It's a quiet day at Rolling Meadows High School.  I haven't heard anybody comment on the fact that one of their security dudes is running for mayor today. He's usually the one who checks me in at the door. But it was somebody else today.

They're on a strange schedule today. As you know, they are normally on a block schedule, and they alternate their eight class periods such that 4 class periods take place each day. Today all 8 periods are meeting, and they'll only have school in the morning tomorrow for testing of some sort. I assume this will be standardized testing. This means my day started 10 minutes later than usual, and will end around 45 minutes earlier than usual.

Folks haven't been particularly interested in talking to me. Our prolific writer dropped by, and was sweet as always. He seems to understand our zine's limitations, and still wants to write for us.

Students seem more interested in peace buttons and candy than conversation today.

Lynne

Since yesterday was the anniversary of the U.S. invasion of Iraq, I decided to put together a small display highlighting some of the costs of the war.

The cost is staggering and it's still going up. A number of students noticed the poster. The reactions were interesting. Most looked very thoughtful; some shook their head in disbelief. I failed to find one student who thought we had any business in Iraq.

I also recall how different the students' attitudes are now than years ago. We started going into the schools in 2003 and at that time we encountered quite a bit of hostility. 9/11 was still fresh in everyone's minds and many people felt we were unpatriotic or worse.

Talked to several groups of students about starting a peace club. There's interest. Wish we could turn that interest into something concrete.

Libby

Although I wasn't able to interest anyone in our survey (Human Rights Day), I did have several productive conversations. In particular, I talked to two Sophomore students, both female, about their plans after high school. Although it's several years away for them they are already starting to think about it. We talked about other options besides college. One young woman mentioned that her brother had taken a year off, like a gap year. He started college but just wasn't doing well and didn't like it. He went back after the year off and did very well. They think it's a great option if you don't really know what you want to do. I applaud the parents for allowing their child to do that.

Libby

When I arrived at EGHS today, the very nice staff person who sets up tables met me to inform me that we needed to relocate my operation. Tables were now to be in the cafeteria proper, and no longer in the hallway outside the cafeteria. The powers that be no longer want students in the hallway. (I didn't ask why.) I got to pick a spot. I didn't see a lot of business, but those who came by were very nice and several took buttons.

At the neighboring table students were having a bake sale to benefit a group that pairs special needs students with regular students as buddies. Very nice young people. I bought a brownie.

Lynne