Gill's earlier editions dealt primarily with mainstream children. Pratt, who is a psychologist and pediatric neuropsychologist, brought in issues addressed to children "who don't fit the academic mold"--from the gifted to those with attention deficits or serious emotional problems such as depression.

Pratt had been using the book in his practice and asked when the next edition would be coming out. Turned out there wouldn't be a next edition--at least not until Pratt volunteered to collaborate. The first edition was written 20 years ago. Gill has taught in both public and private schools.

Today she heads the writing center at Foothill College and is a consultant on school selection. "People don't realize how many options are out there," she says. Each has its own strengths and drawbacks. The duo found out what kind of resources each school had--in equipment and for special needs children.

Public school is often the best education for a child and is certainly the least expensive, says Pratt. It has these advantages: neighborhood youngsters, diversity of talents, ethnicity and beliefs, and more legal protections for a child with special needs.

Private school selections include independent schools; Carden, Christian, Catholic and Jewish schools; and Montessori and Waldorf schools. Alternative public schools include magnet schools, back-to-basics and open education. Schools that stress parent participation may be a good match for a child overwhelmed in a larger classroom.

Other choices are bilingual immersion programs, charter schools, middle college programs, continuation and year-round schools, special ed and gifted and talented programs. No wonder parents have trouble deciding. Pratt is asked nearly every day, "What kindergarten should I pick so my children can get into the right college?"

WHAT'S IT WORTH?: Find out at the first annual Antiques and Collectibles Appraisal Clinic on March 31 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., a benefit for the Saratoga Foothill Club's Foundation for preservation of the Julia Morgan-designed clubhouse and grounds.

Experts from Bonhams and Butterfields of San Francisco will appraise items for $7 per piece. Experienced specialists will determine if the items are valuable antiques, trendy collectibles or neither. Evaluations are limited to five items. Credit cards will not be accepted.

Categories include furniture and decorative arts, Asian art, silver, porcelain, jewelry, books, arms and armor, prints, paintings and photography. If the item is too large, bring a photograph and a small piece, such as a drawer. You may find you own a valuable treasure. The contact number is 408.354.0596.

Joan Leonard chairs the event; Mary Ellen Comport and Marlene Duffin are key organizers; and Susan Perry, Ann Peterson and Mary Lou Taylor are committee chairwomen.

TREATING THOSE WITH ALZ-HEIMER'S: How to respond to those afflicted with Alzheimer's was one of the topics of the two-part talk given at the Saratoga Rotary Club recently by Stephanie Howard, life guidance director at the Atria assisted living facility in Willow Glen. Compassion and patience are the key qualities called for.

Remember that those with memory loss feel frightened and out of control, not lazy or stupid, Howard said. So infinite patience is demanded of caretakers and family. Don't deny their made-up stories. Take the blame for any wrongdoing, whether it's based on fantasy or not.

The thing to remember is to respond to their feelings, not their words, and continue to reassure, reassure and reassure. The more they can safely do for themselves, the more in control and comfortable they will feel. So allow the patient to do as much as he can on his own.

Some of the warning signs of memory loss include difficulty performing familiar tasks, using poor judgment, being unable to articulate, problems with abstract thinking and misplacing things. Well, we've all experienced all those symptoms, but when those practices become the norm in daily life, it could mean trouble's ahead.

ANNIVERSARIES GALORE: The Saratoga Historical Museum will commemorate four significant Saratoga anniversaries in 2006--the 1906 earthquake, Rotary's 50th (in conjunction with the museum's 30th in the present building), the Foothill Club's 100th and the city's 50th year.

Exhibits will be on display for approximately three months. The first display, open now, covers the 1906 earthquake and its effects on Saratoga, told through historical photographs, artifacts and diaries.

Got a tip for Saratoga Sampler? Send email to maryanncook@earthlink.net.