Thursday, December 31, 2020

"Celebrate endings, for they precede new beginnings." Johnathan Lockwood Huie

 

                                                                The Indian Express 


Dear Friends, 

2020 was a disappointment in so many ways.  The pandemic dictated that we attend meetings and weddings via Zoom, eat take out alone, spend Thanksgiving and Christmas in the company of just one's housemates (if you are lucky enough to have housemates), and trade in the glamour of night life for the comfort of pajamas.  Sadly, many lost their lives and their livelihoods because of COVID-19.  Like most other people, I do not care to repeat this year.

On a more positive note, and because I always look for the good, some families have become closer during this quarantine.  Parents who are accustomed to traveling have had ample time to become reacquainted with their spouse and their children.  Cooking skills have been practiced and honed to perfection.  Board games and puzzles have reunited families, and gratitude for the small things in life - going to the movies, eating out, family members,  and playing sports - has increased exponentially.  Everyone learned how to be a part of the Zoom culture.  The clothing coffers of local charities are overflowing from the "big purge" of the quarantine. Home improvement stores have tripled sales because people suddenly had the time to do the projects that have been putting off.  Gardening sales swelled, as we stayed close to home and closer to nature.  The number of rounds of golf played in 2020 numbered 50 million more than in 2019.  It seems that we have realized that we need less, and that others need more. It is good to see 2020 end, and begin anew with 2021.  

As we sweep 2020 out the door, I wish you a happy new year!   

As always, I welcome your comments and suggestionsRittman 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 readingSigned 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   dede_rittman  and Gradygetsglasses
Pinterest   Rittman Publishing, LLC ® 




Thursday, December 24, 2020

"Christmas is a reminder for all of us, that there is something else besides ourselves that we need to care about."

 

                                                                    123greetings.com 


When I was a little girl, I used to ask my mother if Christmas would ever be cancelled.  She laughed and asked me how I came up with such kooky questions.  (I had a great imagination!)  My mother is long gone these 18 years, but I am sure she would not have liked the thousands of cancellations happening at Christmas this year. On my personal calendar, I have fun event after fun event all struck through with a line of cancellation.  Like many others, I have never had less to do!  During the Christmas season, I usually have so many events that I sometimes must  take a nap.  Not this year.  My good friend and neighbor has cancelled her Christmas Eve family gathering.  Some family members have/had COVID, and others have been exposed.  My service to the church choir will not be needed this evening, as we have not been singing nor have we been in church since March 12. Consequently, Barb and I are having Christmas Eve dinner together, and for that, I am grateful.

This year of COVID has taught us many lessons, both pleasant and unpleasant.  I want to focus on just one topic - Hunger. When Americans watch the news and see many food distributions that are happening nationwide, they are seeing the face of hunger.  For many in the long car caravans, this pandemic has forced them, for the first time, to ask for a handout. Watching the tear-filled interviews, viewers find that many of the people in line are the same people who have been supporting their local food banks for years, and now they find themselves on the other side. having to ask for support. Here in Pittsburgh, KDKA TV and radio have collecting money for their THANKS FOR GIVING campaign for many years.  I believe strongly in this charity, and I have never missed giving in over 40 years.  I find it remarkable, that during the year of pandemic when the bottom has fallen out of the worldwide economy, the amount of money collected has broken all records - over $855,000 !  PNC sponsored a  matching funds program - if you donated $50 at a PNC branch, they would match the donation.  Many businesses and groups around Pittsburgh collected, and Wexford Elementary School had the largest donation of $47,488!  Many hungry families are being fed from Thanksgiving to Christmas because of this community charity. Here is a link to the story https://pittsburgh.cbslocal.com/2020/11/25/kdka-tv-turkey-fund-record-breaking-donation-total/ 

In a year where nothing was as it should be, some good things happened.  People recognized the needs of others, and they stepped up. Although our collective Christmases will not be like those we have known so well, it is heartening to know that "Christmas is a reminder for all of us, that there is something else besides ourselves that we need to care about."

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Be safe, be kind, and believe in the goodness of others. 

As always, I welcome your comments and suggestionsRittman 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.

