Booya

The local media reported last week that this year’s FCAT scores are being released. In one category, Hillsborough eighth-graders scored higher than 64 other counties in writing skills. Or, 87% scored 4.0 or higher on a scale of 6, compared to 80% statewide. Good for those eighth-graders.

And, good for Superintendent Elia and staff for outstanding effort and management. These types of results don’t happen in a vacuum and require a huge team effort.

With as much belly-aching that goes on about FACT, schools and teachers do indeed take pride when their students show progress through accountability testing.

I also guess our two favorite school board Schmidtheads are flummoxed. They can’t criticize Mrs. Elia for this….and since they have no academic credentials, they can’t take credit for it either. Actually, I wonder if either could pass an eighth-grade writing test.


The Good Father O’Malley

The only real value to the below story is: because I couldn’t resist!

Late last night, a close friend, Father O’Malley, passed away. For years he had faithfully served the people of the Tampa Bay area and I, along with many others, will miss him greatly. Thankfully, he did not die alone.

He must have known his time was at hand, for just a few hours before his departing, he motioned for me to come near. "Yes, Father?" I said. And he whispered in my ear, "I would really like to see April Griffin and Susan Valdes before I die". Of course I told him, "I'll see what I can do, my friend".

Knowing how busy these two are, I had to come up with some profound reason for them to grant my friends request. So I told them both, “It will certainly help your image…you’ll be heroes.” Naturally, they agreed and both rushed over to the hospital.

When they arrived, Father O’Malley took one of April’s hands in his right and one of Susan’s hands in his left. There was silence and a calm look of serenity on Father O’Malley’s face. April broke the silence when she asked, "Father, of all the people you could have chosen, why did you choose us when your end is so near?

The old priest slowly replied "I have always tried to pattern my life after our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." And after a brief moment to catch his final breath, he continued...

"He died between two lying scoundrels. I would like to do the same." And so Father O’Malley passed on with a smile.

posted by admin @ 6:26 PM