Odyssey of the Mind is student-driven, and they aren't helped by parents or teachers. If the student wants to make a costume, they have to sew it themselves.

We have parent volunteer parents who come in to help with the jumping. Some teachers actually jumped with their classes, providing a role model for the kids so that they can see an adult working to be in good health, and how important it is for them to continue with this throughout their lives.

A number of families who attended Eighth Street are back as parents and teachers now. It seems that it is very common amongst people coming home - Ashley and I are not unique in that regard. Our parents instilled in us a sense of connection when we were young. It's great to see our daughter go to our school and encounter that feeling of comfort and camaraderie, that feeling of home.

[I asked some experienced parents what they do about this. They endorse the view of the best principals and teachers: Whatever the resistance, do your best to talk the problem out with the people at the school. Dick and Karen Reed, who have had two daughters in Fairfax County schools, say a face-to-face meeting with the teacher and the relevant administrator is best. You have to make sure the meeting does not end until the problem is defined and a solution agreed upon. Then, and this is the part that I was too lazy ever to try, the Reeds compose a summary of the discussion and the agreement and send it to the educators.] I don't accept corrections or edits from them, ... I do offer to meet again if they wish to change something.

never even crossed my mind.

A lot of the activity is happening at home and we are really relying on a partnership with parents to get this information out.