"Diversity and inclusion are about giving value to every human being, no matter our differences."

 

                                                    National Catholic Board on Full Inclusion 

I love uplifting stories, especially when they involve students and schools.  A story on the TODAY SHOW has gone viral, and it is so wonderful I have t share and talk about it.

A young man with Down's Syndrome has been the team manager for his school team for 4 years.  On Senior Night, Sam Jordan had the chance to play in the game for his team, Lake Norman High School, against Vance High School.  Sam scored a touchdown, all while being cheered on by both teams, his coaches, his parents, and the entire school.  Here is the link to Sam's interview.  https://www.today.com/video/meet-the-high-school-football-player-with-down-syndrome-who-scored-a-touchdown-109250629628   And here is the link to the PEOPLE interview 

https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/2038218489766085588/2348269049886075628 

I love the lessons in this story.  Sam received a reward for his hard work as team manager for those 4 years, and he felt that beautiful feeling of total inclusion with his participation on the football field.  His teammates and the opposing team had the chance to give a great gift to a young man, and to be a part of something much bigger than themselves. They had the chance to change a young man's life!  What was Sam's reaction?  He said, "It was the best thing that ever happened to me."  

I remember when inclusion first started in schools, since my teaching career began in 1974.  Some parents and students complained initially, but I truly believe that school became a better place when everyone was included.  I loved my students with special needs, and they made me a better classroom teacher and person.  I learned many lessons from those special kids, and so did my "regular" students. 

Inclusion teaches us that everyone has gifts to share, and those gifts are as diverse as the people we are.  The world can be a beautiful place when everyone is included and respected.  I wish I could meet Sam!  What a terrific young man and an uplifting feel-good story!  

As always, I welcome your comments and suggestions. Rittman Publishing, LLC ®

Please invite Grady Gets Glasses (and me) into your school.  if you are not in the Pittsburgh area, we do virtual field trips with a group called Field Trip Zoom or we will come into YOUR classroom via ZOOM.www.Fieldtripzoom.com  and a company called www.StreamableLearning.com GRADY GETS GLASSES was the winner of Best New Children's Book 2016 and 2018 (new edition) from The Authors' Zone.Grady also won a 2018 prestigious Moonbeam Award for Best Children's Book with Merchandise.

Visit Dede's web page for complete details on her award-winning book, STUDENT TEACHING: THE INSIDE SCOOP FROM A MASTER TEACHER. Many colleges have made the book required reading. Signed copies are available  www.dederittman.com Dede is also a national speaker on The Three C's for Classroom success: Confidence, communication, and Creativity; Avoiding Teacher burnout; and many other inspirational topics. 

I LOVE writing. And I love writing children's books- my newest passion. Although it will be a ton of work, I am looking forward to selling my books.  Since I was a secondary teacher, I know that I have much to learn about elementary students, and I will have to follow my own advice and be my genuine self.  However, I also know that I am passionate about helping kids who have to wear glasses, and that GRADY GETS GLASSES sends a positive message. I am willing to work hard and do all the things that also made me a successful teacher for 37

years. I remain inspired! 

Elementary teachers in Western Pennsylvania and beyond - I am willing to come into your classroom in person or as a virtual field trip through a group called Field Trip Zoom.  Check them out!  http://www.fieldtripzoom.com/ 

Teacher friends- let me know if you want me to read GRADY GETS GLASSES at your school. I am willing to come in to discuss the creative writing process, why writing is important, and personal fulfillment through writing, along with reading my book.  I would appreciate the exposure, and I would make signed copies available for purchase in your classrooms following the reading.  Please email me at dederittman@gmail.com  The website www.gradygetsglasses.com now has plush Grady bunnies for sale!

 Please like Dede's new page Grady Gets Glasses for updates about her children's book. https://www.facebook.com/gradygetsglasses?ref=hl 

Connect with Dede!

