Dear Humans,

The Colorado state constitution guarantees you a free public and uniform education. But the language actually says “all residents of the state between the ages of 6 and 21 may be educated gratuitously.” Now, in legal terms, gratuitously just means “free.” You don’t have to pay an entrance fee to enter the school door. (Although apples and World’s Best Teacher mugs are nice.)

But in our general language, gratuitously means “over the top” or “more than is warranted.” If you do something gratuitously, you do way more than is expected. 

So that is my new mission. To educate you gratuitously. Over the top. Instead of just learning the 50 U.S. States, we’re going for the territories. Maybe the 10 provinces of Canada and Mexico’s 31 states too.

Sincerely,

Mr. Curt