I guess I am an eternal optimist, but I was hoping all my students and all the other students in the school would score well on the STAAR tests. I guess sometimes you must be a realist, as well as an optimist. Virtual schooling was a disaster for so many. I’m proud of my kids and all the hard work they have put in this year. Conditions have been less than optimal for a 100% success rate, but I am hoping for a much better next year. With an almost solid year under our belts, we should pick up the last of the missing pieces next year. Look out, here we come.
This coming year is going to be full of changes. We have a new Superintendent; we will have a new secretary and a new business office person. I can’t believe Delores and Linda are deserting me. Mrs. Hall is leaving a giant hole in the high school English department. It’s all just a little unsettling. I suggest everyone have a good summer and come prepared to have a great year.
My class managed to get five of the six books in the Among the Hidden series. We will read Among the Free when we get back.
Ian McKinnerney brought me a lovely, thoughtful, end-of-year gift. I have just finished reading Animal Farm, by George Orwell. I read 1984 years ago. His books are a little depressing but seem to be addressing all the issues we are facing here in America today. Orwell was a socialist who fought in Spain with Stalin’s forces. He was almost killed by Trotsky’s forces who were removing Stalin, and his history, from the record books, and replacing it with the Communist regime. He wrote to warn the European populations that what seemed good about the two philosophies was only good on the surface. The truth was, as he stated in the book, "all people/ humans are equal, but some are more equal than others."
I can see why so many people are suggesting that this book is a must read. I felt like he was addressing America, and the issues we have been facing all year since the pandemic began. It’s a little rough to read. The two top pigs are Stalin and Trotsky, the rest of the animals are supposed to represent different populations of our world. I wonder if you can see yourself in any of the groups of animals.
I won’t be going to Canada this summer. It seems they are still shut down. According to my sister, they will not allow people from their neighboring province, Quebec, come into the province of Ontario because they are not following protocols. I’m sure they won’t want some “no mask” Texan to get near the border. I must admit I am not responsive to their tactics. So, I will journey some other place that wants me to come. Looks like another Costa Rican vacation.
My grandson Bryson came to play the piano this Sunday. He played Godspeed and Amazing Grace. This piano playing is a recent musical talent. He plays multiple instruments in the school band but decided that he wanted to play the piano. I know I’m a little prejudiced, but he left the congregation asking for more. He has a beautiful and loving touch on the piano. We were all delighted that he shared his gift with us this morning.
Bryson is headed for Texas A&M - Corpus Christie. His equally gifted sister, Kaitlynn, is not in music, but in nursing. She will start working for BS&W Labor and Delivery ward in Waco in a few weeks. She will make a wonderfully loving and caring nurse. Kate graduated Sum Cum Laude from Tarleton a few weeks ago. My babies are all leaving.
Our middle grandson, Dustyn, will prosper in all he does because he is a worker. He has the most tremendous work ethic. Since he had to virtual school this year, he has kept a job while continuing his online studies. My son, Scott, says Dustyn is filling up his bank account. That will be helpful when he must go to classes in person.
Danny Phillips had a scare this week. He was rushed to ER with what was a possible heart attack. Fortunately, they were able to get him stable and the issue was extremely low blood pressure. His heart is fine.
Susan Gossett had to go back to the hospital to handle a postoperative infection. She is back home again.
Please continue to pray for the many sick in the community. If you have time, go and visit one of our shut-in members and spend some time or run an errand for them.
Pray for our country, President and Congress. They need a million prayers to help them get this country stabilized. They need to go back to class and learn how to cooperate to get things done.
Pray for our police officers. Those men and women are our safety net against crime. We need them and their talents. Please God protect them from evil.
Most of all, pray for our precious troops and their families. Praise God for our wonderful rain. Have a great week everyone.