The fifth-graders at Seguin Elementary School might have gotten out of class yesterday to meet with State Sen. Craig Estes, but they didn't escape a homework assignment.

Estes told the kids about his background, being a senator and how the Texas government works. "The thing I want to get home to all you people today is that your ideas count," he said.

The senator then told them about an extra-credit homework assignment, an announcement which was followed inevitably by groans. Estes reassured the students that it wasn't a requirement but something that "overachievers" might want to do. "OK!" piped up one ambitious girl.

The assignment was, "Come up with an idea that will make Texas a better place to live." The answers will be judged by Estes and his staff. The author of the winning answer will receive a certificate and a Texas flag from the Capitol, Estes said. Estes also fielded questions from the students, such as:

- What does a senator do during the workday?
- Is it tough being a senator?
- Do you get to travel around Texas?
- Do you have to have a college degree to be a senator?
- Have you ever met the president?
- Do you get a lot of money for doing this?

A student named Samantha said the meeting with Estes was fun. However, she also reported that she wouldn't want to be a senator. Lauren said, "He was nice and he was better than the authors that always come." Edgar was unsure of how he felt. "I don't know," he said. Colton jumped in to say, "I liked him."

"Yeah, he was kinda cool," Edgar conceded.