To Find The Right School Do Your Homework

Rory J. Koopmans, B. Admin., #203, 8912-156 Street, Edmonton, Alberta T5R 5Z2

December XXXIst, MMX

Hon. David G. Hancock, QC, MLA, Minister of Education, Progressive Conservative, Edmonton-Whitemud

Dear David:

We should remind students & their family's that in the New Year of MMXI which is tomorrow that its more important than ever that they find the right school. Not just one that will help them academically, but 1 that will allow them to develop friendships & the basic concepts of everyday understandings of social interactions. Do research, write emails/letters to campus staffs. Even arrange ahead of time IV interviews/tour so that you can get the feel of a place. Most important of all, talk II students there on site as well as alumni so they can tell you of their experiences & help you get to know you way around.

Happy New Year To You & Your Family David,

Rory

Source: The Edmonton Journal: "Classes & Courses."

Stop Bullying Now

Rory J. Koopmans, B. Admin.

#203, 8912-156 Street

Edmonton, Alberta T5R 5Z2

December XXXth, MMX

Hon. David G. Hancock, QC, MLA

Minister of Education,

Progressive Conservative, Edmonton-Whitemud

Dear David:

An excellent piece of advice from Psychologist Dr. Phillip C. McGraw on his syndicated daytime talkshow today. Bullying is never acceptable under any circumstances. Plus its not tattletaling if a kid who has been hurt tells a responsible adult so something can be done.

Stop Violence Now,

Rory

Source: C. "Harpo Productions Incorporated": "Dr. Phil", Los Angeles, California.

Digitron Prime

Rory J. Koopmans, B. Admin.

#203, 8912-156 Street

Edmonton, Alberta T5R 5Z2

 

December XXIXth, MMX

Hon. David G. Hancock, QC, MLA

Minister of Eduation,

Progressive Conservative, Edmonton-Whitemud

Dear David:

I hear the Digital School in palatial downtown Edmonton is quite good. I have had II Internet Cafes including Blue Shift Gaming at West Edmonton Mall recommend it II me for my friend Timothy, whom I met while campaigning IV Ward A Public Trustee in September. He is wheelchair bound due II a car accident, so this might be a great career IV him when he leaves high school.

Tron Legacy,

Rory

Source: Www.DigitalSchool.Ca.

King Me

Rory J. Koopmans, B. Admin., #203, 8912-156 Street, Edmonton, Alberta T5R 5Z2

December XXVIII, MMX

Hon. David G. Hancock, QC, MLA, Minister of Education, Progressive Conservative, Edmonton-Whitemud

Dear David:

Former Education Minister Dave King is not totally on the right track in his bid II get rid of publicly funded Catholic schools. Edmonton Catholic IV instance has a balanced budget. Maybe having Public/Catholic jointly funded facility's is the proper way II save cash. Perhaps even jointly run school boards where the board chair is Catholic & the vice-chair public. Rotating on a VI month basis so that each side has equal power. Having received credits in both systems I can see the value in keeping both.

Graciously,

Rory

Source: The Edmonton Sun, Andrew Hanon.

Tobogganing And Sledding Safety IV Students

Rory J. Koopmans, B. Admin., 716 Sherman Avenue SW, Calgary, Alberta T2W 0W2

December XXVIIth, MMX

Hon. David G. Hancock, QC, MLA, Minister of Education, Progressive Conservative, Edmonton-Whitemud

Dear David:

I have noticed here in Calgary that some of the kid tobogganing hills do not have guard railings on the sides where there is tree & forest growth. Arguably, a student aged kid, or a person of any age could theoretically slide down the hill on the side and get lost in these trees, severely injuring, or even knocking themself out &/or dying. Plus, not to mention the worry that they'd be putting their parent or guardian through wondering where they had gone off II. This is quite possible if a parent turns around II deal with another child or is consulting or chatting with kids and other parents on the hill.

