Superintendent Dr. Kotes joined Red Mill 4th-grade teacher Misty Hayes’ class for a special writing workshop for their pen pals. Since the beginning of the school year, Mrs. Hayes’ class has been writing to soldiers stationed in Kuwait. Students have sent letters and holiday goodie bags, and even had the chance to FaceTime with the troops, who showed them the barracks, the machines they use, and the mess hall where they eat their meals.

On Tuesday morning, Dr. Kotes sat with students as they wrote letters to their pen pals, incorporating a Valentine’s Day writing activity they had completed. Students were excited to share their letters with him and talk about their connections with the soldiers.

Mrs. Hayes’ class will continue to write and send goodies to their pen pals throughout the school year. Through this project students have learned about democracy, and the role of the United States military.