Sorry I have not updated all week, but I have incredibly busy at school, which is not unusual for the end of the school year. Wednesday was the valedictorian dinner, which is always one of my favorite occasions of the year. Our valedictorian Jessica is both a really nice girl and an outstanding student, and I was thrilled that she invited me to the dinner with her. She is going to The College of New Jersey, which was the most popular college announced by the county’s valedictorians and salutatorians at the dinner, a tribute to how that school’s reputation has grown in recent years. Four of my other girls are going there next year, which I think is partly my influence since normally such students would have gone to Rutgers in the past.

Thursday afternoon I taught a class from 3:30 - 5:00 consisting of elementary aides who must take a state PRAXIS test in mathematics as part of the president’s No Child Left Behind program. Most educators, myself included, are not sure if that program is really intended to improve the quality of education in this country, or is merely an excuse to make public schools look unqualified so that the president can introduce vouchers enabling parents to send their children to private schools with taxpayers’ money. I would not be surprised at such a motive by sneaky politicians.

Thursday night was the PHS prom, so I had no senior classes yesterday, which was relaxing. A few seniors did come to school, including Jong who is one of the most serious students I have. He has been working 1st period with me every day on Calculus, doing topics his class has not reached yet so he can do well in his Calculus placement test at college. He even helped me in my 7th period class yesterday, which was nice of him.

Currently reading: Postscripts, the latest issue of a semi-annual magazine containing fiction from a wide expanse of genres, including science fiction, fantasy (including a superb historical fantasy set in ancient China), and mystery.

Currently listening: Richard Thompson is one of my very favorite performers, and The Old Kit Bag has him at the top of his form.