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Blodgett Elementary is certainly one of the smaller schools I’ve visited in a while. It’s a new school, formed in a hurry when a large charter school in Schenectady closed recently. As a consequence, everyone at the school is brand new, and it doesn’t even show up on my GPS.

I found it anyway (although the big cross on the side of the building, left over from its days as a parochial school, threw me for a moment). I’m glad I did. They’re clearly having a lot of fun at Blodgett. For example, check out this cool Uncle Frank’s Pit construction built around Frank, the custodian’s room.

Blodgett was filled with great artwork and writing projects, all capped off with something I have never, ever seen or heard before: A live performance of a Backbeard rap by members of the sixth grade class. Click the link below to check it out.

Backbeard Owns The ‘Hood

Here’s something I didn’t know: In Texas, schoolkids say the pledge to both the U.S. and the Texas flag, one of only six states to do so. (It’s an urban legend that Texas is the only state that can fly its flag at the same height as the U.S. flag, though. They all can, if they follow the rules.)

I spent the week visiting schools in Allen Texas, and it was great fun. Read on for just a few of the highlights…

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After my presentations at Weedsport Elementary this week, I was presented with a homemade, three-page map of the school and three loyal guides to help me visit all the classrooms. Good thing they were there. Otherwise, I might still be wandering the halls, trying to find my way home.

Along the way we found no shortage of crazy bugs, treasure maps, and even a life-sized skeleton guarding a map of pirate jokes. (Sample: What did the pirate say at the golf course? “I may tee!”)

Next, I visited the Weedsport Free Library, where the Junior Friends of the Library were hosting a special author’s dinner. There was even some impromptu theatre after the meals, when everyone began singing a crazy musical about hats. Great fun.

Finally, some samples of that terrific Weedsport art. Thanks, everyone!

Had a really enjoyable visit to Menands Elementary last week. We did four presentations back to back, but I was having so much fun they just flew by. For lunch, some of the teachers put together this awesome Lion’s Share book cake.

However, when they served me my piece, this was what I got. I found myself simultaneously flattered and creeped out. What to do? Eat my own head? I felt like I was in an Escher drawing, or maybe one of those serpents that eats its own tail.

In the end, I decided to pass the problem on to my wife. But by the time I got the piece home, much of my face had melted off the side, making me look extra creepy. Didn’t matter. Free cake! She devoured my head without a second thought. Now I’m sleeping with one eye open.

Anyway, where was I? Oh yes, Menands Elementary! Awesome school, with tons of awesome artwork. My thanks to all the parents who came out to the evening program, and all the teachers and volunteers who put the day together.

Here are a few samples of some life-sized pirates by the artists at Menands:

Just found out that The Lion’s Share has been nominated for the 2010 Bill Martin Jr. Picture Book Award given by the Kansas Reading Association. Thanks, Kansas!