"Halloween Apples!"

Rory J. Koopmans, B. Admin.
#6, 14504-108 Avenue
Edmonton, Alberta T5N 1G8

October XXXIst, MMXIII

Hon. Jeff Johnson, MLA
Minister of Education,
Progressive Conservative, Athabasca-Sturgeon-RedH2O

Dear Jeff:

Make sure kids getting candy tonight (including students) are safe in their travels collecting at doors.

I. Make sure they wear some bright coloured clothes, even if they have a dark themed costume so they can be seen in case they are crossing the street.

II. Make sure that the candy they collect is in wrappers that haven't been pre-opened or cracked or otherwise damaged/mishandled in any way.

III. Send trusted adults/guardians along with the kids to make sure they are safe.

All Hallows Eve,

Rory

Source: The Kingsport Times News.

77 Candles

Rory J. Koopmans, B. Admin.

#6, 14504-108 Avenue

Edmonton, Alberta T5N 1G8

October XXXth, MMXIII

Hon. Jeff Johnson, MLA

Minister of Education,

Progressive Conservative, Athabasca-Sturgeon-RedH2O

Dear Jeff:

IV school birthday party's, its important to make the event not just about the student having the party. All students in the school, not just those invited to sit around the student should be made to feel welcome. In this way, the school retains an atmosphere of inclusivesness IV all students & family members & faculty/staff in attendance. Also, students with a disability will not feel left out just b/c its not there birthday. Make the birthday party an adventure, tie in activities where all the kids can have fun in conjunction with the birthday cake & presents (for example, a scavenger hunt!)

Its My Birthday No Its My Birthday,

Rory

Source: Www.BirthdayInABox.Com.

"Ratbat Eject, Prepare IV Flight!"

Rory J. Koopmans, B. Admin., #6, 14504-108 Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta T5N 1G8

October XXIXth, MMXIII

Hon. Jeff Johnson, MLA, Minister of Education, Progressive Conservative, Athabasca-Sturgeon-RedH2O

Dear Jeff:

While its I suppose great that Premier Alison Redford, MLA, Progressive Conservative, Calgary-Elbow is preparing to fly to Washington, D. C. IV a Vth time to lock in the Keystone Energy oilsands deal, should she not have announced it after the Alberta Legislature session ends? Students studying etiquette & proper parliamentary procedure might think she is announcing it now to deflect attention away from the very important fall sitting of the Alberta Legislature. Its like Danielle Smith, MLA, Wildrose, Highwood says, the Premier just cannot stand being there in the chamber. This is not really smart politics is it? Sure she's going on her airline trip after the session ends but by announcing it now, she's singlehandedly making the Legislature & its MLA's seem less important.

External Affairs,

Rory

Source: Myself.

Sunshine Girl: Dani

Rory J. Koopmans, B. Admin., #6, 14504-108 Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta T5N 1G8

October XXVIIIth, MMXIII

Hon. Jeff Johnson, MLA, Minister of Education, Progressive Conservative, Athabasca-Sturgeon-RedH2O

Dear Jeff:

Besides being a well known certified nutritionist & personal trainer, Sunshine Girl Dani is studying to be a commercial dancer.

A Lass Staying Ahead Of The Educational Curve,

Rory

Source: Www.EdmontonSun.Com/Sunshine-Girl.

I'm Rather Floored By The Wildrose Convention

Rory J. Koopmans, B. Admin., #6, 14504-108 Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta T5N 1G8

October XXVIIth, MMXIII

Hon. Jeff Johnson, MLA, Minister of Education, Progressive Conservative, Athabasca-Sturgeon-RedH2O

Dear Jeff:

I'm rather impressed by the high quality of policy changes & discussion compromises at this year's Wildrose Convention. Danielle Smith, MLA, Wildrose, Highwood, the leader of her party proves that she is truly more democratic than the current Progressive Conservative government. Student & youth delegates along with their family's have to be impressed that she is open to arguments from all sides & is not fighting dissent b/c she knows it will leader to better chats & solutions to make her party better.

Truly Strong Leadership,

Rory

Source: Myself.

Take A Journey Back In Time

Rory J. Koopmans, B. Admin., #6, 14504-108 Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta T5N 1G8

October XXVIth, MMXIII

Hon. Jeff Johnson, MLA, Minister of Education, Progressive Conservative, Athabasca-Sturgeon-RedH2O

Dear Jeff:

If you, Alison, Minister Ric McIver & the rest of the cabinet will take a journey back in time, you can learn some interesting lesson from then-Premier Don Getty, Progressive Conservative, Edmonton-Whitemud/Stettler. Premier Getty spoke at a luncheon in Red Deer once on this topic of seatbellts versus no seatbelts on school buses. At that point, Her Majesty's Government with Don as head of it decided against putting seatbelts in b/c of the time & risk factor to students.

