Dog days of summer….
The term “Dog days of summer” dates back to the ancient Romans who applied the label to the hottest, most humid days of the year. Romans associated the hottest days of summer with Canis Major (Large Dog), the brightest, and therefore hottest, star in the constellation. While in this clime, August is generally hotter than July, the last ten days or so have certainly been ‘dog days’. Yet despite the hot and humid weather, our summer crew continues to make everything clean and ready for the first day of school. Many of our fall sports athletes are also working out either on their own or with small groups. Kudos to these dedicated workers/athletes for persevering despite the weather.
As I write this month’s blog, there are fewer than six weeks before the school year begins and, for better or for worse, the days themselves are limited as, with the passing of the summer solstice, the amount of daylight has been getting shorter by a minute every day.
The governor has again let a budget pass without his signature but, unsurprisingly, the legislators and governor passed it without defining the means for actually funding the budget. Each year, the state budget debacle puts me in mind of the movie “Groundhog Day:” with no end in sight, the same scenario keeps playing over and over again. Like a check written on an account with a zero balance, the small increases for basic and special education are valueless. Districts remain in limbo as long as the money to support the paper increases is unavailable. This is wrong on so many levels. For one thing, you and I would certainly not enjoy the privilege of writing IOUs while we get our finances in order, nor would we expect our creditors to pay off the things for which we agreed to pay; I question our system of checks and balances when this budget situation has continued for so long. Equally offensive is that, while legislators debate over bills to allow teachers to be armed in schools, or how to manage delinquent lunch accounts, school districts must fund their expenses at increasingly precarious risk to their students and communities. As I write this, I ask that, as I present the following update, you appreciate the ability of CCSD—at least for now—to manage and even improve the facilities used by the children in its care. While the balancing act has moved from the balance beam to the high wire, we remain strong and determined to give our students the tools for success.
The new bleachers for the multi-purpose field, as well as goal posts and soccer nets, are being assembled; a 6-feet-high fence will be installed along the field that borders the road. Barring a long dry spell that slows progress, the goal is to use this field in the fall. The auditorium renovations are coming along nicely as well: the floors have been scrubbed clean of old glue and debris and the new carpet has been installed; curtains/rigging work will be completed this week. The re-upholstered seats look great and should be installed mid-August. This capital improvement project is possible through the Central Cambria Education Foundation and contributions from community members and local businesses. HintJ: There is still time to donate or purchase a seat. For details see www.cceducationfoundation.org.
On the subject of sports, the Pittsburgh Pirates have been lackluster as they are at the midway point of the season and six games behind the Brewers. Pitching has been more than a little disappointing. Here’s hoping the second half of the season is kinder to our Buccos.
Since it is July yet, I have yet to fly my Steelers flag. I always promise my wife not to rush the summer by counting the days until kickoff (49 days left for college and 54 days left for NFL football—that’s not counting, folks, it’s monitoring). I’m excited that the NFL training camps start next week; the defensive players the Steelers have added to their team have a lot of potential. Filling his shoes will be a tall order, I’m sure but, as good as he is, Big Ben will not be around forever; the front office will need to find an understudy in the near future. Until then, it is my hope, and that of all of Steeler Nation, that the Steelers make a Super Bowl run this year.
Enjoy your families and what is left of July… go Bucs!
Dr. D.
