Around New England

Maine School District Reinstates High School “Harvest Break” To Aid Farmers

Bill Gnade

The Presque Isle (ME) school district's board of directors has voted 12-2 to reinstate a traditional autumn harvest break in the school year allowing students to help the region's farmers with harvesting their crops. The break was canceled in 2017.

Citing a shortage of entry-level workers in the region, the board of directors reinstated the break in hopes high school students will be able to fill the labor shortfalls that hamper farm production, particularly on potato farms. Underage students will need parental permission before working on a farm.

Around New England

Old NH Law Permitting Teaching “Lord’s Prayer” In Grade Schools Called “Hidden Virus” By State Rep, Faces Repeal

Bill Gnade

New Hampshire state Rep. Amanda Bouldin, a Democrat, is supporting a bill in the NH legislator that will repeal an obscure 1975 law that authorizes elementary school teachers to lead students – who may participate voluntarily – in the recitation of the "Lord's Prayer," a traditional Christian prayer often used in Christian liturgy. According to WMUR, Bouldin describes the law as viral.

"At the time, it was deemed unconstitutional, but nothing was done, and it continues to live in our RSAs today sort of as a hidden virus," Bouldin said to WMUR.

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