                                                    Grady Gets Glasses as Santa Claus


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 readingSigned 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   dede_rittman  and Gradygetsglasses
Pinterest   Rittman Publishing, LLC ® 
















Saturday, December 19, 2020

"Good company in a journey makes the way seem shorter." Izaak Walton

 

familyoffduty.com 

Like many other Americans are doing during the pandemic, I have been going through bins of items in my storage room and donating them to charity.  I recently found a box of old cookbooks, and when I saw the cover of a special one, it was like finding an old friend.  

I began my 35 year long teaching career at North Allegheny Intermediate High School in 1976.  The faculty was so different from the previous school where I taught.  The NA group ate lunch together, had parties, went out for a drink on Fridays after school, but most importantly, worked together to make the school a better place.  Most everyone on our large staff was friends with everyone else.  Ladies exchanged baby clothes; people did pick up and drop off for a friend with car trouble; fun lunches were planned during the school day; and lessons were shared. Being  part of that staff,  I felt like I was in "school heaven." A husband and wife teacher duo took me home for dinner when my car muffler fell off, and she cooked white he bought the part to re-hang the muffler.  The staff supported the students in the same way they supported each other, so for me, going to school never seemed liked going to work. 

In 1981, we decided to make a faculty cookbook.  Just about every  person contributed, and I can remember the effort that people had to put forth to make this cookbook happen.  First, all recipes had to be typed!  No computers back in 1981, so we had volunteer teacher and parent typists, and the parent volunteers also submitted recipes.  We made an assembly line for the copying process and putting together the book (3 brass fasteners hold it together.) We also had an organized delivery process, and we shared cooking stories of which recipe we made and loved for years thereafter.

When a faculty has this much camaraderie, the students also benefit.  We worked together to help kids, just the same as we worked on everything else in the building. The staff and the students partnered on many worthwhile fundraisers, plays, concerts, and events.  Once, we even spelled out "GO STEELERS" on the football field when the Steelers were in the Super Bowl.  Teachers worked wot make an outline of the letters with crepe paper and buckets of water to freeze the paper in place, and classrooms were assigned which letter in which their class was to stand.  Another teacher arranged for a flyover and an aerial picture to be taken.  The entire school - all 1500 kids and 100+ staff - were engaged in this project, which also made the local news. 

Camaraderie is such an important part of teaching.  In many ways, teachers are like inhabitants of their own little islands when they are in their individual classrooms. and the camaraderie makes the journey through the years of teaching so pleasant. 

As always, I welcome your comments and suggestionsRittman 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 readingSigned 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   dede_rittman  and Gradygetsglasses
Pinterest   Rittman Publishing, LLC ® 






Thursday, December 10, 2020

"How beautiful a day can be, when kindness touches it." George Elliston


                                                                        Quote Fancy 

I was shopping in a Dollar Tree store on Pearl Harbor Day, and I saw an older man at the checkout counter next to me.  He was wearing a face mask that read "Vietnam Veteran."  I spoke to him and said, "Excuse me, sir.  I want to thank you for your service."  He looked at me with such gratitude in his eyes, and he said, "Thank you for your kind words.  You just made my day."  I answered with, "My father was a World War II veteran, and I understand and appreciate your service."  He nodded.

This exchange was such a small interaction, but such a powerful one. He said I "made his day" by saying a "thank you" to him.  I remember - when our veterans returned from Vietnam, they were not appreciated.  Are you of a certain age, and you also remember?  They were actually disdained because of their involvement in a war in which they did not want to participate. It is time that all veterans are appreciated, because freedom is NOT free.

Such a small act of kindness produced such a heartfelt response.  Imagine how much better all of our lives would be if everyone practiced kindness.

Be safe.  Be kind. Make someone's day.  :)  

As always, I welcome your comments and suggestionsRittman 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 readingSigned 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   dede_rittman  and Gradygetsglasses
Pinterest   Rittman Publishing, LLC ® 

Friday, December 4, 2020

"Ah! There is nothing like staying at home for real comfort." Jane Austen

 



The first major snowfall of the winter happened Tuesday in Pittsburgh and the surrounding area.  The snow came down steadily for almost 20 hours, and when it finished, my neighborhood was covered in an 8 inch blanket of pristine snow.  I enjoyed decorating my house for Christmas while watching the gentle snow fall. Such pure and pristine beauty. 

