Last modified: 1/25/2016 6:02:06 PM
At age 17, Joan “Joni” O’Donnell joined the Sisters of Mercy convent in Manchester, but something wasn’t quite right. It was a feeling she’d continue to experience even after leaving for a short time and returning to her vows for another 13 years. Today, the Jaffrey resident continues her journey with the order as an associate, having long since found her niche working with youth in the ConVal School District. “I’m passionate about young people. I think they are God’s greatest gift,” said O’Donnell, 73, who is now retired from teaching. “I have always been on the receiving end with kids.”
The State Board of Education is set to vote next week on a proposal that would place strict guidelines on the way U.S. history is taught in public schools, but opponents argue the measure threatens to obscure the realities of historical events as part of a “culture war.”
Gov. Ron DeSantis and Education Commissioner Richard Corcoran have touted the proposed rule, billing it as a way to combat “critical race theory” in classrooms. Critical race theory is based on the premise that racism is embedded within American society and institutions.
AP
A statue of chained people is on display at the National Memorial for Peace and Justice, the new memorial is opening to honor thousands of people killed in racist lynchings on Sunday, April 22, 2018, in Montgomery, Ala. The Florida Board of Education will be meeting to vote on how U.S. history is taught in schools. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
The State Board of Education is set to vote next week on a proposal that would place strict guidelines on the way U.S. history is taught in public schools, but opponents argue the measure threatens to obscure the realities of historical events as part of a “culture war.”