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Paula Edwards arrived just after the last bell had rung for class. It was her first day back after being on medical leave for a malignant brain tumor. She had been out of school since November. The 28 WISE students greeted her warmly and welcomed her back to school. Then Paula asked if she could do a little presentation to prepare the kids for their upcoming presentations.

She had one visual aid--a plaster head with one side stitched up to demonstrate where the surgeon had opened her skull. She told the class that it had all started with a very bad headache which, eventually, became unbearable. After a series of tests, she was told, in a rather matter-of-fact way, that she had a malignant brain tumor and needed surgery immediately. She became very angry and decided not to die. Her kids at home needed her and she had met a wonderful man who, in 24 hours, married her and became her caregiver! (Check webteacher.com.

The kids were mesmerized by Paula's mini-presentation, and as she asked me to begin Preparation for Presentation Workshop, she walked from desk to desk to reacquaint herself with each student. The room became a sanctuary.

I think Stoneman Douglas will have some very special presentations this year.

Mary Mastro is the WISE Services field representative for Florida. We thank her for this newsletter contribution.