"A goal is a dream with a deadline." Napoleon Hill

 

                                                                      EnkiQuotes.com 

I saw a little blurb on the news that touched my heart is a big way.  I think that with all teachers, a student's personal triumph - large or small - matters.  Educators can cajole,  push,  and encourage, but the accomplishment is up to the student .  A senior at Windber High School in Windber, Pennsylvania, has spina bifida.  She has been in a wheelchair for her lifetime, although she has always wanted to walk  She left her wheelchair behind on graduation night, when she WALKED - with the aid of her mom and a walker - to receive her diploma.  She dreamed it, she worked toward it, and she accomplished it! What a magnificent personal triumph! I am teary-eyed even writing about this.

When a student reaches a personal goal, it should be celebrated!  I am so thrilled for this young lady that she could achieve her goal and walk across the stage on such a meaningful occasion.  I am sure that many students and teachers cried tears of joy for her.

Here is a video of this wonderful moment.  Congratulations to Megan Ott and her dream walk!  Well done! 

https://wnyt.com/commit-to-kids/pennsylvania-girl-with-spina-bifida-walks-to-receive-high-school-diploma/6127806/ 

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 groups called Field Trip Zoom and Streamable learning . We will come into YOUR classroom via ZOOM. 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 

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