Twitter       @dederittman

Facebook   Dede Faltot Rittman or Rittman Rules

LinkedIn   Dede Rittman

Google +   Dede Rittman

Tumblr      The Bunny Teacher

Instagram   GradyGetsGlasses

Pinterest   Rittman Publishing, LLC ® 

"Heroes are ordinary people who make themselves extraordinary." Gerard Way

 

                                                                            Quote Fancy 

Dick Hoyt died on March 17.  Many will not recognize that name, but to me, he was a true hero. Dick Hoyt was a father of several sons, and his son Rick is a quadriplegic who also has cerebral palsy.  In 1977, Rick heard about a race to honor a paralyzed lacrosse player, and he wanted to be a part of that race. With the help of a a specially made wheelchair, Dick pushed his son in that race, where they came in last place.  That race was just the first of many to come over the years.  Why did Dick persist?  To make his son happy.  Rick told his dad, " Dad, when I'm running, it feels like I'm not disabled."  Team Hoyt participated in more than 1,000 races, covering over 3.700 miles.  Dick and Rick also participated in marathons and run and bike races.  You can view all their stats at this website. http://www.teamhoyt.com/   

Dick Hoyt loved his son, and that love was the driving force that kept them on the run until Dick had to retire in 2014 for health reasons.  To me, Dick Hoyt is a hero.  He helped his son to achieve a life filled with love and fun and action!  Such a gift.

To see more about Dick and Rick, please watch this beautiful tribute to Dick from the TODAY SHOW.  https://www.today.com/video/dick-hoyt-marathoner-who-pushed-son-rick-in-a-wheelchair-during-races-dies-at-80-108882501841 

"Heroes are ordinary people who make themselves extraordinary."  Gerard Way 

Rest in Peace, Dick Hoyt.  You and Rick have been an inspiration to millions. 

As always, I welcome your comments and suggestions. Rittman Publishing, LLC ®

Please invite Grady Gets Glasses (and me) into your school.  if you are not in the Pittsburgh area, we do virtual field trips with a group called Field Trip Zoom or we will come into YOUR classroom via ZOOM.www.Fieldtripzoom.com  and a company called www.StreamableLearning.com GRADY GETS GLASSES was the winner of Best New Children's Book 2016 and 2018 (new edition) from The Authors' Zone.Grady also won a 2018 prestigious Moonbeam Award for Best Children's Book with Merchandise.

Visit Dede's web page for complete details on her award-winning book, STUDENT TEACHING: THE INSIDE SCOOP FROM A MASTER TEACHER. Many colleges have made the book required reading. Signed copies are available  www.dederittman.com Dede is also a national speaker on The Three C's for Classroom success: Confidence, communication, and Creativity; Avoiding Teacher burnout; and many other inspirational topics. 

I LOVE writing. And I love writing children's books- my newest passion. Although it will be a ton of work, I am looking forward to selling my books.  Since I was a secondary teacher, I know that I have much to learn about elementary students, and I will have to follow my own advice and be my genuine self.  However, I also know that I am passionate about helping kids who have to wear glasses, and that GRADY GETS GLASSES sends a positive message. I am willing to work hard and do all the things that also made me a successful teacher for 37

years. I remain inspired! 

Elementary teachers in Western Pennsylvania and beyond - I am willing to come into your classroom in person or as a virtual field trip through a group called Field Trip Zoom.  Check them out!  http://www.fieldtripzoom.com/ 

Teacher friends- let me know if you want me to read GRADY GETS GLASSES at your school. I am willing to come in to discuss the creative writing process, why writing is important, and personal fulfillment through writing, along with reading my book.  I would appreciate the exposure, and I would make signed copies available for purchase in your classrooms following the reading.  Please email me at dederittman@gmail.com  The website www.gradygetsglasses.com now has plush Grady bunnies for sale!

 Please like Dede's new page Grady Gets Glasses for updates about her children's book. https://www.facebook.com/gradygetsglasses?ref=hl 

Connect with Dede!