Meaning of course that if the belts were to be holding the students in place or even trapping them & the school bus was off an embankment or say on fire or about to explode, there might not be enough time to get the trapped students out if rescuers had to the untangle the safety belt from each & every child.

My heart goes out to those IX injured kids & their family's. I especially pray for the ones who are injured critically. I just thought you'd appreciate a commentary from one of your predecessor governments & maybe Alison could bring Don in on the discussion.

I Hope A Cause Can Be Found Soon,

Rory J. Koopmans

Source: The National Post & The Canadian Press, Bill Graveland.

The Student Sayings Of Joe Friday On Fridays From Los Angeles, California Case Fourteen

Rory J. Koopmans, B. Admin., #6, 14504-108 Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta T5N 1G8

October XXVth, MMXIII

Hon. Jeff Johnson, MLA, Minister of Education, Progressive Conservative, Athabasca-Sturgeon-RedH2O

Today Sergeant Joe Friday of the Los Angeles Police Department asks a very poignant question of a male suspect who has just beaten & tortured a student to death right in front of his elementary school?

"What kind of sin is worse than murder?"

I'm Going To Go Out On A Limb Here & Say That I Agree With You On That Joe,

Rory

Source: "Dragnet", C. National Broadcasting Company, A Mark VII Production. 

"Can't We All Just Get Along?"

Rory J. Koopmans, B. Admin.
#6, 14504-108 Avenue
Edmonton, Alberta T5N 1G8

October XXIVth, MMXIII

Hon. Jeff Johnson, MLA
Minister of Education,
Progressive Conservative, Athabasca-Sturgeon-RedH2O

Dear Jeff:

Has the world decided to stay insane IVever? On the India/Pakistan border this past week, bullets were fired into a school. So students, who have no side in any conflict & whose only crime is that they want to get an education have to risk get injured or killed to do so. Frankly Jeff, this makes absolutely no sense.

Can Anyone Stop The Madness,

Rory

Source: Pakistan Today.

"Once A Marine, Always A Marine!"

Rory J. Koopmans, B. Admin., #23, 9731-174 Street, Edmonton, Alberta T5T 6G4

 

October XXIIIrd, MMXIII

 

Hon. Jeff Johnson, MLA, Minister of Education, Progressive Conservative, Athabasca-Sturgeon-RedH2O

 

Dear Jeff:

 

All hail ex-Marine & Mathematics teacher at Sparks Middle School in Sparks, Nevada. Mike Landsberry's Marine training in when he jumped in front of a loaded gun to stop bullets from harming or killing his students.

 

Talk About Dying A Legend & A Hero: Mike's Students Will Never IVGet Him,

Rory

Source: The Las Vegas Review-Journal.

First Past The Post At First Baptist Church

Rory J. Koopmans, B. Admin., #6, 14504-108 Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta T5N 1G8

October XXIInd, MMXIII

Hon. Jeff Johnson, MLA, Minister of Education, Progressive Conservative, Athabasca-Sturgeon-RedH2O

Dear Jeff:

As one of the II ballot clerks at the First Baptist Church (Voting Station #VI-XI (6-11)) yesterday in palatial downtown Edmonton, I must say that I truly enjoyed the experience. Edmonton Elections is beyond excellent as an organization. It was certainly my privilege to work IV them & I have now worked as a campaign worker for Her Majesty's Governments at all III levels: civically, provincially, & federally.

It was also encouraging to see so many young people, including students getting off from school coming out to vote, as well as parents with youngsters or "Future Voters" as Edmonton Elections terms them. Democracy must not fail, it did a bit yesterday with only a 34.5% overall voter turnout. We certainly need to encourage students & others to get & stay involved in a healthy way in the democratic & political processes of this Dominion.

Balance Your Count,

Rory

Source: Myself.

A Fair & Honest Vote

Rory J. Koopmans, B. Admin., #108, 10665 Jasper Avenue Tim Horton's Courtesy Wifi, Edmonton, Alberta T5J 3S9

October XXIst, MMXIII

Hon. Jeff Johnson, MLA, Minister of Education, Progressive Conservative, Athabasca-Sturgeon-RedH2O

Dear Jeff:

Now that its Election Day across Alberta, let us hope that students (who will doubtless accompany their parents/guardians into voting stations throughout the say) witness a vote that is honest, fair, & transparent. This will set a good social studies example for them in future years when they become first time voters & realize the power of the ballot!

Take Part & Vote,

Rory

Source: Myself.

Sunshine Girl: Deena



Rory J. Koopmans, B. Admin., #6, 14504-108 Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta T5N 1G8

October XXth, MMXIII

Hon. Jeff Johnson, MLA, Minister of Education, Progressive Conservative, Athabasca-Sturgeon-RedH2O

Dear Jeff:

Besides being an accomplished model & online National Football League (NFL) show co-host (which shows broadcasting ability), Sunshine Girl Deena, XXII (22) (Miss December MMXIV In The Edmonton Sun MMXIV Sunshine Girl Calendar), is a budding actress. She has taken courses in singing & acting in New York City & Toronto. In New York, she studied at the prestigious Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute.

