I ran into a student of mine from the first school where I was principal, Yost Academy. She attends a Historically Black College studying chemistry. She will spend her upcoming Jr. year in Australia. Her long range career goal is to become an orthodontist. I remember Ashley well, bright eyes, big smile, loved school, happy with life and herself. That doesn't seem to have changed much. Maybe I'm thinking selfishly but it pleases me to no end to think that I had some small part in the development of this wonderful young person. (She remembered both my last and first name - most students I run into remember "Ms. Holland" so I must have made some kind of impression on her :). It makes all those long, hard days and unrecognized sacrifices worthwhile.

For all of you out there who are positively impacting children in one way or another, be encouraged. The work is hard, but it's good work. The results last long beyond this year's test scores or even next week's check. Hang in there. As always, thanks for listening, Leslie

Thing 8

Montage - What a fascinating idea - still thinking on application - hmmmm...

Also created a new HPSI (High Priority Schools Initiative) logo from the letter blocks - don't think Kate will have to worry about any logo creating competition.

Tried the color site... love the quote "To those that question the utility of this little application, let me point out that it is a toy -- like all the stuff on my website. Its purpose is simply to provide wonder and delight. Nothing more, nothing less. Isn't that enough? -- jbum

Memory game - great fun - All these are would add novelty to the right content - kids would love it - I love it. Thanks for listening. Leslie

Thing 7

I searched the RESA23 photos and was pleasantly suprised at the variety of topics and interests. I happen to love butterflies so I created a set with pictures I already had on my computer and some new ones from Flickr. I immediately thought about the challenges our students face with writing -what a great way to encourage journaling around topics of choice or an assigned topic. Of course copyright issues, appropriate content issues, as well as filter/firewall blocks abound but you have to start somewhere. Even if you download the photos to your computer or flashdrive and have students work from there. Where there is a will there is a way! As always - Thanks for listening. Leslie

Thing 6

Ha, Ha, Ha. I searched the Library of Congress photos (great link) and found this picture. I was all set to upload and comment in Thing 6 about how far we've come in Home Computers since the projections of 1954. Turns out the photo is a fake and the computer is actually a nuclear submarine missle console picture that was edited (turned to black and white, old TV inserted as well as the 1950's gentleman. I am impressed nonetheless and humbled by how our thoughts, opinions, "knowledge" can be easily manipulated if we are not alert and careful. Let the surfer (internet surfer :) beware!! Thanks for listening. Leslie