It is my firm belief that we of course must deal in safety first, I would hate to see a child member of mine, or a any child IV that matter sliding down the side of the hill & get really hurt by a tree or other such foreign object. Not totally sure of the situation in Edmonton where I live, but I would like to see it made provincially mandatory that these adjutting out of the hill trees have guard rails put up: with say soft foam/plastic polymers that can be easily be replaced on the rails themselves so kids do have their heads hit a metal rail. Arguably, kids do not always bring their helmets, & most adults never wear any headgear. So preventing injuries to our students of the today & the future is very important.

Dodging & Weaving,

Rory

Source: The City Of Calgary, Parks Department.

The Queen's Christmas Message

Rory J. Koopmans, B. Admin., 716 Sherman Avenue SW, Calgary, Alberta T2W 0W2

December XXVIth, MMX

Hon. David G. Hancock, QC, MLA, Minister of Education, Progressive Conservative, Edmonton-Whitemud 

Dear David:

As thoughts turn II the wedding of her grandson Prince William & his gorgeous fiance Miss Kate Middleton, we should definitely reflect on the valuable asset that she is & the words of wisdom from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth The IInd. In her annual Christmas Message to the United Kingdom & her other realms & territories, Her Majesty talk about instilling values & respecting other faiths, as well as learning proper diction. She also chats about how important it is II teach schoolchildren to read the King James Version of the Bible, how it had excellent prose (unmatched II this day) & such. Reflecting how no other Version of the Holy Word has over taken it as it reaches its CCCCth (four-hundredth) Anniversary in print next year, we must learn to reflect what an important text it is IV teaching many things, including the story of Christ's Birth. When King James The VIth Of Scotland had to also become England's King James The Ist under terrible circumstances & then assume the Thrones of England/Scotland four centuries ago, he bravely commissioned this version so Christians could have a united text that would give them & their school aged children a strong belief system to believe in. So these kids & their family's wouldn't have II worry about religious persecution, an achievement to behold indeed!

Her Majesty also talked the importance of sport, how we have athletes competing throughout the Commonwealth & worldwide in different contests. Her Majesty also stressed how important it is that we teach children that the competitions must be fair so that everyone has an equal chance & that rules be respected. By doing this, a good time will be had by all & kids will learn the value of camaraderie & teamwork. Plus they'll have many athletic heroes II look up to as role models IV the future. Two absolutely brilliant orations by the woman with more consecutive days in office than anyone else alive. No wonder Her Majesty knows how II hold power, she has wisdom & integrity as she approaches the (LIXth) fifty-ninth anniversary of her reign.

Rule Britannia I Say & Well Done Your Majesty: God Save The Queen,

Rory

Source: ITN Television & Www.CbcNews.Ca/QueensMessage & Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth The IInd (Second), Queen Of The United Kingdom, Canada, & Her Other Realms & Territories. The Chapel At Hampton Court Palace.

Amazing Grace And Ethics

Rory J. Koopmans, B. Admin., 716 Sherman Avenue SW, Calgary, Alberta T2W 0W2

December XXVth, MMX

Hon. David G. Hancock, QC, MLA, Minister of Education, Progressive Conservative, Edmonton-Whitemud

Dear David:

On this Christ's Birthday, let me say how sad it is how many homeless students we have across this Province. Just as in Edmonton, here in Cowtown, many food bank & other affiliated services are running short of food stuffs & many other supplies. I encourage folks II give away their Air Miles, Canadian Tire Money, Petro-Points (as well as many other points programs) to charity groups so they can aid those in more of a desperate need. This is especially smart if you are low on cash yourself but still want to make a difference in people's lives. Feed our homeless & poor students as well as their family's.

Merry Christmas,

Rory

Source: The Calgary Sun.