Truly An Educational Marvel,

Rory

Source: Www.EdmontonSun.Com/Sunshine-Girl.

Child Care IV School Bus Drivers

Rory J. Koopmans, B. Admin., #6, 14504-108 Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta T5N 1G8

October XIXth, MMXIII

Hon. Jeff Johnson, MLA, Minister of Education, Progressive Conservative, Athabasca-Sturgeon-RedH2O

Dear Jeff:

Yesterday at the Westmount McDonald's I met a single mother & her precocious & cute IV (4) year old little girl. The girl walked up to me to show me her Hello Kitty hat & say "hey mister." It was really sweet as I was out having coffee with my neighbour there & frankly was a rather pleasant distraction. With her mom's permission, I showed her a cellphone picture of my cat, James Redwing Cat Koopmans, & told the laughing little girl that he goes "meow & purr" all the time & is really fun to pet & play with.

She & her mother laughed & mentioned that she was a single mother & school bus driver & had a hard time finding proper child care IV her daughter & that she was taking her on the bus with her VIII (8) hours a day. I said that's too bad, but then she mentioned her sister was moving up from Red Deer with her & has no kids & so was delighted to act as a full-time babysitter. I told her I was glad that she had found a solution, but, I could see in her eyes the regret she had in the fact she was going to lose her little pal even though she knew a school bus isn't a proper place for a full day for a IV (4) year old child.

A Mom That's Conflicted,

Rory

Source: Myself.

The Student Sayings Of Joe Friday On Fridays From Los Angeles, California Case Thirteen

Rory J. Koopmans, B. Admin, #6, 14504-108 Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta T5N 1G8

October XVIIIth, MMXIII

Hon. Jeff Johnson, MLA, Minister of Education, Progressive Conservative, Athabasca-Sturgeon-RedH2O

Dear Jeff:

Today Sergeant Joe Friday of the Los Angeles Police Department gives a blast to a teenage suspect who has made inappropriate remarks about the colour of skin of an African-American police officer. Showing that the police is one colour, steel blue!

"And one last thing you smart mouth punk if the department doesn't question the colour of his skin you damn well see you don't!"

I Believe It Was Dr. Martin Luther King Who Said That Folks Should Be Judged Not By The Colour Of Their Skin But By The Content Of Their Character & Joe Friday Obviously Agrees,

Rory

Source: "Dragnet.", C. National Broadcasting Company, A Mark VII Production.



The Festival That Is "Lit" Up

Rory J. Koopmans, B. Admin., Sprucewood Public Library Terminal # XIII, Edmonton, Alberta

October XVIIth, MMXIII

Hon. Jeff Johnson, MLA, Minister of Education, Progressive Conservative, Athabasca-Sturgeon-RedH2O

Dear Jeff:

From Oct. XVIth-XXVIIth we have "LitFest", Edmonton's Nonfiction Festival. Activities abound & chances for students to meet inspiring nonfiction writers are also frequent. It sounds fun IV everyone & will get people engaged & interested in nonfiction works. Perhaps one day getting into writing nonfiction themselves.

Life Is Not Fiction,

Rory

Source: Www.LitFeStAlberta.Org.

A Refreshing Programme

Rory J. Koopmans, B. Admin., Sprucewood Public Library Terminal #XIII, Edmonton, Alberta

October XVIIth, MMXIII

Hon. Jeff Johnson, MLA, Minister of Education, Progressive Conservative, Athabasca-Sturgeon-RedH2O

Dear Jeff:

The Program Room here at Sprucewood EPL is great. A couple of other patrons here have told me they have gotten students from multiple area schools to team study here in subject areas they might need help in. So the students connect with their family's, but potential educational contacts & friends all in one room!

Room IV More,

Rory

Source: Www.Epl.Ca.

The Library Parkade

Rory J. Koopmans, B. Admin., Sprucewood Public Library Terminal #XIII, Edmonton, Alberta

October XVIIth, MMXIII

Hon. Jeff Johnson, MLA, Minister of Education, Progressive Conservative, Athabasca-Sturgeon-RedH2O

Dear Jeff:

I just walked into the Sprucewood EPL branch & must say that I'm quite impressed with the quality of lighting in front of the branch where I'm parked on 95th Street. The library staff here showed me that its well lighted on the side & back alley portions to. I am pleased to see EPL taking the safety of students & their family's so seriously, both inside & outside their branches.

Safe Patrons = Happy Patrons,

Rory

Source: Www.Epl.Ca.

