Can you believe Thanksgiving is almost here! Reports cards come out next week, and Christmas decorations are already showing up in stores and on houses. It always seems as if time speeds up in November and doesn’t slow down until March. At any rate it has been a great week. I received many thanks from folks in the community. I was surprised at the overwhelming number of positive comments. The comments were much appreciated.

There will be a 5th Quarter at the school next week after the playoff game in San Saba. The game against Rochelle was spirited and close, for the first quarter. The Rochelle team played hard and they have some excellent players. I hate to toot our horn, but our boys are just outstanding. We wish all players and coaches the very best, as they enter the playoff season. UIL is this week; many of our students will be participating in competitions. I hope they will be rewarded for their extra efforts. Mrs. Smith has been helping with the reading entries. I can see that I have a lot to learn before I get good at this coaching process. Good luck everyone!

The Ladies of the Bible Study Quilting Group took over the service Sunday night at the First Baptist Church. They presented a spoof Fashion show titled “The Good, the Bad and the Ugly.” Judging by the laughter from the audience I think it went over very well. The tongue in cheek humor was supported by strong Biblical concepts of faithful servant hood. The skit was followed by a viewing of the quilts produced by the area quilters. Kay McKee invited guests to come and learn with the group every Wednesday, from 5:30 pm until about 7:00pm. The group will have the 2nd annual progressive dinner some time in December. This event was so successful last year that everyone wants to do it again. Details are still to be confirmed.

Although many people complain about technology and the time kids spend/waste using it, fact of the matter is technology opens many doors. It is up to parents to monitor which doors are being opened but there is so much to explore! My grandchildren benefited from the use of technology this weekend. My son Scott sent a computer camera home, and once plugged in they were able to look and talk with their Dad. The delight they took in talking and seeing Dad was safe was priceless. Letters just don’t fill the gap the same way. I wish all soldiers could talk and see their families every week but I know that it is not possible. Churches, schools and cities all around this nation, celebrated Veteran's Day this weekend. If you have the time, why not send a package to a deployed serviceman or woman. Even a brief thank you note would show appreciation for the sacrifice these young people and their families are making. We love you and pray for you, come home safe.

I had a call from Pearl Cantrell. That 100th birthday is getting close! She went to see the Moving Memorial in San Saba. Apparently they had a family member on the wall. She then attended a great-granddaughter’s baby shower! How amazing to know you will see the birth of a great-great-grandchild! She’s working on that quilt, getting it ready for the big celebration! Way to go Pearl!

The FFA Chili Supper went well Friday Night. Gerald McKee said he was pleased with the money they received. All funds will go to cover expenses on FFA projects. The PTC is hoping more parents will attend the next meeting. They are anxious to get the organization running well. As a teacher, I would like to see them raise money for classroom projects that are not covered in the budget. I haven’t seen any teacher appreciation events since the first week of school. Which reminds me, the school needs parents for the big Read In; you should have received a note from school last week. I believe when parents take part in school events, students benefit. Why not take the time to come by and volunteer for something! That comment leads to yet another issue. Mr. Fowler has asked that all parents and visitors check in at the office before going to a classroom. Parents will be issued a visitors pass. This policy has been on the books for some time; however, it just hasn’t been enforced. Everyone gets in a rush and some things just slip by without anyone noticing. Several students have left school with parents without notifying the office which leads to confusion and concern. Please help them monitor the safety of your child, by complying with school policy on visitation and checkout.

I’m going to jump on the school bandwagon again. It is almost time to start the bond issue again. There are major repairs that need to be made to those old buildings. I’ve already heard from the “that school was good enough for me, it should be good enough for them,” folks. Then there’s the “no way if any money is going to sports,” folks. There’s the “we need more money to repair the gym and other sports areas,” contenders. The list goes around and around. Fact of the matter is we need to make repairs to the school. We need to get the cafetorium on a bond and save interest money. We need to insulate, repair and revamp our classrooms. We need some sports money to fix things like our track, gym and a few other areas. Instead of fighting over the issue, we need to convene a citizens group to examine all angles and put a bond package together that works for everyone. We missed the deadline for this year; let’s get something done in time for next year. I love to teach, but our heaters and air-conditioners are so old and loud, we have to shut them off so the kids can hear! Yes, I know in the old days there were fans and open windows. Thank God I don’t have to teach under those conditions! Think about it everyone; let’s get this bond issue up and running.

I hope you have a great week. I know many people will be traveling to post season games so drive safe and remember to be good sports. Take a moment to pray for our wonderful troops, our leaders and our government officials. May God bring our troops home safe and soon.