Black And White, Red And Green, The Funkiest Thang, You've Ever Seen

Rory J. Koopmans, B. Admin., 716 Sherman Avenue SW, Calgary, Alberta T2W 0W2

December XXIVth, MMX

Hon. David G. Hancock, QC, MLA, Minister of Education, Progressive Conservative, Edmonton-Whitemud

Dear David:

As I & many other Christian students celebrate Christmas Day & the Christmas season with our family's, we must remember II practice tolerance & understanding of other religions & religious faiths & doctrines this holiday season. As a matter of fact, we need II practice this year round. As do other cultures & religious groups have II of eachother.

I IV instance have a friend whose little niece is a Muslim. So I of course respect her right as a student of Islam to celebrate say Ramadan. Just as she respects her aunt & uncle IV celebrating Jesus Christ & Christianity as Presbyterians. Both Allah/Muhammed must be respected IV providing much in the way of decent quality doctrines for them to be respectful.

My friend is Orthodox Jewish, so he believes Christ was an important messenger, while at the same time, not the promised Saviour. This of course is his right. Just as its important IV students II understand that its important IV him II celebrate Hanukkah. What's really weird (& kind of cool) is his wife is Messianic Jewish, so she believes in Christ. So an interfaith marriage to be sure. Even neater is the fact that one of their student aged children is Jewish while the other has indicated he believe in the temple god of Buddha. I mean what great parents, total religious freedom without persecution. This is the kind of freedom & sense of multi religious respect we need II instill in all Alberta students today.

Merry Christmas, Praise Allah, Shalom,

Rory

Source: Myself.

Three Doses Of Positivity From Peter Mansbridge And Mothercorp

Rory J. Koopmans, B. Admin.
716 Sherman Avenue SW
Calgary, Alberta T2W 0W2

December XXIVth, MMX

Hon. David G. Hancock, QC, MLA
Minister of Education,
Progressive Conservative, Edmonton-Whitemud

 

Dear David:

What great news David. Tonight on the main evening CBC News there were three great stories about kids this holiday season.

I. A little boy from Haiti who was hurt in the earthquake there & had to have his legs amputated got a brand new set of replacement metallic legs at Toronto Sick Children's Hospital. Gift Number One I'd say.

II. Kids were fed at a Toronto school who otherwise face extreme malnutrition & a lack of nourishment this holiday season. Gift Number Two.

III. A little 2.5 year old girl got a Cochlear Implant for a child & now has the blessed gift of hearing. IV the first time, she can hear Santa's laugh. Gift Number Three.

Happy Christmas Eve David,

Rory

Source: Canadian Broadcasting Corporation's (CBC's) "The National With Peter Mansbridge."

Keeping A"breast" Of The Latest News

Rory J. Koopmans, B. Admin.

716 Sherman Avenue SW

Calgary, Alberta T2W 0W2

December XXIIIrd, MMX

Hon. David G. Hancock, QC, MLA

Minister of Education,

Progressive Conservative, Edmonton-Whitemud




Dear David:

Mr. Modest Janicki has II have just won "Husband Of The Week" kudos. When his wife Jill Janicki was admonished IV breastfeeding their little baby girl Lauren (what a cutie) in the Art Gallery Of Alberta in Edmonton, he wrote a letter II the Executive Director Gilles Hebert & then pulled a Rory J. Koopmans, he emailed it copiously to provide maximum embarrassment.Maybe this is why I am mentioning this whole incident. I am seriously proud of Mr. Janicki, his lovely wife, & little Lauren IV promoting what is totally natural, feeding a hungry youngster.

Breastmilk is definitely an essential part of life & without these nutrients, the Janicki child might not grow up with as strong a body, bone & mind structure as if she was being fed baby formula or other such supplements. The Art Gallery really screwed up on this & deserved getting in trouble badly. The baby had a blanket over her with mommy discreetly placing it on top of her shoulder & the suckling infant. We need kids II have strength & maximum nutrition in their formative baby years if they are going II continue II grow inII healthy youngsters & a new generation of students!

