First, every American owes a debt of gratitude to everyone who ever put on a uniform. Second, the world is a better place this morning, than it was yesterday morning. Third, with every major breaking news story over the past year, I either found out about it or got the early details on my I-phone or I-Pad. Fourth, Middle East Revolutions, Tsunami, Nuclear Catastrophe, Tornadoes, Libya, War on Terror Update – If only there was a tool to bring the changing world into the classroom in real time. Embrace bootleg technology. A number of you in the LYS Nation are now using bootleg technology devices to follow Twitter. If you haven’t done so yet, we want you to join us. To let you see what you are missing, here are the Top 10 LYS Tweets from the week of April 24th 2011, as tabulated by the accountants at Price Waterhouse. 1. (Combined – LYSers doing great things) A. Austin Statesman reports Luling High School is the second most improved high school in central Texas. B. LYS Superintendent, Andy Peters, is the lone finalist for the Poth ISD job! C. LYS Principal, Dr. Chane Rascoe, is the lone finalist for the Moody ISD superintendent position! D. Son of a LYSer, Baron Batch, just got drafted by the Steelers!!!!! 2. Why do you have to consider “turn-around”? If things aren’t working fix it, now. To wait is to short change students. Why are we OK with that? 3. Here’s the problem with most merit pay plans. It’s a zero sum game played on an uneven playing field. I win, you lose. My kids are poorer than your kids, I lose. 4. Parent involvement follows successful students. And the good news is that we are the critical variable. 5. I have never been an advocate for exclusionary practice, policy or programs. 6. Anyone who tells you that vouchers are not additional tax subsidies for the rich is either confused or lying. Neither inspires confidence. 7. Tonite’s run thought: The most overlooked component of excellence. The amount of pain you can endure before you quit. 8. New study says kids spend 25% of waking hours with a tech device. How much time do you take to leverage that interest? Embrace bootleg technology! 9. Tonite’s run thought: The Hard-Working, Proactive and Prepared seek out and relish the opportunity to measure themselves. 10. Tonite’s run thought: If you run with your mouth open you will eat a bug and I hate snakes. Think. Work. Achieve.Your turn… Coming Soon! “The Fundamental 5: The Formula for Quality Instruction” www.TheFundamentalFive.com Follow Sean Cain on www.Twitter.com/LYSNation Upcoming Presentation Schedule June 11 (TASB) – The Fundamental Five; Improve Now! June 15 (TASSP) – Improve Now! June 16 (TASSP) – Conference Breakfast, hosted by E. Don Brown (LYS travel tumblers for the first 1000 attendees, last year we ran out); Fundamental Five; Tech Tools for the 2.0 Principal June 17 (TASSP) – PowerWalks June 18 (TASB) – The Fundamental Five; Improve Now!