Teacher Gretchen Brown, from Gerald Adams School in Key West, gives her mother flowers for having had such an influence in her life. Her mother, Jane Worth. taught public school for over 30 years. During a writing workshop, I asked participants to write about a person who had been a mentor and life guide. Gretchen's touching story of her mother's dedication moved us all. Congratulations, Jane and Gretchen, and here's to many more years together.

"I attended your workshop this summer in Tampa, Florida, and was inspired to do wonderful things this year in my room in writing. I did a group guided expository writing on my students' least favorite food---broccoli. I cooked broccoli in the room for them. We webbed and wrote about it. Then, I had them tape the piece using a free program and attached it to my website for their parents and all to hear. They loved doing it!" Jeanne Stratton, Gulf Elementary, Cape Coral, Florida.

I have just returned from spending the day with teachers from Old Town Elementary and Anderson Elementary in Dixie County, Florida, for a writing workshop. Old Town. It's past Turkeytown and Chiefland, out in the woods. But don't let the name fool you. Just because there are only two elementary schools in Dixie County doesn't mean there isn't some awesome teaching going on there. The teachers were BUBBLING OVER with enthusiasm. They shared riveting ideas and spoke highly of their students and faculties.

Don't miss this poem, penned by Liza Jackson Prep School student Hannah Mizell, who has autism. It is published here with her permission.

The Poet

She writes with a pencil in her hand

While she is bullied

They don't get her and think she's weird

But she does not take a stand

Instead she writes with a pencil in her hand

She has one friend who believes in her

And tells her to take a stand

Instead she writes with a pencil in her hand

I am always thrilled to get letters like this because it represents SUCCESS with students. The letter comes from the 4th grade team at Hickory Creek Elementary in Jacksonville, FL.

"The 12 Steps of the Writing Process" was extremely helpful, and served as the springboard for many additional ideas we implemented throughout the school year.

I love it when I see teachers having a ball making something terrific for their students. Teachers Gisselle Mendez (left) and Patty Hernandez, both from Miami,  joined us recently for the Writing Razzmatazz Conference in West Palm Beach, Florida. The ideas were flowing and teachers enjoyed our brainstorming and make-and-take sessions.