Career Tech Center. ## [It takes a community to send students back to school with confidence](https://www.schoolnewsnetwork.org/2026/08/20/it-takes-a-community-to-send-students-back-to-school-with-confidence/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=it-takes-a-community-to-send-students-back-to-school-with-confidence) _2026-08-20 · Alexis Stark · School News Network | A Window into Your Public Schools_ A long-standing partnership between Kent School Services Network and Heart of West Michigan United Way helps to get new school supplies in the hands of students and teachers who need it most. ## [Starting a new school year on the right foot, in the right shoes](https://www.schoolnewsnetwork.org/2026/08/20/starting-a-new-school-year-on-the-right-foot-in-the-right-shoes/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=starting-a-new-school-year-on-the-right-foot-in-the-right-shoes) _2026-08-20 · Alexis Stark · School News Network | A Window into Your Public Schools_ Grand Rapids nonprofit In The Image celebrated the 30th anniversary of its SHOES program by fitting more than 4,000 students with new back-to-school shoes. ## [Longtime EL instructor named director of multilingual programming](https://www.schoolnewsnetwork.org/2026/08/17/longtime-el-instructor-named-director-of-multilingual-programming/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=longtime-el-instructor-named-director-of-multilingual-programming) _2026-08-17 · Erin Albanese · School News Network | A Window into Your Public Schools_ How can schools empower English-language learners? Teach them to use their voice, says the new director of multilingual programming. ## [Poetry an outlet for ‘righteous anger,’ says award-winning writer](https://www.schoolnewsnetwork.org/2026/08/17/poetry-an-outlet-for-righteous-anger-says-award-winning-writer/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=poetry-an-outlet-for-righteous-anger-says-award-winning-writer) _2026-08-17 · Alexis Stark · School News Network | A Window into Your Public Schools_ Junior Shay Taliana uses her voice and poetry to speak out about issues surrounding immigrants in America. ## [Musical theater camp sets the stage for show-stopping fun](https://www.schoolnewsnetwork.org/2026/08/17/musical-theater-camp-sets-the-stage-for-show-stopping-fun/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=musical-theater-camp-sets-the-stage-for-show-stopping-fun) _2026-08-17 · Brett Atwood · School News Network | A Window into Your Public Schools_ Young performers shine as they learn the ins and outs of musical theater. ## [Work is underway on bond-funded high school transformation project](https://www.schoolnewsnetwork.org/2026/08/13/work-is-underway-on-bond-funded-high-school-transformation-project/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=work-is-underway-on-bond-funded-high-school-transformation-project) _2026-08-13 · Riley Kelley · School News Network | A Window into Your Public Schools_ Work has begun on the transformation of East Grand Rapids High School. ## [Young filmmakers capture the story and legacy of West Michigan nonprofit leaders](https://www.schoolnewsnetwork.org/2026/08/13/young-filmmakers-capture-the-story-and-legacy-of-west-michigan-nonprofit-leaders/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=young-filmmakers-capture-the-story-and-legacy-of-west-michigan-nonprofit-leaders) _2026-08-13 · Alexis Stark · School News Network | A Window into Your Public Schools_ High school students and budding creatives collaborated with local film industry professionals to produce a documentary highlighting nonprofit leaders. ## [They have a seat at the table — and a say on the school board](https://www.schoolnewsnetwork.org/2026/08/13/they-have-a-seat-at-the-table-and-a-say-on-the-school-board/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=they-have-a-seat-at-the-table-and-a-say-on-the-school-board) _2026-08-13 · Joanne Bailey-Boorsma · School News Network | A Window into Your Public Schools_ Student representatives for the Kelloggsville Board of Education share their perspectives, learn the decision-making process and help bring student concerns to district leaders. ## [District leaders: state changes to school funding will help meet needs for all students](https://www.schoolnewsnetwork.org/2026/08/10/district-leaders-state-changes-to-school-funding-will-help-meet-needs-for-all-students/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=district-leaders-state-changes-to-school-funding-will-help-meet-needs-for-all-students) _2026-08-10 · Erin Albanese · School News Network | A Window into Your Public Schools_ Local education leaders are lauding two big changes in the state education budget. ## [Find it on Amazon (Sponsored)](https://crawlproof.com/a/HeuWVuJC41oa) _2026-08-10 · **Sponsored**_ Open the Amazon product listing to see details and availability ## [New Study: Pluto's Atmosphere: Hazy with Signs of Thinning](https://laurelsplutoblog.blogspot.com/2026/07/new-study-plutos-atmosphere-hazy-with.html) _2026-08-01 · Laurel Kornfeld · LaurelsPlutoBlog_ In this latest study published in the Planetary Science Journal , researchers measure a thinning of Pluto's atmosphere as it recedes from the Sun. Whether the atmosphere completely freezes out as Pluto approaches its aphelion (furthest point from the Sun) in 2114 remains unknown. ## [Alan Stern on the Colin McEnroe Show: What's Done Is Done...Or Is It?](https://laurelsplutoblog.blogspot.com/2026/07/alan-stern-on-colin-mcenroe-show-whats.html) _2026-07-23 · Laurel Kornfeld · LaurelsPlutoBlog_ Just days after the 11th anniversary of New Horizons' 2015 Pluto flyby, mission Principal Investigator Alan Stern was interviewed on NPR's Colin McEnroe show on the subject of "making the case for undoing." Stern is the third of three people interviewed--the other two addressed different topics. You can listen to Stern's interview at… ## [Kent ISD superintendent’s philosophy: ‘lead with kindness’](https://www.schoolnewsnetwork.org/2026/07/13/kent-isd-superintendents-philosophy-lead-with-kindness/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=kent-isd-superintendents-philosophy-lead-with-kindness) _2026-07-13 · Charles Honey · Podcasts Archives - School News Network | A Window into Your Public Schools_ Ron Gorman wasn’t a great K-12 student himself but now loves his work as leader of Kent ISD’s 20 school districts and its own programs. ## [Their mission: ‘to be a beacon of hope’ for students and families](https://www.schoolnewsnetwork.org/2026/06/17/their-mission-to-be-a-beacon-of-hope-for-students-and-families/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=their-mission-to-be-a-beacon-of-hope-for-students-and-families) _2026-06-17 · Charles Honey · Podcasts Archives - School News Network | A Window into Your Public Schools_ Kent School Services Network is a nonprofit that helps students and families with health care, food and other necessities crucial to learning. ## [Grads contemplate life after high school: ‘We will be fine’](https://www.schoolnewsnetwork.org/2026/05/20/grads-contemplate-life-after-high-school-we-will-be-fine/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=grads-contemplate-life-after-high-school-we-will-be-fine) _2026-05-20 · Charles Honey · Podcasts Archives - School News Network | A Window into Your Public Schools_ Three graduating seniors talk about their dreams, concerns and goals, from improving health equity and dental care to helping save the environment. ## [Will Pluto Become A Planet Again? Today, 1 pm Eastern time, Alan Stern and Mike Brown](https://laurelsplutoblog.blogspot.com/2026/05/will-pluto-become-planet-again-today-1.html) _2026-05-13 · Laurel Kornfeld · LaurelsPlutoBlog_ https://www.youtube.com/live/tIr7RO4qAvU?si=NtpjeX78v\_ME1xjb ## [The Tide Is Turning](https://laurelsplutoblog.blogspot.com/2026/05/the-tide-is-turning.html) _2026-05-11 · Laurel Kornfeld · LaurelsPlutoBlog_ When longtime supporters of the IAU planet definition publicly come out rethinking their positions on this debate, we can regard their change of view as a sign that the tide is turning in favor of a more inclusive planet definition. Tonight, I could hardly believe what I was reading when a friend and fellow Pluto supporter tweeted me the link to an article by Ethan Siegel, to whom I have… ## [Opposing Pluto's Demotion Does Not Equal "Whining"](https://laurelsplutoblog.blogspot.com/2026/04/opposing-plutos-demotion-does-not-equal.html) _2026-04-29 · Laurel Kornfeld · LaurelsPlutoBlog_ The distant Planet Pluto Adam Frank’s April 28 Forbes column, “ Quit Whining: Pluto’s Not a Planet ” is not just written in a very condescending, patronizing tone. It also includes outdated information and lacks important data based on which many planetary scientists consider Pluto and all dwarf planets to be a subclass of full planets. Words matter, and the words Frank uses are unprofessional,… ## [School resource officers vow to provide students ‘a safe