Jefferson is a quaint school near a nice park. It is a smaller school that gives it a more personal touch. My host was Sarah Hampton who went out of her way to accommodate me. The gym was small but it fit the students well for its class size. The children were quite excited especially when I mentioned Sound Author's writing contest which gained their immediate attention when they heard the winner would be interviewed on live national radio.

I found the students highly gifted in art. When we read from the Dad/Fuji scene, the young lady who played Dad gave us her "man voice" and captured Dad's raw anger from his son's poor performance/attitude on the playing field. I was tickled by her skill to grip her fellow students with such raw emotion.

If you ever get a chance to stay in the Quad Cities and have children 8 years old or younger, I recommend you take them to the Family Museum located in Bettendorf near the public library off Middle Road and 18th Street. Some of their special displays are Amazing Acres where children can touch a 10-foot tornado. Children can also travel through a 14-foot human heart, interact with themed play houses or paint or scavenger hunt. The museum always has special guests who perform magic, sing, and entertain. The museum also has dance lessons for all age groups. So if you want to spark your child's curiosity or explore their interests, I recommend you visit the indoor Family Museum.