Lina Rolland, the program facilitator, is fantastic with the kids. She asked if he wouldn't mind just watching, and within a couple of weeks, he was in the program.

The animals don't know these kids were bad in class.

They are the most dedicated people I've ever encountered.

They bond with the volunteer that they're working with.

I don't think it's appropriate -- except when they're very, very young -- for parents to let their kids win. If you're looking at Trivial Pursuit, maybe that means giving the parents harder questions than the children. You're still playing the game, and everyone is participating at their best level.

Nowadays, it's the kids who have the power. When they don't do the work and get lower grades, they scream and yell. Parents side with the kids who pressure teachers to lower standards.