Twitter       @dederittman

Facebook   Dede Faltot Rittman or Rittman Rules

LinkedIn   Dede Rittman

Google +   Dede Rittman

Tumblr      The Bunny Teacher

Instagram   GradyGetsGlasses

Pinterest   Rittman Publishing, LLC ® 

"Control the things you can control."

 

The Pandemic of 2020 has left many people frustrated and sad.  We can't see our friends and family; can't travel; can't pursue our normal fun events and social lives; we can't seem to find our normal lives.  Just like you, I have never spent this much time at home.  For months, I felt like everything was out of my control, but then I found something that I could do.  

When my husband died from stage 4 colon cancer in May of 2012, my life was a whirlwind of 16 hour days working with the contractors to update my house; go through Scott's things and give them to charity; find a new place to live; put my house up for sale; and look through 30 years of accumulated "stuff."  It was an exhausting pace that I kept up until it was all finished.  I had most of it done in about 6 months, but not all.  I moved way too possessions to my new condo.  My storage room was packed top to bottom, but I just wasn't ready to revisit all the personal papers and items that Scott and I owned together.  During the pandemic, I had the time to finally go through all those boxes.  Do you know what?  I felt better.  Better that I got rid of so much clutter, and better that I gave myself some closure.  I also had items that were brand new that we had never used.  I put them all on Facebook Marketplace and offered a no touch porch pickup.  My prices were reasonable, and I sold just about every item. I gave away bags of clothing that I had not worn in 2 years, and the local Dress for Success and a local women's shelter were thrilled to receive them.  I bought new bedroom furniture, and sold my antique furniture to someone who just loved it.  Although all of this was lots of work, I felt good!  I was controlling the clutter and unused items in my home and sharing them with others who needed them. My house, storage room, and garage feel so much bigger.  And I am happy that I put my time to good use.

We might not be able to control the virus and all the things we can and can't do, but having the ability to control something in our lives is a plus for mental health.  I strongly recommend doing what you can do to purge and donate, and give yourself more light, more air, and more space. 

As always, I welcome your comments and suggestions. Rittman Publishing, LLC ®

Please invite Grady Gets Glasses (and me) into your school.  if you are not in the Pittsburgh area, we do virtual field trips with a group called Field Trip Zoom or we will come into YOUR classroom via ZOOM.www.Fieldtripzoom.com  and a company called www.StreamableLearning.com GRADY GETS GLASSES was the winner of Best New Children's Book 2016 and 2018 (new edition) from The Authors' Zone.Grady also won a 2018 prestigious Moonbeam Award for Best Children's Book with Merchandise.

Visit Dede's web page for complete details on her award-winning book, STUDENT TEACHING: THE INSIDE SCOOP FROM A MASTER TEACHER. Many colleges have made the book required reading. Signed copies are available  www.dederittman.com Dede is also a national speaker on The Three C's for Classroom success: Confidence, communication, and Creativity; Avoiding Teacher burnout; and many other inspirational topics. 

I LOVE writing. And I love writing children's books- my newest passion. Although it will be a ton of work, I am looking forward to selling my books.  Since I was a secondary teacher, I know that I have much to learn about elementary students, and I will have to follow my own advice and be my genuine self.  However, I also know that I am passionate about helping kids who have to wear glasses, and that GRADY GETS GLASSES sends a positive message. I am willing to work hard and do all the things that also made me a successful teacher for 37 years. I remain inspired! 

Elementary teachers in Western Pennsylvania and beyond - I am willing to come into your classroom in person or as a virtual field trip through a group called Field Trip Zoom.  Check them out!  http://www.fieldtripzoom.com/ 

Teacher friends- let me know if you want me to read GRADY GETS GLASSES at your school. I am willing to come in to discuss the creative writing process, why writing is important, and personal fulfillment through writing, along with reading my book.  I would appreciate the exposure, and I would make signed copies available for purchase in your classrooms following the reading.  Please email me at dederittman@gmail.com  The website www.gradygetsglasses.com now has plush Grady bunnies for sale!

