How does it feel to finally be an eighth grader at LE? No matter what you are feeling right now — overwhelmed, empowered, excited, terrified, eager, or even a tad nervous — one thing is unequivocally true: at least you are not a sevie any more.
Thank goodness for that.
Among the many privileges you have earned by becoming an eighth grader, and trust me there are a lot, there is one perk that you will no doubt enjoy more than anything else.
But before I tell you what it is, I would like to make a deal with you. I assume that by now you have all seen my documentary. I am exactly the same person I was back then with the exception that I walk a little less now and I smile and laugh a whole lot more. I promise to continue smiling and laughing — and making you grin and giggle when Ms Picetti tells her classes of Emma’s and my adventures — if you promise to give it your all in each and every one of your classes this year (especially in English, okay?). Is it a deal or what? Cool.
Before I go, I should tell you about that privilege. It’s so mind-blowingly spectacular you are not going to believe it.
Welcome to my blog.
The Adventures of ALS Boy 
Mr. Picetti,
You are my hero, the subject of my prayers each and every night. I look forward to mrs. Picetti’s class, not only to learn english, but to hear the great stories about you and Emma. I want to grow up to be like you, able to keep moving forward no matter how hard life gets, no matter what happens, have a smile on my face all day, everyday. Sure Abraham Lincoln or Anne Frank did great things to make them heroes of the world, but you are more than a hero, you are a legend! I see how happy Mrs. Picetti is when she tells us stories about you, and i know by the look on her face that tells me that everyday with you is a gift to her. No one knows what a hard life is until something devastating happens to them or their family. You will be in my heart forever and always. You are definantly La Entradas’ hero.
I LOVE YOU MR. PICETTI,
~Kate Scioscia, Mrs. Picetti’s english class, eighth grade
Awwww thats sooo sweet Katie!!! She is my hero too!! Love you lots Mr. P.
Erin White, 8th Grade english, La Entrada
Katie – BEAUTIFUL! 🙂
I had a comment ready, and then I read Katie’s comment. All I can say is ditto 🙂
This post made me smile. Thank you.
God bless you Mr. Picetti. 8th grade to me is just anther year in scholl, but upon hearing upon all you have to go through, you will truly be in my prayers. Hang in there, you are an inspiration to all!
we hope you can visit us in class Mr. P
Mr. Picetti,
I greatly admire your perspective on the world and life. This blog inspires me greatly. Thank you for the wonderful message and I sure wish I could’ve had you as a teacher because just about everyone I have talked to says you are their favorite. And Melissa wishes the best to you. She also says she would love to come visit you the weekend after labor day if that works for you and I would love to join her. I want to let you know even though it’s the first week of school I am working my hardest and I have big goals for the year. Thank you so much the this amazing post! You Rock Mr. P! Hope to see you in and out of class soon!
Lots of Love,
Katie
PS. English is my favorite class! That’s 100% true!
The first week of eighth grade has been stressful. but your story inspires me to work hard and live my life to the fullest and this note u wrote helped me through the first week.
-THANKS
(LA ENTRADA STUDENT 8)
Mr. P-
I find you so inspirational, to tell you the truth, I cried during the documentary in english. Now Mrs. Picetti teases me about it. But i dont mind! haha
Anyway, this blog is amazing!! It brings me great hope, and puts a smile on my face, or makes me tear up. Either way, it always teaches me something.
Thank you for the inspiration you bring the whole school everyday to strive forward, and to live life to the fullest.
YOUR AWESOME! 😀
-Kiki Canny, English 8.
I’ll add to the list of eighth graders who love your blog. I check this everyday for new post, I love reading it I think even more than Tuesdays with Morrie(Don’t tell Mrs. Picetti). You are an inspiration to us all, and Mr. P you rock!
Best of luck,
Marta
Hello Mr. Picetti! I am a current eighth grader at La Entrada who has found this blog to be not only very moving and hilarious, but an inspiration to show that no matter what, no one can give up on what they can accomplish with heart! Thank you for being an inspiration, thank you for being an optimist, for many thanks are being sent to you as well as to Mrs. Picetti and to Emma and to all!
–Francesca