Back to school
Sarah Kittle
This month, we are going back to school. We’ve interviewed various school district representatives to find out just what you should expect when classes are once again in session. From masks to vaccines, what will the new year look like and what will be required of us as parents?
It’s important to discuss these topics with your school-age kids, as children naturally have anxiety about school that is exacerbated by the current worldwide pandemic. On the other hand, we have all gotten a good dose of virtual reality in the past year and a half and many of us are ready to meet again in person.
What about working from home? Writer Paul Natinsky spoke with several business members, including consulting firms and recruiters, about the changes they see in today’s workplace. Together, they explore the pros and cons of work-from-home (WFH) versus being in the office.
We also recognize some special community members, including Andrea Maizy, who was named a 2021 Presidential Scholar, Dunya Barash, who was named head of the non-profit Families Against Narcotics (FAN), and Jennifer (Loussia) Burlingame and her daughter Maria, who saved the life of a drowning woman spotted from a boat on their family vacation.
As always, Dr. Adhid Miri teaches us a history lesson in his article on the history of coffee. The Diocese contributes with a column by Fr. Fadie, sharing with us the reasons why 2021 has been named ‘The Year of St. Joseph.’
In Iraq Today, we cover the July 2021 meeting with Minister Safeen Dizayee, head of the Kurdistan Regional Government’s Department of Foreign Relations. Topics discussed included the role of the diaspora outside Iraq and the economic outlook of those choosing to return to the homeland.
Of course, it wouldn’t be the back-to-school issue without a list of schools. We give you that and also, in Family Time, talk about what you can do to help your student be as prepared as possible for the new school year.
In the events section, we are pleased to include a a photo from Chaldean Youth Camp in Brighton, and cover the Chaldean Young Professional’s Summer Soiree at Two James Distillery in Detroit and the extremely important investiture ceremony of Judge Yasmine Poles at the Oakland County Complex in Pontiac.
The community is growing, and so is the newspaper. Publisher Martin Manna shares in his column about the changes to come, and we hope to hear back from you about the direction we’re headed in. As we transition into the new school year, it is good opportunity to examine our habits and traditions, our schedules, and priorities. COVID-19 has changed us, for the worse or for the better – it’s all up to you!
Best Wishes for the New School Year,
Sarah Kittle