Another day of schools visits could be ho-hum, or considering the time of year, bah-humbug for some, but I love it. I especially loved this week's visits.

My long-time friend, Dr. Vicki Barber, is the County School Superintendent for El Dorado County Caifornia. I've been saying to her for months I'd like to visit some of her schools, and we finally made it happen. What a delightful opportunity.

I'm always looking for great schools in the area of family engagement, but I like any school that has a unique flair for teaching children and all three of these schools do.

My first visit was to Jackson Elementary. Michele Miller, the principal, showed me around. I was captivated in under five minutes. From the garden to the classroom for the orthopedically handicapped students to the preschool, this school has a wonderful feel about it. Michele talked about success--success of her students, the staff, and the folks that support them.

She is especially fond of her noon duty staff who she said just knew everything about the kids. If one of the children was down, they'd soon know why and would be managing to find a way to bring cheer to the youngster. She modestly admitted that her school had been the top in the county for several years until just this last year when one other school slipped ahead of them.

I was delighted with the start of my tour and went next to Silva Valley Elementary. Kathy Holliman's first year as principal hasn't been dull as she's shifted schedules and raised class sizes to accommodate a declining budget. It seems many administrators have made those kinds of adjustments this year, but Kathy seems to have weathered it well with plenty of support from parents, teachers, and support staff.

Oak Ridge High School receives the students from both these elementarey schools, and was my last stop for the day. With 2200 students on the campus, you'd think it would be pretty crazy during their one lunch period, but students seemed intent on having a good day. They left their classes, stepped around the two adults standing in the hallway of the new math and science building, and scattered throughout the campus with lunches in hand. Some went to various club meetings for lunch. Others sat in groups enjoying the sunshine. A good chance to do so after the first snow days in 30 years closed schools just a few days before.

I walked with Steve Wehr, the Oak Ridge principal, to the other side of a bridge leading to their gym and drama departments. "It feels more like a college campus," I said as we retraced our steps back to his office. The behavior of the students also felt older and more mature. It takes good leadership and respect for students to make that happen.

All three schools had a feel of enjoyable places to be. My thanks to the three El Dorado County schools for their wonderful hospitality. May I come again soon?