I really enjoyed reading Jane's perspective on "The Monroe Doctrine." Jane did an excellent job of writing and relating it to the "now world." I appreciated her insight of what is going on in schools.

Some of the basic rules she mentioned sound like there from the book "All I needed to know I learned in Kindergarten." I feel the most important thing in her rules is respect oneself. If you do not respect yourself--how can people respect you?

Jane mentioned vision in writing, I feel that is so important to know where you are going and why. It is important in setting goals, making priorities, and following through with the task. Jane wrote about "products" and how important they are. This is pretty powerful when you consider school products are students. Our children are our most valueable resource.

I agree with Jane that organizations and schools sometimes forget about their missions. To be "creatively crazy" can possibly help carry on an organization. This would probably give direction and support. If that doesn't happen, we sometimes forget where we are headed.

I have talked to teachers about their feelings on the graduation standards. Some do not care for them. There is a lot of paper work, but I feel the graduations standards give direction to where the class is headed. It might give some good basis from year to year.

My daughter is involved in an after school program as an instructor. She enjoys it and feels it is a hugh benefit to the students achievement. This afternoon program works because it has a mission and it is followed.

I present in schools a lot. It has really bothered me at times that students need to be encouraged to think for themselves so they can become achievers. I certainly hope that they will continue the "Gifted Programs." If adults don't encourage these programs, we will let some students slip through the cracks.

I congratulate Jane on being a part of the focus group on student achievement. Adult involvement sends a powerful message to students. The focus group is a type of promotion. I think being creative is an important part of raising students achievements. It is so important to stretch their imagination.

Thank you, Jane, for the extra insights.

-- Anonymous, December 09, 1999