Maya, the duck hunter

So Miss Maya Leigh Campbell caught a duck today. Yes, a duck! Imagine that. Murad called me today to tell me that she caught the duck. The duck was pretty bad after she caught it, but I think he lived. I wish I could've seen it. Murad was so proud of his little girl! She's quite the hunter. I always knew she would be. When we go outside, she also spots the squirrels and rabbits. Her little ears perk up and they turn. Too bad her brother can't follow in her footsteps. He's oblivious to anything that goes on around him. Big dogs bark at him and he doesn't care. Little dogs cower in his presence and he doesn't care. A rabbit will hop right in front of him and he is totally unphased by it! Oh, Sam! Ironically, the student from whom we bought Sampson and Maya told me today that Buddy (their father) caught a duck as well. He got out the picture on his school phone to show me (against school policy, may I add, but oh well).

So, the dreaded TAKS test is upon us! This year the stakes are higher. Special education scores count this year. 8th grade students have to pass in order to go onto high school. Luckily, I teach seventh grade, but my students are not only tested in reading, but writing as well. The writing portion is two part. Answering questions over revising and editing and writing a composition. So, please keep them in your thoughts and prayers as the 7th grade students take the Writing test on Wednesday and the 8th grade students take the reading test. My kiddos will take the reading test in late April, so be thinking of that as well.

Well, this year I've had the opportunity to serve on the crisis intervention team. It's been stressful yet rewarding. One thing that I have become passionate about is alcohol and drug prevention. It's alarming how many students are affected by alcohol and drug abuse at this young age.

On April 19th, 2008 Murad and I, along with some of my National Junior Honor Society students and Sampson & Maya, will participate in Walk Like MADD. Walk Like MADD is a walk to raise money to create more educational opportunities for students to learn about the dangers of drinking and driving. I'm really excited about the walk. I did it last year with NJHS and had a blast. Now that I'm the chair of the crisis intervention team, I think it will have more meaning as well.
Since the purpose of the walk is to raise money, I'm going to put out that plug! If you'd like to donate money to support Murad or myself please visit www.stridesforchange.org You can click on make a donation and if you look for my name, Murad's name or the team name of Apollo NJHS, you can make a donation of whatever sum you'd like. All donations are greatly, greatly appreciated! You can also count them as a tax write-off. I also encourage you to become involved with MADD in your own community and participate in a walk if there is one near you! Okay, that's my whole plug! I'm done!

Okay, good night!