New York Today: A Back-to-School Preview

LIKE McCAIN As it must to every man, I fully expect that sooneral- ater my turn will come, But no Trump at my funeral!

What do I tackle? Safe schools, homeless students or test scores? As a former NYC Public School teacher and Assistant Principal, I still have a lot of interest in the well being and education of NYC’s students. I think one of the most over looked aspects of schools is the population of homeless students and students in foster care. Sometimes it is like they have a big “X” on their back as they try to fit into the student population. These children and their families struggle with having enough money for the basics, such as school supplies and clothing. I had a young, 6th grade student whom had recently been adopted by her older sister after having been in foster care. The challenges were huge. After having been tossed around, lost a family and then been reunited with her sister, the scars were there. Her savior was reading. She immersed herself in books. She didn’t, however, immerse herself in showering which created a big problem for her teachers and classmates. This created isolation plus she also needed clothes. Teachers are generous, especially teachers with children, when it comes to clothes. Goodwill is the school, not a dumpster bin. So, while showering was addressed and clothes were found, she was only one of how many? While we take about school Renewal and test scores and forget that a child is not a test score number, we should not lose sight of the need for social services for students.

Although the recent authors of the feature are still in place and are thoughtful in their choice of subjects, something seems to be missing since your re-vamping of the format. I miss the early morning comments of regular readers. What you eliminated was not an earthshaking change, but it spoke volumes about your seriousness about sustaining a community of readers. Where are Freddie and Billy and Dean and the other stalwarts? What about that woman from L.A. who really did make the NYC diaspora seem real? I object!

Can't believe you reproduced that obnoxious poem "to" John Ashbery. Bad enough it already appeared in the Metropolitan Diary. Is there a particular reason that an ad hoc attack on Ashbery's work was deemed necessary, relevant, or humorous?

Thank you for including the Metropolitan Diary every day!! So very much appreciated.

From today’s In The News: “editorial board has endorsed Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo” Tune of “The Candy Man” (tried singing it hopefully about MTA head Andy Byford, so far OK; why not some vibes for Gov. Andy Cuomo?) Who can take the subways, slap on coats of paint Make that spot look better so the rot brings less complaint. Seems Andy can - somehow Andy sure can. The Andy man can And he does it with elan and now the walls look good. Who can take corruption, make it sound real vague Make us feel it’s really not all that much of a plague. Seems Andy can – looks like Andy sure can Yes, Andy sure can ‘Cause he mixes it with words that make it all seem good Yes, Andy can take Any claim he’ll make Any nonsense proclamation Any blurted-out vexation Play like some cute affectation Who can hear Ms. Nixon, and calls for reform Use his strengths and go some lengths to fight the D.C. storm Hope Andy can - hope that Andy man can Hope Andy man can And we’ll shrug and say okay and pray it turns out good.

Mr. Carranza seems to want integration regardless of what damage it may do to the already dismal state of education in the city. Does he want it because he thinks it will improve education overall, or only as revenge on behalf of the hispanic community.