Two special events occurred in the District today.  Melinda Long, author of such favorite children's books as, When Papa Snores, Hiccup Snickup, and How I Became a Pirate, came to our Summer Learning Academy South where we had over 300 of our students from the North and South Academies and the Migrant School ready for her.  Teachers and students were in full pirate regalia including earrings, hats, eye patches and tattoos, a big screen and the stage was set up like a pirate ship, and she spoke like the outstanding writer and teacher she is.  She told about how she wrote her first story when she was six years old and bored (those were the days of three black and white channels).  She illustrated how to "hook" a reader from the first sentence of your writing, and showed actual edits of her stories she has received from her editor.  She involved the students as she read How I Became a Pirate with them. 

I admire anyone who can keep 300 elementary students engaged for almost an hour.  It was good.

Today was the last day of our Migrant School, and parents and family were invited for a baked chicken lunch and program.  From 3-17 years of age, the students sang and recited some of what they have learned this summer.  There was joy as families were in the presence of children who were proud of themselves.  

I am proud to be part of this District; it is a great place for kids.