Friday Part I

• we'll try to get a class picture and a picture of the Student Store on the blog.
• a few parents want to get started on the projects. Don't you just love the enthusiasm; besides, the fifth graders are driving me nuts with all their energy; I told you they have learned to allocate a lot of energy each day
• not bragging, just commenting, but our mixture of fourth graders and fifth graders are consistently winning during lunch intramurals - the few, the proud, the MAI kids!!!
• mini op ed; several years ago I attended a literary conference in Springfield, Illinois. Teachers from all over the state met to discuss books, reading, and kids. There were two points worth mentioning; they said, the literary/reading experts, that we should read to our children until they are a least 16 years old. There is great value in reading to your children. It helps them become better readers. A disturbing note, to me anyway - we were in Springfield, Illinois! The place with the only house Abraham Lincoln ever owned. The place where Lincoln is buried. Lincoln - one of the three best presidents we have ever had. Out of over three hundred teachers at the conference, only four of us we to see his tomb. It is in a beautiful cemetery - trees, rolling hills - you have to go below ground to see the exact spot he is laid to rest. It is inspiring. Much more inspiring than shopping, browsing the local retail stores. Lincoln - I wish I could meet him and talk to him. Maybe, in heaven.
• we should get our buddy matchups, if I remember to stop by Mrs. Kramer's to pick up the list