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Articles by Hera Varmah
The Homeschool Hive: A buzzing hub of learning
TAMPA, Fla. — When you think of homeschooling, what comes to mind? For many families, it’s a journey filled with creativity, flexibility, and personalized learning. Whether you’re following a traditional curriculum, taking a hybrid approach, or crafting your own adventure with a Florida K-12 education savings account, parent-directed learning allows families to find the best fit for their children’s needs. But no matter the style, every family needs support and reliable resources.
Hera Varmah: National School Choice Week celebrates the power of education
As we celebrate National School Choice Week, we’re reflecting on educational freedom’s profound impact on students, families, and communities. This week, we’re not just celebrating the opportunities that school choice offers, but also the incredible stories of individuals whose lives have been transformed by it. Ilen Perez-Valdez: Overcoming adversity through choice Ilen Perez-Valdez’s story is one of resilience and determination.
Is the American dream dead? My family’s story proves otherwise
The American dream has been woven into countless narratives throughout my life, shaped by the inspiring stories shared by my family members and friends who came to the United States in search of a better life. This Independence Day, it might be tempting to think this dream is now elusive as division and discouragement spread across our country. But my life proves it can still be a reality — if we strive to make it one.
Is the American dream dead? My family’s story proves otherwise
Welcome to NewsBreak, an open platform where diverse perspectives converge. Most of our content comes from established publications and journalists, as well as from our extensive network of tens of thousands of creators who contribute to our platform. We empower individuals to share insightful viewpoints through short posts and comments.
School choice changed my life
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – On Tuesday, I was honored that my governor, Ron DeSantis, recognized my story as he highlighted Florida’s school choice success during his State of the State address. As the governor said, “Florida has close to 1.5 million students enrolled full-time in various choice programs” – and these programs have made a difference for countless students just like me.
Parents want more than lip service from candidates. School choice is key to 2024 | Opinion
The third and final GOP primary debate is approaching, set to take place in my home state of Florida, in Miami. Many Floridians will be watching to see which candidates take a stand to empower America’s parents — a key swing vote segment in the 2024 election—through a commitment to support school choice. School choice is popular throughout the country.
Teachers Union President Stacy Davis Gates, Private School Parent (Commentary)
Teachers Union President Stacy Davis Gates should listen to the stories of students who benefitted from school choice options. (Commentary) by Denisha Allen and Hera Varmah Recently, Stacy Davis Gates, who serves as both the president of the Chicago Teachers Union and the executive president of the American Federation of Teachers, publicly revealed that she has chosen to enroll her eldest son in a private school. Mrs.
What Florida’s school choice meant to me
All Florida families with children in grades K-12 are now eligible to receive a state scholarship to find the best education setting for their kids – the kind that made a huge impact on my life, and the lives of my siblings. I am one of 12 children whose parents are immigrants from Liberia and Jamaica, and in my assigned public school, I was a failing, unmotivated student. I never thought that I would go to college, and thus I would end up just like my parents in poverty.
DHS budget proposal reveals its botched priorities
Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas testified before the House Homeland Security Committee last week about his agency’s 2024 budget proposal . It did not go well. The hapless Mayorkas was called out in spectacular fashion by GOP committee members who were incensed over the agency’s prioritization of climate change initiatives over the very real fentanyl crisis that is killing 100,000 Americans each year.
How leftist activists hijacked corporate America
Social justice activists often don disguises. Animal rights activists pose as farmworkers to film footage in secret. Eco protesters pose as museumgoers to glue themselves to art. But the latest trend is something new: Leftists are posing as corporate investors. Why? Because investors own companies, and companies have power. Climate change warriors can chain themselves to every tree in the rainforest, but without the support of the public, they aren’t going to get very far.
Georgians must keep fighting for education freedom
While some states are working to make education freedom a reality for all families, others are taking a step backward. Georgia is one such state, where state lawmakers in the House voted down a school choice initiative last month. Senate Bill 233 would have expanded Georgia’s voucher program to give $6,500 to the families of Georgia public school students in the bottom 25% academically. It passed the state Senate but was voted down in the House, 89-85.
How AI is shifting the nature of work
The latest breakthroughs in artificial intelligence (AI) will bring numerous productivity improvements to businesses but are likely to change the nature of work itself, which could disrupt millions of workers. Three factors are driving the rapid adoption of AI technologies. First, the pandemic compelled companies to undergo digital transformations. A McKinsey survey found that over 67% of CEOs accelerated AI and automation adoption during this time.
Now is the time to strengthen policies and actions to counter communist China
“If not now, when?” That’s one of the key questions Washington must deal with when it comes to the greatest existential menace America must confront and defeat in this century. The critical matter is not the issue of John Kerry’s climate change . It’s about how to effectively fend off a Communist China that has been polluting America and the rest of the world economically, politically, socially, and of course, environmentally.
A case study in rhetorical fallacy and media literacy
If you send your children to a classical school, they are likely to learn about the various types of rhetorical fallacy.
New York lawmakers consider backing away from lax bail laws: Report Original
New York state lawmakers are considering rolling back lax bail reform laws. Gov. Kathy Hochul (D-NY) has supported changes to the bail reform amid rising crime in the state that some Democrats fear may hurt their election chances. She had faced stark resistance from liberal Democrats in the state legislature who have opposed her move. However, a Politico report revealed that Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie (D-NY) is considering removing the “least restrictive means” standard judges use to set bail.
West Virginia blocks transgender surgeries, hormone replacement, and puberty blockers Original
Gov. Jim Justice (R-WV) signed a bill banning puberty blockers and transgender surgeries for minors. The bill also bans hormone replacement therapy, according to the Associated Press. However, it is unique among other bills that ban hormone therapy, as it allows exceptions in extreme cases.
Florida expands education freedom to all students
In a year with more states than ever passing expansive school choice programs, Florida has regained its top spot. As someone whose life was changed thanks to Florida’s school choice programs, I couldn’t be more excited. I was thrilled to speak at the bill signing this week and share what choice meant to me. The legislature spoke with a clear voice, with House Bill 1 passing with a vote of 83-27 and Senate Bill 202 passing with a vote of 26-12. While signing the bill, Gov.
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