I never can resist using this one in class as an example of some basics:

S.F. kids spend recess toasting the best rat who ever lived
Steve Rubenstein, Chronicle Staff Writer
November 23, 2002

They raised their grape juice cups at Lakeshore Elementary School in memory of Jupiter the rat.

“He was a great rat,” said fourth-grade teacher Rich Mertes. “Possibly the greatest rat in the world. And he never bit anyone.”

Jupiter was so great that more than 100 kids elected to skip recess Friday in order to attend Jupiter’s funeral, held inside Room 106 at the school on Middlefield Drive in San Francisco.

Jupiter died Thursday of old age in Mr. Mertes’ arms, moments after the dismissal bell rang. He was 2.

For the funeral, the door of his empty cage was left open. The purple tissue box inside that was his home was vacant. On top of the cage was a letter to Jupiter from the class of fourth-graders.

“If you can read this, Room 106 is very sad. If you could read this, I will miss you. I hope I will see you again. I hope God will help you.”

Read the rest here …