Happy Holidays Lauren Janicki Your Daddy & Mommy Rock,

Rory

Source: The Edmonton Journal, Ben Gelinas.

Doug French "Horn"er

Rory J. Koopmans B. Admin.

#203, 8912-156 Street
Edmonton, Alberta T5R 5Z2

December XXIIIrd, MMX

Hon. David G. Hancock, QC, MLA

Minister of Education,

Progressive Conservative, Edmonton-Whitemud

Dear David:

I say Doug of & IV the record that Advanced Education Minister Doug Horner is 1 cool guy. Making books and study guides less expensive by making them inII downloadable e-books is awesome. This government e-book availability will make education less cumbersome. Thus removing barriers to education IV students with less means.

A Step In The Right Direction,

Rory

Source: The Edmonton Journal, Elise Stolte.

Progressive Dividends

Rory J. Koopmans, B. Admin.

#203, 8912-156 Street

Edmonton, Alberta T5R 5Z2

December XXIInd, MMX

Hon. David G. Hancock, QC, MLA

Minister of Education,

Progressive Conservative, Edmonton-Whitemud

Dear David:

At the Enoch Cree First Nation School, a British Documentary crew is coming inII film & keep teachers on their toes. This initiative at Kitaskinaw School by Principal Phyllis Cardinal is smart & brash. Enrolment under her watch has doubled. She is turning education inII a world of excitement on the reserve again. Community members are doing fundraising including concerts. Members at large, Chiefs, Tribal Elders, the whole shebang. Its a great thing to see.

Improving Grades One Kid At A Time,

Rory

Source: The Edmonton Journal, Elise Stolte.

An Appeal

Rory J. Koopmans, B. Admin., #203, 8912-156 Street, Edmonton, Alberta T5R 5Z2

December XXIst, MMX

Hon. David G. Hancock, QC, MLA, Minister of Education, Progressive Conservative, Edmonton-Whitemud

Dear David:

Thank god a XXXI (31) year old suspect is in custody IV killing those II poor kids in the Abbotsfield neighborhood. Tell folks in high crime areas to be on the lookout IV suspicious activity's against kids David. We must keep them safe, after all they are the students of the future, the students who will continue II make this Province great.

Support Your Neighbourhood Watch,

Rory

Source: Myself.

Anxiety Relief

Rory J. Koopmans, B. Admin., #203, 8912-156 Street, Edmonton, Alberta T5R 5Z2

December XXth, MMX

Hon. David G. Hancock, QC, MLA, Minister of Education, Progressive Conservative, Edmonton-Whitemud

Dear David:

What an outstanding bit of discovering by researcher at the University Of Alberta, William Colmers. His work in helping fight anxiety will help those with disassociative disorders such as autism, add, bipolar disorders & others become better students and better members of society. Tracking the mechanisms through neurons in the brainwave patterns will allow researchers to come up with alternate medicines and therapy's. It really gives anxious folks and their friends, relatives, dependants hope IV the future. I strongly encourage folks II get a hold of Prof. Colmers at the U Of A II find out more!

Help Anyway You Can,

Rory

Source: The Edmonton Journal, Andrea Sands.

Hope In Faith

Rory J. Koopmans, B. Admin.
#203, 8912-156 Street
Edmonton, Alberta T5R 5Z2

December XIXth, MMX

Hon. David G. Hancock, QC, MLA
Minister of Education,
Progressive Conservative, Edmonton-Whitemud

Dear David:

So its been proven now in students & folks of all ages that we have extra lobes in our frontal cortex & lobes. This is good II know IV Alberta teachers David. Now we can focus on creating extra stimuli IV the brain in parts which autistics are weaker. This will put these kids (as well as those with other brain disassociative disorders) on a more level educational playing field.Maybe
even leading II some cures. Or even better behaviour techniques.

Aspy's,

Rory

Source: Science Translational Medicine.

