James, You make a very good point about mood and how it impacts the learning environment in both directions. If there is something going on in the school that has the students in a negative mood it is tough to get them to lighten up when in your class. We need to try and get them engaged but it can be an effort. One thing that should be a constant is that the students know you are going to be upbeat and enthusiastic about your class. So even though they may not be in an upbeat mood they know you will so you have set an expectation for them for your class. Keep up the good work that you are doing in this effort. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.