Our Math Leaguers competed, Saturday, in the regional competition, at Thomas Jefferson Independent Day School.  Five fourth- and five fifth-graders took three individual tests, with each test focusing on unique problem solving skills.  Much of their work was required to be done without calculators or scrap paper (Read:  completely mental).

In the awards assembly, we attended to the results.  We were very proud of all our competitors, but two of our fifth graders were recognized from the microphone:

• HALLE and  ZACK tied for fourth place in Number Sense.
• ZACK went further to earn third place in the Target round.
• ZACK qualified for the state contest with his overall combined scores, earning a fifth place ribbon.

We have windows, but still no doors.  Walls are being primed, and work is being done on the ceiling in the rear entry hallway of our new safe room and gymnasium.  The inside of the gym is all but finished.

For the fourth quarter, we are entering into the season of spring...in more ways than one.  As we anticipate new growth in our yards and forests, our class has occupied some time, this week, in creating a terrarium ecosystem.  This, when combined with the upcoming aquarium ecosystem, will form the final science project of something we are calling an ecocolumn.  We placed gravel and soil into a two-liter plastic bottle with the bottom cut off.  This was all in anticipation of living organisms that will be introduced soon.

I think my favorite part of the presentation at Elm Tree Elementary in Bentonville, Arkansas, was meeting with some of the young ladies after my presentation was over.  They wanted to share their own stories with me and ask me questions about the historical content in my books.  It was a pleasure, even though it only lasted for such a short time.

Before ever meeting with the fourth graders at Elm Tree Elementary in Bentonville, Arkansas, Friday morning, I was able to get a glimpse of the school's efforts to be positive from the moment of arrival.

Along the parking lot, "street" signs line the drive.  These signs display the simple traits of RESPECT, SELF-CONTROL, GOAL-SETTING, and the like.  It was not until I left, that I noticed the FAMILY LANE sign.  I emphasize that we are family, and I have been told that our class has the best family atmosphere in the district.  I don't know if that is true or not, but we sure try.  In front of the building, is a wonderfully landscaped area, which promises to look very nice as the spring advances.

I was just as thrilled to see that the students were well-behaved and respectful of my presentation.  They paid attention to all the important parts and pretended to pay attention even during the boring parts, as I briefly explained my own writing journey and emphasized the concept of using personal experiences.  My appreciation to the students and staff who made me feel at home.

I love to write.  I love for others to read what I write.  I write for myself, and I write for others.  I write for emotional release, and I write to entertain myself and others.

I didn't make this video, but I find it quite compelling.  I believe that writing is more like creating art than it is like learning science.  Conversely, I believe reading is the act of appreciating and critiquing art.