 Please like Dede's new page Grady Gets Glasses for updates about her children's book. https://www.facebook.com/gradygetsglasses?ref=hl 

Connect with Dede!

Twitter       @dederittman

Facebook   Dede Faltot Rittman or Rittman Rules

LinkedIn   Dede Rittman

Google +   Dede Rittman

Tumblr      The Bunny Teacher

Instagram   GradyGetsGlasses

Pinterest   Rittman Publishing, LLC ® 

"I've decided to be happy because it's good for my health." Voltaire

 

                                                                           Women to Women 

I love this quote from Voltaire.  Everything in life is better if a person just carries the proper attitude about it.  In 2012, when my husband died from cancer, I doubted that I would ever be truly happy again.  Yet, I got up each day and looked for a way to be useful to others, and I found that the act of helping another made me feel happy.  It is almost 9 years since Scott died, and I continue to do the same.  Although I do not know the boisterous joy I felt when he was with me, I do feel happy.  And when I feel happy, everything from my arthritis to my heartache feels better.

Doing something for others is such a small thing, yet it offers so many rewards. If you are down, look to serve others.  Your heart and your health, along with your overall outlook and being,  will be better.  

"I've decided to be happy because it's good for my health."  Voltaire

As always, I welcome your comments and suggestions. Rittman Publishing, LLC ®

Please invite Grady Gets Glasses (and me) into your school.  if you are not in the Pittsburgh area, we do virtual field trips with a group called Field Trip Zoom or we will come into YOUR classroom via ZOOM.www.Fieldtripzoom.com  and a company called www.StreamableLearning.com GRADY GETS GLASSES was the winner of Best New Children's Book 2016 and 2018 (new edition) from The Authors' Zone.Grady also won a 2018 prestigious Moonbeam Award for Best Children's Book with Merchandise.

Visit Dede's web page for complete details on her award-winning book, STUDENT TEACHING: THE INSIDE SCOOP FROM A MASTER TEACHER. Many colleges have made the book required reading. Signed copies are available  www.dederittman.com Dede is also a national speaker on The Three C's for Classroom success: Confidence, communication, and Creativity; Avoiding Teacher burnout; and many other inspirational topics. 

I LOVE writing. And I love writing children's books- my newest passion. Although it will be a ton of work, I am looking forward to selling my books.  Since I was a secondary teacher, I know that I have much to learn about elementary students, and I will have to follow my own advice and be my genuine self.  However, I also know that I am passionate about helping kids who have to wear glasses, and that GRADY GETS GLASSES sends a positive message. I am willing to work hard and do all the things that also made me a successful teacher for 37 years. I remain inspired! 

Elementary teachers in Western Pennsylvania and beyond - I am willing to come into your classroom in person or as a virtual field trip through a group called Field Trip Zoom.  Check them out!  http://www.fieldtripzoom.com/ 

Teacher friends- let me know if you want me to read GRADY GETS GLASSES at your school. I am willing to come in to discuss the creative writing process, why writing is important, and personal fulfillment through writing, along with reading my book.  I would appreciate the exposure, and I would make signed copies available for purchase in your classrooms following the reading.  Please email me at dederittman@gmail.com  The website www.gradygetsglasses.com now has plush Grady bunnies for sale!

 Please like Dede's new page Grady Gets Glasses for updates about her children's book. https://www.facebook.com/gradygetsglasses?ref=hl 

Connect with Dede!