A Literary Giant Of A Grandmother

Rory J. Koopmans, B. Admin.
Sprucewood Public Library Terminal #XIII
Edmonton, Alberta

October XVIIth, MMXIII

Hon. Jeff Johnson, MLA
Minister of Education,
Progressive Conservative, Athabasca-Sturgeon-RedH2O

Dear Jeff:

The awesome Canadian writer Alice Munro can serve as an inspiration to students who want to write themselves one day. Mrs. Munro, a real dear in her eighties has just won the Nobel Prize in Literature.

Talk About A Great Lady & A Great Accomplishment,

Rory

Source: The Globe & Mail, Sandra Martin.

No Winners Here

Rory J. Koopmans, B. Admin., #6, 14504-108 Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta T5N 1G8

October XVIth, MMXIII

Hon. Jeff Johnson, MLA, Minister of Education, Progressive Conservative, Athabasca-Sturgeon-RedH2O

Dear Jeff:

It truly is a crime that WIN House III, a battered & abuse women's shelter is possibly going to have to shut down. While its a sad indictment that women & their school aged children (or even younger) have to use these shelters in these modern times, or that they even need to exist, they do. It makes me sad to think that these mothers & kids won't have anywhere to go IV safety except back to the residence of their abuser(s.)

Not A Win-Win Scenario,

Rory

Source: Myself & Www.WinHouse.Org.

Leading By Example

Rory J. Koopmans, B. Admin., #6, 14504-108 Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta T5N 1G8

October XVIth, MMXIII

Hon. Jeff Johnson, MLA, Minister of Education, Progressive Conservative, Athabasca-Sturgeon-RedH2O

Dear Jeff:

Its great that British Columbia Premier Christy Clark & Alberta Premier Alson Redford are meeting in Vancouver at a conference next month. Alas, these two ladies as provincial leaders need to show some fiscal restraint & have more meetings by teleconference &/or Skype. This will show students in the financial sector that they are serious about getting their fiscal houses in order by cutting back on Office Of The Premiers office expenses first.

Fiscally Prudent,

Rory

Source: The Kelowna Daily Courier.

Dick Tricky

Rory J. Koopmans, B. Admin., #6, 14504-108 Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta T5N 1G8

October XVIth, MMXIII

Hon. Jeff Johnson, MLA, Minister of Education, Progressive Conservative, Athabasca-Sturgeon-RedH2O

Dear Jeff:

Campaign rallies should be fun & inviting to supporters of a candidate &/or members of his party. However, they should also be inviting to those voters who(m) have indicated they are voting against that candidate. You never know, that voter might be so impressed at being treated well & seeing that candidate up close they may vote IV them & influence friends & first time student voters to do so as well.

The Pink Lady,

Rory

Source: The Richard M. Nixon Presidential Library & Museum (& Birthplace), Yorba Linda, California.

A Hanging Judge

 Rory J. Koopmans, B. Admin., #6, 14504-108 Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta T5N 1G8

October XVIth, MMXIII

Hon. Jeff Johnson, MLA, Minister of Education, Progressive Conservative, Athabasca-Sturgeon-RedH2O

Dear Jeff:

In Edmonton Public Library (EPL) branches & just anywhere a sign is hung from a ceiling, not only must the sign be eye catching, it must be hung with the most duer diligence & care. It should be straight, & its hooks &/or blind brackets that hold it in place must be in an excellent state of repair so they don't fall on library visitors. In this way, library patrons (who are all essentially students studying no matter their age) can see the messages that they are trying to convey. Plus, these ceiling signs can help direct library clients to the right place of study topic they are looking for & make the idea of bringing their family & friends to the library an exciting adventure each & every time!

"Hang 'Em High",

Rory

Source: Www.Epl.Ca.

"We're Open IV Business, The Business Of Education!"

Rory J. Koopmans, B. Admin., #6, 14504-108 Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta T5N 1G8

October XVIth, MMXIII

Hon. Jeff Johnson, MLA, Minister of Education, Progressive Conservative, Athabasca-Sturgeon-RedH2O

Dear Jeff:

The Northern Alberta Institute Of Technology (NAIT) is once again having an Open House. Its this coming Friday & Saturday which is great b/c prospective students who are busy during the Monday-Friday work week can come in on Saturday & get a feel for the NAIT & just what a great school it is.

I'm A Proud NAIT Graduate,

Rory

Source: Www.Nait.Ca.

A Sign Of The Times

Rory J. Koopmans, B. Admin., #6, 14504-108 Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta T5N 1G8

October XVIth, MMXIII

Hon. Jeff Johnson, MLA, Minister of Education, Progressive Conservative, Athabasca-Sturgeon-RedH2O

Dear Jeff:

The science of planting campaign signs is of extreme importance, it doesn't matter the office you are running for. From Student Body Council President all the way to Prime Minister of Canada (as leader of a federal party), each candidate must obey the rules on sign placement.

For Rules Consult Elections Officials,

Rory

Source: Elections Edmonton.

