Is This the Dawn of the New Ice Age?: Feb. 10

1.     We’d like some salt with our margarita. Aside from Wednesday night's possible flurries, which is so yesterday, the weather forecast looks fairly boring for the next 48 hours. Oh sure, it’s cold—bone chilling at that—but there seems to be no precipitation on the horizon according to the National Weather Service. Temperatures don’t look to break the 30-degree mark until Friday and then a heat wave sets in with temperatures rising to a sizzling 44 degrees by Sunday.  We’ll meet you by the pool.

2.     The place to be.  We recently learned that , according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Recently released figures show that the population numbers jumped almost 19 percent to 17,892. Digging a little deeper, we found that those rates apply mostly to the adult population as the development of the Seabrook retirement community in the southern part of the borough. School Superintendent John Russo says it’s a good thing that school aged children weren’t a part of that population explosion as the district’s three schools couldn’t accommodate a huge influx of students (cue segue to next item).

3.     School’s out forever. As an alternative to traditional schooling, one . Brenda Walenczyk opted to work with her sixth-grade son at home this year to offset his struggle to stay focused in class due to a hearing impairment. The two have discovered a whole world of homeschoolers through different local Web sites and the experience has also given Chris the opportunity to explore topics he’s interested in on a deeper level. The jury’s still out on whether Chris will head back into the more traditional classroom next year.

4.     The envelope please. The state released their annual school report cards and it’s like the Oscars for local districts without the hair and makeup and Brangelina. Eatontown’s scores showed a marked improvement from last year. Eighth grade NJASK language arts advanced proficient scores were impressive in particular jumping from 6.4 percent for 2008-09 to 21.9 percent for 2009-10. also saw more gains than losses in terms of students’ proficiency in tested subject areas, with fourth grade math scores surging from 24.7 percent in 2009-10 to 40.2 percent in the advanced proficient category. also so positive shifts in their graduation and drop out rates.

5.     There is a hell, and it’s called hot potato. Anyone who has ever hosted a birthday party for their child at home can attest that the meager amount of money saved (after an order with Oriental Trading for all the attendant goodies) will surely be used later in life on therapy. Twenty 7-year-olds gathered around the dining room table you inherited from your grandmother with glue sticks and clamoring for more grape juice will give you nightmares for years. Heed our warning and this week on tips for hosting a children’s birthday party at local venues that won’t break the bank. You and your cat will thank us.  

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