Twitter       @dederittman

Facebook   Dede Faltot Rittman or Rittman Rules

LinkedIn   Dede Rittman

Google +   Dede Rittman

Tumblr      The Bunny Teacher

Instagram   GradyGetsGlasses

Pinterest   Rittman Publishing, LLC ® 

"Stand up for the underdog. The 'loser.' Sometimes having the strength to show loving support for unacknowledged others turns the tides of our own lives." Alexandra Katehakis

                                                                             Life Quotes 

I am a huge fan of the movie "Rudy." (1993) Daniel "Rudy" Ruettiger achieved his dream of playing football for Notre Dame after enduring terrible personal strife.  If this movie is on television, I have it turned on and I am tuned in.  My favorite scene is at the end of the film when Rudy enters the game against Georgia Tech in the last 27 seconds.  He is cheered by the entire stadium, and he makes the tackle which ends the game and is carried off the field.  This is the stuff dreams are made of, and although I don't like football very well, I love the triumph of the underdog when he fulfills his dream and passion. I love that others cheer him on, rewarding him for his efforts and recognizing his passion and accomplishment.  I felt the same emotions when Tiger Woods won the 2019 Masters, the greatest sports comeback of all time. The triumph of the underdog is a wondrous thing to watch and feel.

Something about rooting for the underdog also makes us feel good about ourselves.  I think that might be because at some time in our lives, we have all been the underdog, and we have appreciated any support we received. 

If you think you don't know any underdogs, think again. During these COVID times, we can choose to root for so many underdogs!  The small business owners in our own towns have taken terrible monetary hits, and they need the support of the community.  The students who miss their school and friends and teachers need to be heard and listened to, and they need the support of their families.  The essential workers need to hear some kind words.  The doctors and nurses need kindness and support, along with a beach vacation.

It is never easy to be the underdog, but with support, kindness, and caring, underdogs can win. 

Be safe.  Be kind.  Be supportive.

Here is the link to the trailer for "Rudy."  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=firK4y-3bKw

As always, I welcome your comments and suggestions. Rittman Publishing, LLC ®

Please invite Grady Gets Glasses (and me) into your school.  if you are not in the Pittsburgh area, we do virtual field trips with a group called Field Trip Zoom or we will come into YOUR classroom via ZOOM.www.Fieldtripzoom.com  and a company called www.StreamableLearning.com GRADY GETS GLASSES was the winner of Best New Children's Book 2016 and 2018 (new edition) from The Authors' Zone.Grady also won a 2018 prestigious Moonbeam Award for Best Children's Book with Merchandise.

Visit Dede's web page for complete details on her award-winning book, STUDENT TEACHING: THE INSIDE SCOOP FROM A MASTER TEACHER. Many colleges have made the book required reading. Signed copies are available  www.dederittman.com Dede is also a national speaker on The Three C's for Classroom success: Confidence, communication, and Creativity; Avoiding Teacher burnout; and many other inspirational topics. 

I LOVE writing. And I love writing children's books- my newest passion. Although it will be a ton of work, I am looking forward to selling my books.  Since I was a secondary teacher, I know that I have much to learn about elementary students, and I will have to follow my own advice and be my genuine self.  However, I also know that I am passionate about helping kids who have to wear glasses, and that GRADY GETS GLASSES sends a positive message. I am willing to work hard and do all the things that also made me a successful teacher for 37 years. I remain inspired! 

Elementary teachers in Western Pennsylvania and beyond - I am willing to come into your classroom in person or as a virtual field trip through a group called Field Trip Zoom.  Check them out!  http://www.fieldtripzoom.com/ 

Teacher friends- let me know if you want me to read GRADY GETS GLASSES at your school. I am willing to come in to discuss the creative writing process, why writing is important, and personal fulfillment through writing, along with reading my book.  I would appreciate the exposure, and I would make signed copies available for purchase in your classrooms following the reading.  Please email me at dederittman@gmail.com  The website www.gradygetsglasses.com now has plush Grady bunnies for sale!

 Please like Dede's new page Grady Gets Glasses for updates about her children's book. https://www.facebook.com/gradygetsglasses?ref=hl 

Connect with Dede!

Twitter       @dederittman

Facebook   Dede Faltot Rittman or Rittman Rules

LinkedIn   Dede Rittman

Google +   Dede Rittman

Tumblr      The Bunny Teacher

Instagram   GradyGetsGlasses

Pinterest   Rittman Publishing, LLC ®