Academy Award (TM) College Winner

Rory J. Koopmans, B. Admin.

#203, 8912-156 Street
Edmonton, Alberta T5R 5Z2

December XVIIIth, MMX

Hon. David G. Hancock, QC, MLA

Minister of Education,

Progressive Conservative, Edmonton-Whitemud

Dear David:

Have students strongly consider the Academy Of Learning to start their post secondary journey. From classes in healthcare, accounting, web design, & much more, it seems like a great place II go.

Academy Award (TM) Winning Educational Foundation,

Rory

Source: Www.AcademyOfLearning.Ab.Ca.

Quotationals Famoso

Rory J. Koopmans, B. Admin., #203, 8912-156 Street, Edmonton, Alberta T5R 5Z2

December XVIIth, MMX

Hon. David G. Hancock, QC, MLA, Minister of Education, Progressive Conservative, Edmonton-Whitemud

Dear David:

"Continuing education, as it becomes a part of our life, becomes a family project. It can make the program fun & exciting for the whole family. It also gives an opportunity to celebrate together at the end of the course or program."

Regards & Continuity,

Rory

Source: The University Of Alberta, The Office Of Learning Engagement, Executive Director Christine Schultz.

Securitas Floridian

Rory J. Koopmans, Admin.

#203, 8912-156 Street
Edmonton, Alberta T5R 5Z2

December XVIth, MMX

Hon. David G. Hancock, QC, MLA

Minister of Education,

Progressive Conservative, Edmonton-Whitemud

Dear David:

We can thank our lucky stars that the only person hurt in the Panama City, Florida School Board Meeting was the dead suspect/confirmed videotape gunman. Having just run IV Trustee myself, I am filled with absolute respect IV Trustees & am glad we have had no gun incidents up here in Canada. For subtext, look at the hostage taking and killing video from the National Assembly in Quebec City, Quebec. Please ensure our Trustees have the best in security David. They are to me extremely valuable assets!

Hallelujah No Trustees Died,

Rory

Source: The Panama City News Herald, Robert Cooper & Daniel Carson.

A Language Reborn

Rory J. Koopmans, B. Admin.

#203, 8912-156 Street
Edmonton, Alberta T5R 5Z2

December XVth, MMX

Hon. David G. Hancock, QC, MLA

Minister of Education,

Progressive Conservative, Edmonton-Whitemud

Dear David:

Chalk up another victory IV the great Province of Manitoba. In Winnipeg Proper, a lost language is being reborn. Kids are being taught the great language of Ojibway in staggered XIII (13) week courses, with Cree possibly following. I mean how awesome! some of the students are so good, they are teaching this language back II older generations. Saving & respecting a super aboriginal language & promoting renewed multiculturalism, I love it!

Teach Tolerance,

Rory

Source: Canadian Broadcasting Corporation's (CBC's) "The National With Peter Mansbridge." Colleen Bready.

Valleys And Peaks

Rory J. Koopmans, B. Admin.
#203, 8912-156 Street
Edmonton, Alberta T5R 5Z2

December XIVth, MMX

Hon. David G. Hancock, QC, MLA
Minister of Education,
Progressive Conservative, Edmonton-Whitemud

Dear David:

Get Southern Alberta students II apply II Bow Valley College if they want to be a Pharmacy Tech. Its located right in beautiful Calgary & is fully accredited. If you want kids II be "the best of the best", then send them to a school with a reputation IV pharmaceutical excellence.

Robin Hood,

Rory

Source: Www.BowValleyCollege.Ca.

