FROM JOE'S DESK: Making A School Smile

Imagine the surprise on teacher's faces when Hilby the Skinny German Juggle Boy unexpectedly took over the staff meeting from the principal. This and many other creative uses of humor became the norm in one upstate New York elementary school and changed it from ordinary to excellent.

Schools too often are painted as inflexible places housing teachers who are more concerned with union politics than the achievement of students. As a result educators would almost die for some much deserved res...