Frustrated Students & Frustrated Candidates

Rory J. Koopmans, B. Admin., #6, 14504-108 Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta T5N 1G8

October XVIth, MMXIII

Hon. Jeff Johnson, MLA, Minister of Education, Progressive Conservative, Athabasca-Sturgeon-RedH2O

Dear Jeff:

I  wholeheartedly agree with Ward VI (6) Edmonton City Council Candidate & Police Constable Dexx Williams. His frustration at the lack of student engagement is telling & I am sure the other candidates IV all public offices feel the same way. Spending time with students, hell any voter is valuable as a candidate must always run as if s/he is one vote behind, that's how you "play the game." Maybe it would be better if each candidate made videos on what they might do IV students, both as a council member, & in tandem with local school boards, then students could go look at them at the Elections Edmonton website & make their decision based on what they see. This has to be better than showing up at a candidates meet & greet such as the one that was held at Grant MacEwan University yesterday wherein more candidates showed up than voters.

Candidates Only Have So Many Chances To & Resources With To Make An Impression,

Rory

Source: Www.DexxWilliams.Com.

Fascinating Facts About Colorado

Rory J. Koopmans, B. Admin., #6, 14504-108 Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta T5N 1G8

October XVth, MMXIII

Hon. Jeff Johnson, MLA, Minister of Education, Progressive Conservative, Athabasca-Sturgeon-RedH2O

Dear Jeff:

Colorado is quite an interesting state. Picturesque Rocky Mountain Rangeviews that are a continuation from Alberta's own Rockies.

G. Colorado has more than M (1,000) Rocky Mountain peaks that are over 10 thousand ft. high & 54 that are above 14,000 ft. in height.

H. Many people believe that actor/comedian Tim Allen was born in Michigan b/c he did his stand-up there & his American Broadcasting Company (ABC) Television show "Home Improvement" was set in in fictional Keego Harbor Heights, Michigan. But, Tim Allen was actually born in Denver.

I. The official state animal is the Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep.

The Highest Mean Elevation Of Any State,

Rory

Source: Www.Colorado.Com.

There Are XXXIII (33) Library Branches In Ottawa, Ontario, In This Great Dominion We Call Canada

Rory J. Koopmans, B. Admin., #6, 14504-108 Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta T5N 1G8

October XVth, MMXIII

Hon. Jeff Johnson, MLA, Minister of Education, Progressive Conservative, Athabasca-Sturgeon-RedH2O

Dear Jeff:

The Ottawa Public Library (OPL) system is really quite amazing in terms of its architecture. Take a look at this stunning stained glass window from the original Carnegie Library. This window is now housed in the current OPL Main Library Branch & you get the sense when you look at pictures of the now gone Carnegie that it, along with many other library branches in our nation's capital were just stunning on the drawing board. Truly welcoming, just like old-fashioned Edmonton Public Library (EPL) branches such as Strathcona EPL. People using the library appreciate quality structure, design, as well as an atmosphere. OPL historical branches must have been great places for architectural & design students to learn in & be inspired by.

The Arc De Triumph,

Rory

Source: Www.BiblioOttawaLibrary.Ca.

You Can Only Make One Copy At A Time

Rory J. Koopmans, B. Admin., #6, 14504-108 Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta T5N 1G8

October XVth, MMXIII

Hon. Jeff Johnson, MLA, Minister of Education, Progressive Conservative, Athabasca-Sturgeon-RedH2O

Dear Jeff:

Tolerance for those confused about how to work machines (such as photocopiers) is amazing at Edmonton Public Library (EPL) branches. I was at the Strathcona EPL earlier today picking up a senior citizen lady friend of my late mother's who needed a ride home. She's over 80 & so sometimes can get confused but was trying to make photocopies of pictures of butterflies, an area she has an intense interest in. Even reaching her VIIIth decade, this fine lass is still learning, still a student of the process, & of wanting to learn anew. She got confused as to how to work the photocopier, but the staff at Strathcona EPL were she tells me beyond amazing in giving her some demonstrations & not charging her for those copies (something really appreciated by a lady on a limited income.)

Copycat,

Rory

Source: Www.Epl.Ca.

East Is East & West Is West

Rory J. Koopmans, B. Admin., #6, 14504-108 Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta T5N 1G8

October XVth, MMXIII

Hon. Jeff Johnson, MLA, Minister of Education, Progressive Conservative, Athabasca-Sturgeon-RedH2O

Dear Jeff:

I'd like to see parking lots that are actually accessible & in good shape, even on abandoned school property's. I ran into a bunch of kids playing on the parking lot at the closed down Eastwood Elementary Public School last week. They were skateboarding & seeming like they were having a good time. But, they could have been easily injured in the cracks & grooves & outright holes in the asphalt. If students & neighbourhood kids are going to make use of an abandoned concrete surface, then it should be at least black topped, if not completely paved over so that their parents know they don't have to worry IV their safety.

