My dad just became President of the Italian American Club of Somers. Yeah go ahead let the Mob jokes begin. We attended his first meeting and there was plenty of wine and food avaiable. The web site for the organization can be found at http://www.iacos.org. Best of luck! 

The New York Times > International > Middle East > Israel Agrees to Free 500 Palestinian Prisoners

The New York Times > International > Middle East > Israel Agrees to Free 500 Palestinian Prisoners

If anything has the power to solve many of the problems in the Middle East it is some modicum of peace between Israeli's and Palestinians. It is my sincere hope that this works out for the people of both countries.

What do teachers make?

What Do Teachers Make?

The dinner guests were sitting around the table discussing life. One
man, a CEO, decided to explain the problem with education. He argued,
"What's a kid going to learn from someone who decided his best option
in life was to become a teacher?"

He reminded the other dinner guests what they say about teachers:
"Those who can, do. Those who can't, teach." To corroborate his point
he said to another guest; "You're a teacher, Sheena. Be honest. What
do you make?"

Sheena, who had a reputation for honesty and frankness, replied, "You
want to know what I make?
I make kids work harder than they ever thought they could.
I make a C+ feel like the winner of the Congressional Medal of Honor.
I make kids sit through 40 minutes of study hall in absolute silence."

"You want to know what I make?
I make kids wonder.
I make them question.
I make them criticize.
I make them apologize and mean it.
I make them write.
I make them read, read, read.
I make them show all their work in math and perfect their final drafts in English."
"I make them understand that if you have the brains, and follow your heart, if someone ever tries to judge you by what you make, you must pay no attention because they just didn't learn."

"Susan paused and then continued, "You want to know what I make?
I make a difference. What do you make?"

Donde Esta Anne y Drew

Drew and Anne have been way busy--we know. Classes have begun in earnest again and we pretty much work, read and write papers. Well ok we also write lesson plans, keep up the web site, go to professional development seminars and the like--but seriously that is it. Well now that you press I still go to the gym :). I deadlifted 345 yesterday! So it is official we need to have some fun.

We are really looking forward to the break in 11 days--who is counting--when we get a week off from school and lessons. We are also looking forward to the following; a party at our friends stacey and howards, the visit of Bob and Robbin to New York (my brother in law and his signifigant other), the wedding of my friend Eric Lorson in May, Stacey and Howards Wedding in July, seeing Washington and our friends in August -- and did I mention always looking forward to sleep!

In the news:

My brothers house is coming along well--my dad has been helping him ad cool things like a built in bookcase, fireplace, new kitchen, painting and the like--seriously it looks like a model home. Way to go Eric!

My Dad finally got his new olympus digital camera. He also was elected president of the Italian American Club of Somers. Let the off color Mobster jokes begin :)!

My Mom is looking forward to another great year as chief big wig at New Rochelle Schools. She is looking forward to the trip with my dad to Spain in February! Bon Voyage!

Gus says hi--you know the dog!

Peace people!