Dear Janus:

Talking about snowflakes: they are falling down right now, as I am typing these words, going this way or that way with the wind, silently falling, and like you said, I can see (through the windows) that indeed, “No two snowflakes are alike“. Thank you for the science lesson on snowflakes and on the New Jersey Pine Barrens. I just looked at images of the pine barrens tree frogs, they are very tiny, very green and pretty! Sad to read about the “ghost forests“, where the Atlantic White Cedar trees were chopped down, and that without them, there is nothing to hold the soil together and prevent floods.

“Cellular respiration: C6H12O6 (glucose) + 6O2 —–> 6CO2 +6H20 + ATP (energy)

Photosynthesis:  6CO2 + 6H2O +  sunlight energy  —-> C6H12O6 (glucose)“- the biochemical wonder of nature!

“The more people are aware of people’s differences, the less prejudice there will be… Having LGBTQ inclusive education helps LGBTQ people who will have safe spaces and will improve their mental health… in grades 3-5 children can start learning about gender identity with simple activities…  If a guy says he likes to cook then that’s great. Have teacher explain to them that cooking and building things are life skills not limited to gender“- excellent activity, thank you for explaining this because when many parents hear about LGBTQ education in elementary school, they think of (and disagree with) the teacher introducing the topic of sexuality to their young children, which, by your example, is not at all true!

“In middle school… Telling men it’s okay to cry, dispelling toxic masculinity. Having groups with lgbtq people hosting bake sales or having tea can help people realize that lgbtq people are just like everyone else who deserve to be supported“- I agree with and like what you wrote here: it is about exposing school aged children to people of different gender identities within a positive, friendly and accepting context.

“Bullying, depression and racism are important topics to cover in high school. Many high school teens attempt suicide too. Having high school teens know there are safe spaces (for them) can save lives“- these are indeed important topics which should be addressed responsibly in public (and private) schools and colleges.

“Dear Anita Hope that you have a great holiday season“- thank you! The snowflakes I told you about at the start of my post- they became very thick (and less reactive to wind).. until a moment ago, and now they are back to being thin (and more reactive to wind). I wonder why or how the change in size happened…

I wish you a great holiday season as well!

anita