Television news people filmed at the local elementary school today. Three crews were there plus several photographers from newspapers (including me) to watch as a regional secretary from the Dept. of Education toured the school - the only one in the state - to find out the secrets of the school's success.

The kids were surprisingly calm and had probably been briefed about the "special guests." Everywhere we went, kids were quietly told, "Pay no attention to the cameras." Right. It's like saying, "Don't think about polar bears" and expecting everyone to comply.

In this classroom, math took a backseat very quickly to "Hi, Mom" and giggles as the TV cameras panned the room. The girl on the right, in particular, was very animated. She wiggled, she finger waved and for a minute or two, I was convinced she was going to get up and dance.