place’](https://www.schoolnewsnetwork.org/2026/04/24/school-resource-officers-vow-to-provide-students-a-safe-place/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=school-resource-officers-vow-to-provide-students-a-safe-place) _2026-04-24 · Charles Honey · Podcasts Archives - School News Network | A Window into Your Public Schools_ As school resource officers, sheriff’s deputies Jon LaSotta and Chad Wells say protecting students is their primary purpose. ## [To NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman: Please Grant Kaela's Request](https://laurelsplutoblog.blogspot.com/2026/04/to-nasa-administrator-jared-isaacman.html) _2026-04-09 · Laurel Kornfeld · LaurelsPlutoBlog_ Twitter is currently buzzing with news of a 10-year-old girl named Kaela who has written to NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman urging Pluto’s planetary reinstatement. Kaela, who was born 10 years after the controversial and wrongful IAU demotion of Pluto, is correct, and I wholeheartedly second her request. I have tweeted Isaacman myself asking his support for this. Her request is noteworthy not… ## [Retro Grid Dungeon Crawler (Sponsored)](https://crawlproof.com/a/ASEqJUBOj8nw) _2026-04-09 · **Sponsored**_ Retro grid movement with first-person combat, loot and skill-tree progression. ## [WHS & WMU graduate’s mission: to be a voice for refugees](https://www.schoolnewsnetwork.org/2026/03/30/whs-wmu-graduates-mission-to-be-a-voice-for-refugees/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=whs-wmu-graduates-mission-to-be-a-voice-for-refugees) _2026-03-30 · Charles Honey · Podcasts Archives - School News Network | A Window into Your Public Schools_ For Mehran Najafi, coming to the U.S. as a refugee from Afghanistan was “like winning a lottery ticket.” Now he wants to help other refugees win tickets too. ## [AI in the classroom: Can it enhance learning without replacing it?](https://www.schoolnewsnetwork.org/2026/02/27/ai-in-the-classroom-can-it-enhance-learning-without-replacing-it/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=ai-in-the-classroom-can-it-enhance-learning-without-replacing-it) _2026-02-27 · Charles Honey · Podcasts Archives - School News Network | A Window into Your Public Schools_ The rapid advancement of AI in schools offers powerful learning tools along with potential problems, educators say. ## [Pluto Discovered 96 Years Ago Today](https://laurelsplutoblog.blogspot.com/2026/02/pluto-discovered-96-years-ago-today.html) _2026-02-18 · Laurel Kornfeld · LaurelsPlutoBlog_ Today is International Pluto Day, marking the discovery of planet Pluto by Clyde Tombaugh at the Lowell Observatory 96 years ago, on February 18, 1930. It is a day to celebrate all things Pluto, a planet whose understanding has eluded people for nearly a century. When first discovered, Pluto’s planethood was questioned because telescopes of the time could not resolve it into a disk. Later, when it… ## [I Heart Pluto Festival Returns to Lowell Observatory this Weekend](https://laurelsplutoblog.blogspot.com/2026/02/i-heart-pluto-festival-returns-to.html) _2026-02-13 · Laurel Kornfeld · LaurelsPlutoBlog_ This weekend kicks off Lowell Observatory’s annual celebration of Pluto’s 1930 discovery by Clyde Tombaugh with its annual I Heart Pluto celebration. The celebration actually began last night, with a Beer Unveiling and Astronomy on Tap where this year’s Pluto-themed beer was unveiled. Tonight, there will be a Pluto Pub Crawl throughout Flagstaff, Arizona, where participants can enjoy custom-made… ## [How one teacher helps students beat national reading averages](https://www.schoolnewsnetwork.org/2026/01/30/how-one-teacher-helps-students-beat-national-reading-averages/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=how-one-teacher-helps-students-beat-national-reading-averages) _2026-01-30 · Charles Honey · Podcasts Archives - School News Network | A Window into Your Public Schools_ Students in Michigan and nationwide are struggling with reading, but not in Amy Dyksterhouse’s Caledonia classroom. ## [New Horizons Saved as Congress Reverses NASA Cuts](https://laurelsplutoblog.blogspot.com/2026/01/new-horizons-saved-as-congress-reverses.html) _2026-01-19 · Laurel Kornfeld · LaurelsPlutoBlog_ The New Year begins with some good news for New Horizons and for many other NASA missions. The US House and Senate have passed a bill that rejects the cuts to NASA first proposed in June by the White House and instead approved $24.4 billion for NASA