They're working really hard. They're engaged already. Getting 150 eighth-graders on task in under five minutes is really neat.

Our fourth-graders were very successful. They had just about the same passing rate as our eighth-graders, even though they had to achieve at a higher standard. We have to figure out how to have the same success at eighth grade.

We probably had 20 or 25 third- to eighth-graders just wanting a picture taken with her when we got back to the pep assembly (on Sunday). What this is going to do for my program the next few years ...

Surprisingly, Utah is the second highest in the nation in the number of eighth-graders taking algebra, but we are still low in achievement. Our state math core only goes through linear equations.

He doesn't have to show more. I like what he's shown already. He has to show more of the same.

There are some real good eighth-graders coming up. We return almost a full squad with state championship experience, and when they graduate, the ones replacing them will be tougher than your average sophomore.