It’s Sunday and I promise you I have only stuck my nose out of doors to go to church. This kind of weather is good for sleeping and snuggling up with a good book under a warm comforter! My daughter-in-law gave me Joel Osteen’s book for Christmas. Wayne Powell said he read a book about God’s Love that he received for Christmas and he was a different man from this morning’s service. I heartily agree with him; by the time I finish this book I hope that an improved me will be able to greet this world.

Another new experience for me here in Richland, the Stock Show/Youth Fair! I don’t know what happened last year but I made it Friday.

That in itself was a shock! I couldn’t figure out why we had no school. Once I saw all my students and their parents showing their animals the picture became clear! So God willing, I will attend next year and make sure more of my students participate in the Arts division. I have a complete picture so look out world here we come! I advised two students at the last minute to enter their poetry. To our pleased surprise, Ashlyn Daniels took First Place and Brianna Bradley placed second. I was very proud of their work! Look out world the Coyotes will be there next year!

Another event, that was an eye opener this week, was the Varsity Basketball team. I’m not sure what I expected to see from young men who just won a State Championship, but I should have guessed. Coach Rodgers and Coach Ethridge had divided the boys up in to two interchangeable teams. Cherokee only had six boys so they were worn out by the second half. Mind you, they played valiantly, but the conclusion was inevitable. What was really impressive was the way our boys worked together just as they did on the football field; Tyler watching and directing, Mark, Patrick, Richie, Andrew and Mitchell covering where needed. The same strong winning spirit that led them to 3 championships in 4 years was evident on the court. They were focused, committed and deadly efficient. I couldn’t believe how their team ethic had so easily transferred to Basketball. Shame on me, for it only makes sense that the heart that kept them winning all these years, would go with them no matter what they are doing. Once again they are defeated in district play and will most likely head to regional playoffs. You’ll have to get that kind of information from the coaches. A community member asked me to write an article about the team and the winning spirit that has kept them on a Championship run. He noted that they won because they believed they should win. That belief and determination was backed by long hours of tape work, super coaching from Head Coach Jerry Burkhart, Offensive Coach Harley Ethridge, and Defensive Coaches Rogers and Dodson. All those dynamics were coupled with a strong work ethic, no wonder they won! I can’t wait for the next game. I know the girls will be wondering why I’m not covering them more. I apologize ladies; I don’t usually cover sports. The girls won their game against Cherokee and I believe are ahead in their district, but they lack the strong leadership and experience that binds the boys together. One of the coaches will have to put the basketball stats in the paper so that the Lady Coyotes can be properly recognized.

The Ladies Quilting Club and Bible Study is still meeting on Wednesday at 5:30pm. The First Baptist ladies have put out the welcome mat for all the ladies in the area. We are having a great time, even if I can’t quilt worth a darn! It’s a good job the fellowship is wonderful. Come by if you feel the need to do a little sewing and studying.

Mrs. Gossett tells me she is receiving Box Tops but would like many more so that she can add to the Library stock. Please search your cupboards and send a few her way.

Don’t tell anyone, but since B. Soto has joined the cafeteria staff, a new item has been added to the menu, although not often enough for the teachers, but so welcomed - homemade biscuits. They are to die for! Our ladies do a great job of feeding us. I know we are lucky.

Parents, your student should have a TAKS practice book at home. This is a study guide to be used at home. I suspect not many of you have seen that little critter. We are 5 weeks away from the annual test. I know we are working hard but some work needs to be done at home. Mrs. Brockman tells me that many of her 4th-6th graders do not know their times tables. I can remember repeating times tables to my mom, night after night, until I had them memorized. Math, like English is a building block subject. Each year you add to the knowledge base you acquired the year before. When a student misses a block, it makes their learning structure weak. A weak structure will fall under pressure. I say that, to ask all you parents to check to see if your student knows their times tables and their number facts to twenty. We all have the same goal, success for your student but sometimes one on one at home accomplishes more than rote (by memory) work in class.

Heelies are under review for school use. They have not yet been banned but there is some opposition to their use. I am one of the crazy people that like them. I think they are wonderful exercise. The children just need to learn to use them wisely. The final decision will be left up to the attorneys. I hope we can keep them. We have made one sidewalk “Heelie Highway” and the kids are having a blast. They stay out of everyone’s way and light the sidewalk up with delight. So far I have not been tempted to try them; I’ve heard your bones don’t heal as well when you get older. I believe I will just watch the fun!

I hope everyone has a blessed week. Pray for our leaders, our government, and our wonderful troops in harms way. I was delighted to have the opportunity to speak to my son face to face again. It is just a delight to my heart! I pray all of you will see your soldiers home soon.