Cloves Of Love From Cloverbar

Rory J. Koopmans, B. Admin., Highlands Public Library Terminal #VI, Edmonton, Alberta

December XIIIth, MMX

Hon. David G. Hancock, QC, MLA, Minister of Education, Progressive Conservative, Edmonton-Whitemud

Dear David:

I want to say that the students of Cloverbar Junior High School absolutely rock! They served hot meals II the homeless & disadvantaged folks at The Hope Mission last week Monday night. As part of the standard weekly Christmas dinner IV the poor, including youth's & students whose family's are down on their luck. They even added their voices & charming personality's of positivity II singing a few Christmas carols II make folks seem more happy & give them a relaxing set of background songs II accompany their Christmas feast. You cannot help but feel proud of these students. Just starting out on their own social & family lives & they find the human decency in their hearts to lift these fine folks (at least temporarily) out of depression & despair.

A Four Leaf Clover,

Rory

Source: The Edmonton Journal, Jana G. Pruden.

Stratheriffic

Rory J. Koopmans B. Admin.

#203, 8912-156 Street
Edmonton, Alberta T5R 5Z2

December XIIth, MMX

Hon. David G. Hancock, QC, MLA

Minister of Education,

Progressive Conservative, Edmonton-Whitemud

Dear David:

Bully to the Strathcona High School kids who walked beautiful & palatial Whyte Avenue to raise awareness of human trafficking. With a special focus on preventing child trafficking. Its so sad these days that in the XXIst Century, there is still such little value placed on human life, dignity & respect.

Students With Honour,

Rory

Source: "CTV News Edmonton At VI (6)", Reporter: Kevin Armstrong.

The Studying Silver Surfer

Rory J. Koopmans, B. Admin., Jasper Place Public Library Terminal #VI, Edmonton, Alberta

December XIth, MMX

Hon. David G. Hancock, QC, MLA, Minister of Education, Progressive Conservative, Edmonton-Whitemud

Dear David:

There is quite the row going on in here at this JP Branch Library. A real brouhaha in fact. An older gentleman who is taking a senior's course got into a vicious battle just now with a teenage girl, about XV (15) years old demanding that he give up his time. I got the library personnel involved & the Police are coming into talk to the girl & the gentleman. I told the gent not to worry, that he should do what the EPL Pamphlet about Computer Use says: "Surf Safely On The Internet."

It is my belief David that students & library users of all ages should learn II be respectful of 1 another. This teenage girl had a bank of VIII (8) other computer stations II choose from, why not (if she has used up her hour or if she has no library card) get the library staff II issue her a 1 time, 1 hour temporary card & access code? The temp. card affords her the same & equal rights as the old gent, & all other users, plus she wouldn't wind up having almost come II fisticuffs with him. I mean this senior patron was scared IV his safety, hell, I was scared IV his safety. Nobody using the library should have II feel unsafe when surfing the net, doing general studies, or just reading IV leisure in any branch.

To Me: My Board,
Rory

Source: Www.Epl.Ca.

Executive Order Number Three-Hundred And Eighty-Three

Rory J. Koopmans, B. Admin.

#203, 8912-156 Street
Edmonton, Alberta T5R 5Z2

December Xth, MMX

Hon. David G. Hancock, QC, MLA

Minister of Education,

Progressive Conservative, Edmonton-Whitemud

Dear David:

If you have any friends in the Grand Rapids, Michigan area next Tuesday, December XIVth, MMX: get them to head over II the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library. At 7PM Central Standard Time, a real educational treat will happen. The first black clerk of the United States Supreme Court, William Coleman (who also served as the XXXVIIIth President's Transportation Secretary) will be speaking. This sounds and looks like a Chief Executive's Treat in race relations. Too bad Gerry is still not around to see it.

Gosh What A Great Man Gerry Ford Was,

Rory

Source: The Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum, Education Specialist, Barbara McGregor.

Let There Be Land

Rory J. Koopmans, B. Admin.

#203, 8912-156 Street
Edmonton, Alberta T5R 5Z2

December IXth, MMX

Hon. David G. Hancock, QC, MLA

Minister of Education,

Progressive Conservative, Edmonton-Whitemud

Dear David:

What a great couple Mr. & Mrs. Mattheis are. University Of Alberta graduates giving up MMMMM (5000) hectares of land for agricultural research. Leaving the land as it is will allow the U Of A the time to develop it & nurture it IV continuous environmental stewardship. The Agricultural Studies Department will now be able to expand greatly as it will have a huge sattelite campus by Duchess, Alberta for the students to learn to become one with nature.

