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Photo Facts

I worked in the REACT (Relevant Educational Applications of Computer Technology) program from 1969 to 1973 at NWREL. I, for sure, remember the teletype machines. How far we have come! I can tell you two of the people in the photograph on page 45 (of "Online Schools: A New Frontier in Public Education," winter 2004). The tallest man in the back is Cliff Winkler who was on the REACT staff. The furthest right (with his arms folded) is Chet Hausken, who at the time directed the Small Schools Program.

Winston Addis
Vice President, External Relations
City University
Bellevue, Washington

Nurturing Native Students

Kara (Briggs) has hit home with a very serious issue: high school dropouts (in "Slipping Through the Cracks," spring 2004). This has been a concern for educators for many years. As readers and educators, we need to respond to how we can stop this, raise the self-esteem of our Native children, let them believe that they are worthy, start the healing process of our past, and enrich the futures of those yet to become who they should or aspire to be.

I am a Quileute Tribal Member. I worked at our tribal school for nine years and then went back to college as a single mother of three. I persisted and now have my bachelor's degree in speech and hearing sciences. I found Kara's article to be an outcry to our educators, teachers, administrators, and parents. We must start the healing NOW, move forward to brighter possibilities, and not let any more children slip through the cracks.

Joanne Harrison
Research Assistant
University of Idaho
Moscow, Idaho

On the Trail of Lewis and Clark

Excellent article ("Many Nations," summer 2003). [I] appreciate information on the methods of teaching and the approach being taken toward bringing Lewis and Clark to older students of a diverse nature. The study of the Lewis and Clark expedition seems to have no bottom as historians, educators, authors, and speakers, such as myself, dig deeper and continue to find new avenues of understanding and learning.

I belong to the Lewis and Clark Trail Heritage Foundation, both the national organization and the Philadelphia chapter. Our annual meeting is set for Portland, Oregon, August 6-10, 2005. I'm referring the article to both organizations as an FYI since the Oregon chapter is mentioned in the article and they are hosting the meeting in August. Thanks again for posting a wonderful article.

Lorna Hainesworth
Baltimore County Library & Senior Centers
Randallstown, Maryland

We want to hear from you! Send your letters to the editor, article ideas, and tips on places where good things are happening to nwedufeedback@nwrel.org. Letters may be edited for length or clarity.