Operation Whitney

A group of six has stopped into my office and is refining their scheme.

“He keeps the whole school clean and the garbage emptied and he cleans out the bathroom sinks when they get all gross. And he has to clean the dining commons every day!”

“Yeah, we don’t think he gets thanked enough. Besides, if we thank him in public, then other kids might start taking better care of things.”

They’re not sure of the whole plan, but it will involve cards and letters from the 344 students, a gift certificate, and a large display board bearing the custodian’s photo.

While they scheme, they keep the secret and occasionally say “OW” to each other.

Rice for Cambodia

They’re only third- and fourth-graders, but they doubled their goal of $140. They’ve been saving nickels and dimes to send to Cambodia with our local radio station’s project. Now they’re sending $280.

That in itself is pocket change for some people. But the kids know what it means. It means there will be food on the table for four families of four members each for eight months!

"Wanna Fish?"

“Well, actually I don’t,” I responded. She looked disappointed.

“None of the teachers wants a fish,” she laments, “Who wants an animal that swims in its own poop?”

“A teacher said that?!” I ask somewhat alarmed.

“Well, not exactly, but that’s what they’re thinking.”

“Why don’t you want to keep your fish?”

“Fish are yucky. I had two and the other one died and I didn’t even know it. I thought he was floating belly up just to be funny. Then he was gone and Mom explained that Dad had flushed him. I said, ‘Dad!’ And he said, ‘Your snail was eating him.’ And Mom said, ‘Honey, you weren’t supposed to tell her that part.”