Rancheros,

Rory

Source: The Calgary Herald, Kelly Cryderman.

Great Teaming Up Global News

Rory J. Koopmans, B. Admin.

#203, 8912-156 Street
Edmonton, Alberta T5R 5Z2

December VIIIth, MMX

Hon. David G. Hancock, QC, MLA

Minister of Education,

Progressive Conservative, Edmonton-Whitemud

Dear David:

Once again another oustanding bit of work by the Mayfield Rotary Club. They made sure that less priviledged kids at the Brightview Elementary School had their bellies filled with a nice turkey dinner and all the trimmings. Kids learn better in terms of cognitive function with proper nutrition.

Also, great volunteerism by the kids of Archbishop Jordan Catholic High School. Their efforts in giving cheek saliva swabs to find a sick little boy a proper bone marrow transplant match are really extraordinary. Great reportage by Laurel Clark.

Globular,

Rory

Source: Edmonton's "Global News At Six" With Gord Steinke.

Another Set Of Rosenbergs

Rory J. Koopmans, B. Admin.
Beverly Crest Public Library Terminal #XXXIII
Edmonton, Alberta

December VIIth, MMX

Hon. David G. Hancock, QC, MLA
Minister of Education,
Progressive Conservative, Edmonton-Whitemud

Dear David:

Students can look at Julian Assange of WikiLeaks as kind of the anti-hero. Sure none of the documents he leaked were classified as "Top Secret." But students of all ages should be aware that some of the leaks destroyed forever, or at leaast set back many legitimate spymaster operations. I am sure that some American spies & other civilians will of course lose their lives b/c of the leaks. Yes the public has a right to know, but it should be after a certain timeframe. Even with the expiration of Congressional & Presidential Executive Orders regarding WWII documents being released just this year, there are at least 400 million plus pages in regards to that war that have never come out. If Assange had just waited 10-12 years when new administrations were in place, then his government document leaking would not have such a profound effect. How David is the XLIVth (44th) US President, Barack H. Obama supposed to make decisions & give orders that will protect the US & its Allies if his decisions are being leaked while he is still the President (which he legally is until January XXth, MMXIII?)

Spy With Honour & Not Disgrace Kids,

Rory

Source: The New York Times, Scott Shane.

Super Duper Acts Of Kid Kindness

Rory J. Koopmans, B. Admin., #203, 8912-156 Street, Edmonton, Alberta T5R 5Z2

December VIth, MMX

Hon. David G. Hancock, QC, MLA, Minister of Education, Progressive Conservative, Edmonton-Whitemud

Dear David:

The kids who participated along with Toys 'R' Us & the Kinsmen Club to go into a Toys 'R' Us store & buy toys IV less fortunate kids are awesome II me. Making sure that disadvantaged kids & students have a little bit more joy this holiday through 630 Ched's Santa's Anonymous shows that kids can perform selfless acts. Helping a child when they are down with a great toy can only make them feel better about themselves.

A Student Confidence Builder,

Rory

Source: The Edmonton Sun, Mariam Bocari.

Online Campusing

Rory J. Koopmans, B. Admin.

#203, 8912-156 Street
Edmonton, Alberta T5R 5Z2

December Vth, MMX

Hon. David G. Hancock, QC, MLA

Minister of Education,

Progressive Conservative, Edmonton-Whitemud

Dear David:

Get kids to see the value in attending Athabasca University. They have year round enrollment, & more personalized instruction. 24/7 students can learn at their own pace in a wide variety of Degree areas. I appeciate my December MCMXCIX (1999) Bachelor Of Administration (Management Concentration) Degree came from there. The school is just such an outstanding learning option.