Kyle Eastwood Son Of Quintuple Academy Award (TM) Winner Clint Eastwood Is A Composer,

Rory

Source: Www.Epsb.Ca.

Let The Music Play-O!

Rory J. Koopmans, B. Admin., #6, 14504-108 Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta T5N 1G8

October XVth, MMXIII

Hon. Jeff Johnson, MLA, Minister of Education, Progressive Conservative, Athabasca-Sturgeon-RedH2O

Dear Jeff:

Films are great, but a film score or musical background that suits the film is just as important. If an artist wanted to score say an action film like "The Lone Ranger", s/he would need an action packed, heart & pulse pounding score. If its a period piece like "The Remains Of The Day", you'd want the musician to make it a more slow & relaxed pace of background music, say a lot of classical, jazz, & lighter tone & tempo overall. To be a true artisan & accomplished student musician of music who wants to get into the film business, you have to have the raw talent to write the music (& sometimes the lyrics too) to ensure they properly fit the film you are writing/composing for.

Danny Elfman,

Rory

Source: The Orchestra Of The La Scala Opera House, Milan, Italia.

The Linguistics Of Language Arts

Rory J. Koopmans, B. Admin.

#6, 14504-108 Avenue

Edmonton, Alberta T5N 1G8

October XVth, MMXIII

Hon. Jeff Johnson, MLA

Minister of Education,

Progressive Conservative, Athabasca-Sturgeon-RedH2O

Dear Jeff:

Having written in past years blog entries about world languages & language arts, I want to again express their importance to a student(s) learning process. Its important they be able to both speak & write one (if not both) of Canada's official languages. The syntax, the diction, the pronunciation, they are all very important. The better a person's vocabulary, the more confident they will be in their daily working & family lives. Plus, if they want to learn another language & be multilingual, then all the better. Learning multiple languages will let students find jobs in say translation areas of the government. This skill set will then let them travel Canada & abroad to work & live in different environments.

Enriching To Be Sure,

Rory

Source: Www.EducationWorld.Com.

A Rather Senseless Death

Rory J. Koopmans, B. Admin.
#6, 14504-108 Avenue
Edmonton, Alberta T5N 1G8

October XVth, MMXIII

Hon. Jeff Johnson, MLA
Minister of Education,
Progressive Conservative, Athabasca-Sturgeon-RedH2O

Dear Jeff:

I cannot believe I am writing again of the death of yet another innocent child on the Samson Cree First Nation Reserve at Hobbema. XV (15) Teagan Johnson (a hockey loving teenage boy) gets shot to death, his only crime, he was a normal high school kid, wanting II learn & was just shot dead IV it b/c he was in the wrong place at the wrong time.

To Say I Am Beyond Angry Is An Understatement,

Rory

Source: The Red Deer Advocate & Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) Television News.

Putting Things In The Right Order & In The Right Envelope

Rory J. Koopmans, B. Admin.

#23, 9731-174 Street
Edmonton, Alberta T5T 6G4

October XVth, MMXIII

Hon. Jeff Johnson, MLA
Minister of Education,
Progressive Conservative, Athabasca-Sturgeon-RedH2O

Dear Jeff:

Its important IV student & first time voters to fill in their mail-in Special Ballots accurately. Properly filling in the ballots & ensuring they go in the secrecy envelope. Then, swearing your vote as authentic & placing it in the secondary identification envelope, as well as properly attaching valid id &/or sworn attestation of residence documents to the outside of that envelope. Then finally placing these two sealed envelopes inside the postage free mailing envelopes for safe return to the Elections Edmonton Returning Office. This ensures the integrity of your Special Ballot vote & makes sure that its properly counted towards the running final totals on election night, Monday, October XXIst, VI days from now.

The same thing goes if you are say sending legal documents in the mail on any matter. Put them in the right order & make sure your exterior envelope is properly labelled & has the correct postage on it. I did the same thing when I did paper mail in assignments through correspondence high school & post-secondary institutions.

A Paper Cut Hurts Tremendously Doesn't It,

Rory

Source: Elections Edmonton.

Fascinating Facts About Arizona

Rory J. Koopmans, B. Admin.

#23, 9731-174 Street
Edmonton, Alberta T5T 6G4

October XVth, MMXIII

Hon. Jeff Johnson, MLA
Minister of Education,
Progressive Conservative, Athabasca-Sturgeon-RedH2O

Dear Jeff:

Its amazing how a person can pick a state, any U. S. state & just learn. It truly opens up a student's eyes. Today we focus on Arizona, the home state of The Grand Canyon National Park.

D. The amount of copper on the roof of the State Capitol is = II 4.8 million pennies.

E. Arizona guarantees every citizen the "right-to-work." Meaning they don't have to join a labour union in order to work.

