On Wednesday we had our first day of school. Our enrollment is up 15 students from last year and our single 5th grade class is bulging with 36 students. I'm hoping we can get some additional support to handle the size, but will not know about that for a week or so.

On Thursday we had a visit from Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski. He spent time visiting classrooms and talking to students. His is an interesting life story, and one that demonstrates the power of education to change lives. He grew up in an orphanage in St. Louis and after high school joined the Marines. He credits the GI Bill for allowing him to pursue higher education and achieve the accomplishments that he has in his life.

On Sunday at 3:15 pm local artist, and former Lewis Elementary student, Gary Wiseman will be staging "A Recess Tea Party" on the Lewis playground. This is part of the (PICA) Portland Institute for Contemporary Art Time-Based Art Festival.

The Time-Based Art Festival is a contemporary art festival of regional, national, and international artists presenting theatre, dance, music, film, visual exhibition and installation. PICA presents moments of movement and imagery under bridges, over rivers, on stages and throughout the city—all in Portland, Oregon USA. The TBA Festival examines and celebrates every form of contemporary art and is the only festival of its kind in North America.

Several Lewis students will take part in a choreographed remembrance of a playground encounter (something about girls chasing boys during recess, a timeless theme... :-) ) when Gary was a student at Lewis. Tea and cupcakes will be served and the event is open to the public. So if you happen to be in Portland on Sunday, come on out and take part...