Entreaties,

Rory

Source: Www.AthabascaU.Ca.

Fair Is Fair

Rory J. Koopmans, B. Admin., Beverly Crest Public Library Terminal #XXXV, Edmonton, Alberta

December IVth, MMX

Hon. David G. Hancock, QC, MLA, Minister of Education, Progressive Conservative, Edmonton-Whitemud

Dear David:

Normally I do not have a lot of praise IV the Government D'Alberta these days. But I must give credit where credit is due. Thanks ever so kindly II you & Health Minister Gene Zwozdesky IV ensuring that 19 million$ in stable funding for mentally incapacitated kids is being put inII the system over the next three years until MMXIV. Giving kids with neurological troubles an equal footing is much appreciated.

Gracefully,

Rory

Source: The Edmonton Journal, Sarah O'Donnell.

Note: As an aside, why in the hell is Edmonton Public School Board insisting on a DCCXXX (730 day) moratorium on closing schools? Are not Vice-Chairwoman Sarah Hoffman & her colleagues who voted in favour of the moratorium not just delaying the inevitable? School districts in North America & worldwide are consolidating, leasing, renting, & outright selling off buildings they do not need. Should not Edmonton Public do the same since the numbers of students keeps lowering capacitiy to below break even levels anyway?

USchool

Rory J. Koopmans, B. Admin., #203, 8912-156 Street, Edmonton, Alberta T5R 5Z2

December IIIrd, MMX

Hon. David G. Hancock, QC, MLA, Minister of Education, Progressive Conservative, Edmonton-Whitemud

Dear David:

Sounds like this "USchool" or week of interactive learning at the University Of Alberta (U Of A) Campus gives grade school kids a real chance. A chance that is to gain advance knowledge about the postsecondary experience & whether or not its the right fit for them. Maybe other postsecondary schools (such as Grant MacEwan University & technical schools) should offer similar programs.

Killarney,

Rory

Source: The Edmonton Journal, Sarah O'Donnell.

Hurrah Sherwood Park And Forest

Rory J. Koopmans, B. Admin., #203, 8912-156 Street, Edmonton, Alberta T5R 5Z2

December IInd, MMX

Hon. David G. Hancock, QC, MLA, Minister of Education, Progressive Conservative, Edmonton-Whitemud

Dear David:

What a thoughtful pair of brothers. They turned their birthday into a fundraiser IV their dad Robert, who lives with osteoarthitis. They raised $275.00 & I truly thank them IV doing this. Rocco & Enzo Cerminera are just VI & IV. But they are strong willed Italiano boys who want their dad & others II do well in fighting this disease.

Great Studentia Role Models,

Rory

Source: The Arthritis Society AB/NWT Division, Cindy Stephen.

Broadcast Kids

Rory J. Koopmans, B Admin.

#203, 8912-156 Street
Edmonton, Alberta T5R 5Z2

December Ist, MMX

Hon. David G. Hancock, QC, MLA

Minister of Education,

Progressive Conservative, Edmonton-Whitemud

Dear David:

Check out the success story now that is the Chicago Talent Charter High School. They have a program called the "Diplomas Now Program." They use student peers to increase attendance rates. As a result, daily attendance of the kids is now up from LVI (56%) to XC (90%) in less than V(5) years. XCII (92%) of those kids are set to graduate in the normal timeframe and at least 3/4th's want to continue on with some form of technical training or postsecondary endeavours.

The student peers take time II listen to the kids needs, both academic & personal. The kids are then motivated to succeed. What with their stress levels lowered, they're more relaxed & thus focus their homework activity's at a faster & more highly cognitive rate. The program is so well thought of that Illinois has expanded it to X (10) other States & The District Of Columbia.

Conquering Adversity,

Rory

Source: Columbia Broadcasting System's "CBS Evening News With Katie Couric", Byron Pitts.