F. Petrified wood is the official state fossil.

A Cactus Blossom,

Rory

Source: Www.AwesomeAmerica.Com.

A Shopaholic

Rory J. Koopmans, B. Admin., #23, 9731-174 Street, Edmonton, Alberta T5T 6G4

October XVth, MMXIII

Hon. Jeff Johnson, MLA, Minister of Education, Progressive Conservative, Athabasca-Sturgeon-RedH2O

Dear Jeff:

While I agree that its okay IV students & faculty/staff to use shopping carts around schools & such to move things from room to room, I also feel that students should be taught that the right thing to do is to return the cart to the merchant who is missing it. Whether that be calling up the merchant based on any affixed label attached to the cart, or taking the student along with say the principal & returning the cart to the store it went missing from. Shopping carts aren't cheap & its a huge cost factor for merchants in both repairing &/or replacing them.

Shop Till You Drop,

Rory

Source: Www.EdmontonCartService.Com.

Grose & Tencer

Rory J. Koopmans, B. Admin., #23, 9731-174 Street, Edmonton, Alberta T5T 6G4

October XVth, MMXIII

Hon. Jeff Johnson, MLA, Minister of Education, Progressive Conservative, Athabasca-Sturgeon-RedH2O

Dear Jeff:

While I certainly agree that its great that 630AM Ched Radio's "Tencer & Grose" program has Candidates Diotte, Leibovici, & Iveson IV Mayor on between 9am-10am starting tomorrow-Friday, would it not be better to have all three candidates on together for say II hours in studio in the round? Then students & their family's could hear an intimate & healthy radio debate, the kind you cannot achieve on broadcast television &/or in a live candidate forum. Sure Mr. Tencer & Mr. Grose are ensuring equal time IV all III candidates (one of whom will win), but a live on air radio debate would be more conducive to a healthy discussion.

Debating Process,

Rory

Source: Myself & Global News Edmonton & 630AM Ched Radio's: "Tencer & Grose."

Student Art IV Vino

Rory J. Koopmans, B. Admin., #23, 9731-174 Street, Edmonton, Alberta T5T 6G4

October XVth, MMXIII

Hon. Jeff Johnson, MLA, Minister of Education, Progressive Conservative, Athabasca-Sturgeon-RedH2O

Dear Jeff:

Here's a unique student fundraising idea. Students make art IV wine labels IV wine bottles being stored in wine cellars. Its well known that a little red wine in moderation can be good for people's internal systems. Not only does this idea encourage students to draw & be artisans, but their labels may go on bottles owned by their family & friends. As a result, they'll get encouragement from parents, grandparents, as well as friends to continue in their artistic endeavours!

Magnificent,

Rory

Source: Www.WineSpectator.Com

The Gravitas Of "Gravity"

Rory J. Koopmans, B. Admin., #23, 9731-174 Street, Edmonton, Alberta T5T 6G4

October XIVth, MMXIII

Hon. Jeff Johnson, MLA, Minister of Education, Progressive Conservative, Athabasca-Sturgeon-RedH2O

Dear Jeff:

Besides being a great action film with excellent performances by Academy Award (TM) Winners Sandra Bullock & George Clooney, the film "Gravity" will get students excited about outer space & space exploration. Now playing in theatres, this fine film shows the beauty & majesty that is outer space, but also the fact that like any other situation humans face, there can be perils. It also shows that we have the will to survive at all costs & under any form of pressure.

A Graviton Pulse,

Rory

Source: "Gravity", C. MMXIII, Warner Brothers Pictures (TM.)

Fascinating Facts About Californ-i-a

Rory J. Koopmans, B. Admin.

#23, 9731-174 Street
Edmonton, Alberta T5T 6G4

October XIVth, MMXIII

Hon. Jeff Johnson, MLA
Minister of Education,
Progressive Conservative, Athabasca-Sturgeon-RedH2O

Dear Jeff:

California is really quite a plethora of interest & factoids for social studies students.

A. The last survey in terms of population put its total at just over 33.8 million people. Thats more people than all of Canada combined. It also makes it the United States most populous state.

B.Its 163,707 square miles in diameter, making it the IIIrd largest state in America, only Texas & Alaska are bigger.

C. XXXVIIth (37th) United States President Richard M. Nixon, Republican was born in Yorba Linda, California. He served from MCMLXIX-MCMLXXIV (1969-1974.) It should be noted that while XLth (40th) United States President Ronald W. Reagan, Republican served as the XXXIIIrd (33rd) Governor of California, he was actually born in Tampico, Illinois.

There's Always More & More To Learn On Every Subject,

Rory

Source: The Sacramento Bee.

