People of the week

Since I missed last week and I will be gone for two weeks, I have chosen two people of the week. These aren't individuals, but groups of peopole who are doing some very cool things for kids.

First, a group of teachers from San Diego wanted to improve the performance of their students who were strugling to meet standards. Their solution was to spend 25 minutes at the end of every school day to help students one-on-one. 25 minutes may not seem like a lot, but that adds up to 3 weeks of extra teaching time that they are not getting paid for. I have a great respect for teachers and I especially respect this group for putting their students in front of themselves and giving them the time they need to improve and it seems to be working as dramatic gains have been shown. What is unfortunate is that the educational system isn't able or is unwilling to provide more for these teachers and every teacher for that matter for all the hard work they put into their job and the difference that they make in the lives of their students and ultimately in society.

Second, the Make-A-Wish foundation has fulfilled the 150,000th dream for sick kids. Currently, the foundation grants one wish every 41 minutes, but is able to fulfill the dreams of only about half of the children diagnosed with life-threatening illnesses every year. I also think this is a great organization that makes a difference in some very sick kids and their families.

Cheers to making a difference in the lives of kids.