this year, of which $7.25 billion will go to the agency’s Science Mission Directorate. New Horizons will continue to be funded, as will all but one… ## [Teen musicians find passion, community in the ABC Orchestra](https://www.schoolnewsnetwork.org/2025/12/22/teen-musicians-find-passion-community-in-the-abc-orchestra/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=teen-musicians-find-passion-community-in-the-abc-orchestra) _2025-12-22 · Charles Honey · Podcasts Archives - School News Network | A Window into Your Public Schools_ The ABC Orchestra spreads holiday joy with its spirited blend of pop, rock and jazz, along with playing community gigs all school year. ## [Winter Solstice: Together at the Dark of the Year](https://laurelsplutoblog.blogspot.com/2025/12/winter-solstice-together-at-dark-of-year.html) _2025-12-21 · Laurel Kornfeld · LaurelsPlutoBlog_ “Even the darkest night will end, and the Sun will rise.” ~ Victor Hugo, Les Miserables For me personally, the Winter Solstice is the most sacred day of the entire year, as it is the day the growing darkness (in the Northern Hemisphere) is halted, the day the Sun appears to pause at its lowest point before embarking on a new orbital path and bringing the lengthening of the days. Far back into… ## [Couple shares ‘a calling’ to make a difference for students in urban schools](https://www.schoolnewsnetwork.org/2025/11/17/couple-shares-a-calling-to-make-a-difference-for-students-in-urban-schools/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=couple-shares-a-calling-to-make-a-difference-for-students-in-urban-schools) _2025-11-17 · Charles Honey · Podcasts Archives - School News Network | A Window into Your Public Schools_ Two Grand Rapids educators talk to SNN about why they’ve devoted their careers to helping students grow into their best selves and to giving back to the community. ## [Helping Ellie learn: ‘I want her to be a part of everything, just as she is’](https://www.schoolnewsnetwork.org/2025/10/10/helping-ellie-learn-i-want-her-to-be-a-part-of-everything-just-as-she-is/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=helping-ellie-learn-i-want-her-to-be-a-part-of-everything-just-as-she-is) _2025-10-10 · Charles Honey · Podcasts Archives - School News Network | A Window into Your Public Schools_ A team approach enables a second-grader with Down syndrome to learn in a general-education classroom at Meadow Ridge Elementary. ## [Hire AI-Powered Professionals (Sponsored)](https://crawlproof.com/a/KmvpTEP6AkUj) _2025-10-10 · **Sponsored**_ Browse public gigs, message candidates, and run video interviews — free to start. ## [Nineteen Years Later, the Pluto Resistance Continues](https://laurelsplutoblog.blogspot.com/2025/08/nineteen-years-later-pluto-resistance.html) _2025-08-24 · Laurel Kornfeld · LaurelsPlutoBlog_ Nineteen years. That is how much time has passed since the controversial IAU vote in 2006. Planetary science has been in a long-term stalemate over the issue of planet definition. The IAU refuses to re-open the debate based on new information, including that returned by New Horizons. At the same time, a large number of planetary scientists are using the geophysical planet definition and ignoring… ## [Pluto's Hazes and Charon's Geology: Notes from the July Conference](https://laurelsplutoblog.blogspot.com/2025/08/plutos-hazes-and-charons-geology-notes.html) _2025-08-16 · Laurel Kornfeld · LaurelsPlutoBlog_ The conference “ Progress inUnderstanding the Pluto System: Ten Years Since Flyby ” covered a wide range of topics regarding Pluto, Charon, other KBOs, ocean worlds, and more. With apologies for the delay in this entry, I will focus now on two of these topics: Pluto’s atmospheric hazes and Charon’s geology and history. Launched in late 2021, the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) observed Pluto’s… ## [Pluto and Charon Geophysics and Climate: Notes from the Conference](https://laurelsplutoblog.blogspot.com/2025/07/pluto-and-charon-geophysics-and-climate.html) _2025-07-22 · Laurel Kornfeld · LaurelsPlutoBlog_ “ Progress in Understanding thePluto System: Ten Years after Flyby ” was a focused, informative conference in which scientists spent four-and-a-half days discussing Pluto in detail, comparing it with other, similar solar system bodies, and celebrating the milestone 10 th anniversary of the 2015 New Horizons flyby. Alan Stern, New Horizons principal investigator, opened the conference by describing… ## [Progress in Understanding the Pluto