Messaging The Messenger With A Message

Rory J. Koopmans, B. Admin., #23, 9731-174 Street, Edmonton, Alberta T5T 6G4

October XIVth, MMXIII

Hon. Jeff Johnson, MLA, Minister of Education, Progressive Conservative, Athabasca-Sturgeon-RedH2O

The government of Newfoundland & Labrador has a unique idea. It encourages entrepreneurs (including students) to get their ideas out in all formats. Mail, fax, email, Twitter, & other social media sites. Plus, it promotes getting these entrepreneurs to engage other youth in helping promote their product &/or idea. This will then possibly spark creative & innovative ideas in these youth which can be used to improve the lives of all Newfie citizens!

A Newfie Steak,

Rory

Source: Www.Gmo.Nl.Ca.

Handy Handrails

Rory J. Koopmans, B. Admin.

#23, 9731-174 Street
Edmonton, Alberta T5T 6G4

October XIVth, MMXIII

Hon. Jeff Johnson, MLA
Minister of Education,
Progressive Conservative, Athabasca-Sturgeon-RedH2O

Dear Jeff:

When I was attending the Ward 7 Edmonton City Council All Candidates Forum the week before last week, I noticed that the handrails were in an atrocious state of disrepair. This was in St. Bernadette Catholic Elementary School & the rails were rusting, blots coming loose from where they were attached to both the floor & walls. Not just IV student safety, but IV the safety of residents & those folks with disabilities/infirmities, these rails should be repaired &/or replaced. There are students in many older schools still, as a result, I would like to see a catch-up on the repair & restoration of older schools, rather than just focusing almost exclusively on new schools in sprawling suburban areas. I am of course referring to the province as a whole in terms of aging school infrastructure, not just Edmonton. Lets see more cooperation between you & school boards.

Money On The Ground To Fix The Ground,

Rory

Source: Myself.

Giving Thanks IV Democracy

Rory J. Koopmans, B. Admin.

#23, 9731-174 Street
Edmonton, Alberta T5T 6G4

October XIVth, MMXIII

Hon. Jeff Johnson, MLA
Minister of Education,
Progressive Conservative, Athabasca-Sturgeon-RedH2O

Dear Jeff:

On this Thanksgiving Day Monday I as a lifelong student of democracy am thankful b/c:

I. In Canada, we have free & fair elections & I get to vote one week from today for my choice for our next civic government.

II. The sacrifices that Canadian troops have made to let us keep enjoying our democratic freedoms, including giving up their lives so that we all (including students) might live fulfilling ones that can make a difference.

III. The fact that I can attend public forums & wear insignia like buttons & t-shirts to indicate my choice(s) of candidates.

IV. The fact that other citizens have the right to disagree with me respectfully about who(m) would fulfill the duties of the office(s) being elected best.

V. The fact that candidates can listen to eachother & try & persuade you to consider them instead of your intial choice.

Yes I Am Thankful,

Rory

Source: Myself.

Excellence In Student Governance

Rory J. Koopmans, B. Admin., #6, 14504-108 Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta T5N 1G8

October XIIIth, MMXIII

Hon. Jeff Johnson, MLA, Minister of Education, Progressive Conservative, Athabasca-Sturgeon-RedH2O

Dear Jeff:

There's elections across this fine Dominion, including on November IInd for Mayor of that great city of Montreal, Quebec. McGill University in Montreal has a reputation IV hosting superb debates at many levels IV all political offices & this year has been no exception. On October IXth, a debate & discussion was held between the Mayoral candidates that was both frank & open. Plus, it gave campus students sitting there & those watching at home the chance to figure out which candidate would be the best IV cleaning up the corruption that has plagued. the city with mobsters & shady construction deals.

Quatre,

Rory

Source: Www.McGill.Ca/Students.

Candidate Ward IV Mayors Week

Rory J. Koopmans, B. Admin.

#6, 14504-108 Avenue
Edmonton, Alberta T5N 1G8

October XIIIth, MMXIII

Hon. Jeff Johnson, MLA
Minister of Education,
Progressive Conservative, Athabasca-Sturgeon-RedH2O

Dear Jeff:

Candidate Gordon Ward, running IV Mayor of Edmonton this MMXIII election cycle is quite an interesting fellow. He like Candidate Joshua Semotiuk is totally self-financing his campaign.

XIII. Gordon is getting people (including students) to donate to their favourite local charity instead of giving him donations. I like this idea as it will instill in them a sense of helping the poor & downtrodden at a young age. Attributes & high ethical standards of wanting to give which they will then carry on with & pass onto their own children.

XIV. Candidate Ward believes in giving & getting back both trust & respect from employees & other people. Building trust & respect with first time student voters & students will give them the confidence to know that Candidate Ward believes in them.

XV. As a health care executive, Candidate Ward believes in financial accountability & an honest auditing of City of Edmonton books & expenditures IV each department at regular intervals. Something students can truly get behind b/c the less wasted dollars overall, the more cash there will be IV the needs of students & their family's.

A Rather Stylish Ponytail Gordon,

Rory

Source: Www.GordonForMayor.Ca.