It's Tuesday and it's Reading Day. I hope you all dressed nice.

Your t-shirts don't have drawings and your hair is free of lice.

We have a School Board member coming in to read to you.

But first, I'll remind you about the things you should and shouldn't do.

Be polite and courteous. Pay attention when they read.

Don't pick your nose or scratch away at scabs until they bleed.

If they ask you questions, I'm not telling you that you should lie,

but s-t-r-e-tc-h the truth a little (or a lot) and say I'm a nice guy!

And if you notice something strange about me while they're here,

I'll tell you a little secret; I'm going to try something that's weird.

My face will be contorted into a shape you've never seen before.

So, if you see it, don't start running for the door.

It may be hard, and cause me pain, but it's only for a while.

I'm going to give it all I have . . . and try to make a smile!

So while you're doing Morning Work, if you hear a cracking sound,

it's probably my facial skin as I practice removing my frown.

As I raise the corners of my mouth, ignore the screams of agony.

And when you see a familiar-looking stranger smiling, don't be scared, it's only me!