System: Ten Years After Flyby](https://laurelsplutoblog.blogspot.com/2025/07/progress-in-understanding-pluto-system.html) _2025-07-14 · Laurel Kornfeld · LaurelsPlutoBlog_ It is almost impossible to believe, but tomorrow marks the 10 th anniversary of New Horizons’ historic Pluto flyby. To commemorate the anniversary and reflect on what has been learned about Pluto in the decade that has passed, the Universities Space Research Association’s (USRA) Lunar and Planetary Institute (LPI) is holding a weeklong conference titled “Progress in Understanding the Pluto System:… ## [Oppose cuts to NASA missions: Call your representatives and senators now](https://laurelsplutoblog.blogspot.com/2025/06/oppose-cuts-to-nasa-missions-call-your.html) _2025-06-30 · Laurel Kornfeld · LaurelsPlutoBlog_ This image shows NASA missions that are cancelled in this bill The proposed US budget reconciliation bill, which many of us refer to as the Big Ugly Bill, is a huge disaster for NASA and its space programs, including New Horizons, and anyone who values our space program must do everything in our power to make sure it does not pass. Well known for its disastrous proposed cuts to Medicaid, , SNAP,… ## [Scientists Make Groundbreaking Discovery about Pluto's Formation](https://laurelsplutoblog.blogspot.com/2025/05/scientists-make-groundbreaking.html) _2025-05-08 · Laurel Kornfeld · LaurelsPlutoBlog_ This sounds similar to the formation theory for Arrokoth. https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/technology/scientists-make-groundbreaking-discovery-about-pluto-s-formation/ar-AA1Em10J?ocid=nl\_article\_link ## [Pluto at 95](https://laurelsplutoblog.blogspot.com/2025/02/pluto-at-95.html) _2025-02-18 · Laurel Kornfeld · LaurelsPlutoBlog_ Happy International Pluto Day! Ninety-five years ago today, on February 18, 1930, 24-year-old Clyde Tombaugh discovered Planet Pluto while blinking between photographic plates of the sky taken on two separate nights in January of that year. The goal was to find anything that moved against the background stars between nights. That object would not be a star but a planet within our solar system. The… ## [I Heart Pluto Festival at Lowell Observatory This Weekend](https://laurelsplutoblog.blogspot.com/2025/02/i-heart-pluto-festival-at-lowell.html) _2025-02-14 · Laurel Kornfeld · LaurelsPlutoBlog_ Lowell Observatory’s annual I Heart Pluto festival is back, celebrating the 95 th anniversary of Pluto’s discovery on February 18, 1930. This year’s celebration, held in Flagstaff, Arizona, features a Pluto Pub Crawl with Pluto-themed drinks and talks with Lowell astronomers; various science talks including a keynote Night of Discovery featuring Alan Stern, David Levy, and Adam Nimoy, son of Star… ## [Presentation Recordings of February 2024 Planet Characterization Workshop](https://laurelsplutoblog.blogspot.com/2024/12/presentation-recordings-of-february.html) _2024-12-31 · Laurel Kornfeld · LaurelsPlutoBlog_ Documents from and recordings of all presentations at the Lunar and Planetary Institute's Planet Characterization Conference, held in February 2024, are available for reading and viewing here . My presentation on February 21 was one of several under the heading, "The Impact of Taxonomy on Public Perception of Science and Our Universe: Advantages and Pitfalls. All the presentations are worth… ## [Winter Solstice](https://laurelsplutoblog.blogspot.com/2024/12/winter-solstice.html) _2024-12-21 · Laurel Kornfeld · LaurelsPlutoBlog_ “It is the secret of the world that all things subsist and do not die, but retire a little from sight and afterwards, return again.” ― Ralph Waldo Emerson Sometimes described as “the most wonderful time of the year,” December has its own special magic. While some religions celebrate miracles occurring at this time, the Winter Solstice, a scientific event, brings miracles and magic as well. In an… ## [18 Years Later, Proposed Change to IAU Planet Definition is Not the Answer](https://laurelsplutoblog.blogspot.com/2024/08/18-years-later-proposed-change-to-iau.html) _2024-08-24 · Laurel Kornfeld · LaurelsPlutoBlog_ It isn’t, as the Celestron website one-sidedly states on its page about observing Pluto, a “fun holiday to celebrate.” What today is is the anniversary of a terrible day for science and knowledge, a day in which a very political vote was taken, which has done tremendous harm to science education and communication over the last 18 years. “It” is the 18 th anniversary of the highly controversial…