In this strange year of the pandemic, I have noticed that Christmas decorations around town have appeared rather early this year.  I have been reflecting that so many people are so sad, and many people enjoy the beauty of Christmas, so they just had to start early to lift themselves up.  Turns out, I was correct.  I heard a report on the news that sales of live Christmas trees are through the roof, and decorations are flying off shelves.  The report said that people needed something to be happy about, so Christmas and all of its decorating were starting earlier this year. 

In these troubling times, with more Covid 19 cases every day, I think people should pursue what makes them both safe and happy. 

Hoping you are basking in your own decorations and staying comfortable.

As always, I welcome your comments and suggestionsRittman 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 readingSigned 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   dede_rittman  and Gradygetsglasses
Pinterest   Rittman Publishing, LLC ® 



Tuesday, November 24, 2020

Did you know - GRATITUDE shields you from negativity, makes you at least 25% happier . . .improves relationships


Thanksgiving, 2020, will be unlike any other Thanksgiving.  Governors are urging families to stay apart, Traveling is discouraged, and hosting a large group of relatives or friends is not recommended.  COVID 19 has made 2020 a sad and lonely year for many people.  I hope we all can forget this year soon.

Despite the COVID and restrictions, I am still choosing to give thanks and show gratitude. I felt the power of gratitude very profoundly when my husband was ill and after my husband died.  I felt very stuck in sadness.  Scott  was slowly dying from stage 4 colon cancer for 29 months.  We had heartbreaking conversations in the wee hours, where he would whisper, "I don't want to leave you" and I would whisper back, "We have a new treatment plan.  We have to believe."  We both knew he was going to die; he had already lived past his projected 12 month life expectancy, but neither of us could face that conversation. For 29 months, I put on a happy face and pretended my husband was going to live, and he did the same.  Eventually, we did have that final conversation, but we did the best we could to hold each other up.  During those 29 months, we often spoke about how fortunate we were.  We discussed various facets of our lives and childhoods, as well as friendships and experiences we enjoyed.  In some ways, we were living certain moments over again, and remembering, and being thankful, somehow made our burdens lighter. When Scott died and I revisited sad moments, I countered that sadness with moments that made me happy.  For example, I thanked the Lord that although Scott was gone, I had the opportunity to be his wife and live a fun and full life with him for 30 years.  I remembered when we fell in love, and when we decided to get married. I thought about how rich my life became because of his family and extended family, and how they welcomed me into their lives and home for so many years.  After losing my grandmother at age 9, because I married Scott, I suddenly had two grandmothers! So many things for which to be thankful.

I am sad about the restrictions in place for this Thanksgiving, but I am not going to let myself carry that sadness, like a load on my back.  I am going to think of all the things I have to be thankful for, and I am going to speak the names of those things aloud.  Lord, thank you for golf courses, and good friends; for better health this year, and for new tires on my car to make me feel safe in winter driving. Thank you for my two brothers, and a childhood buffered by loving parents and good neighbors. Thank you for a wonderful career of teaching and coaching and directing, and all the relationships that happened because of my wonderful school district.

I think you get the picture. 

Sometimes, I think we become so accustomed to having things and people in our lives, that we forget they are gifts.  I think it is good to consider and remember our blessings, and to show gratitude. 

GRATITUDE

-Shields you from negativity

-Makes you at least 25% happier

-Rewires your brain

-Eliminates stress

-Heals

-Improves sleep

-Boosts self-esteem and performance

-Enhances the law of attraction

-Improves relationships

I hope you will give it a try and see if you feel better!  Happy Thanksgiving!


As always, I welcome your comments and suggestionsRittman 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 readingSigned 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   dede_rittman  and Gradygetsglasses
Pinterest   Rittman Publishing, LLC ® 















Friday, November 20, 2020

"Honesty and transparency make you vulnerable. Be honest and transparent anyway." Mother Theresa

 



Dustin Johnson won The Masters Invitational last week.  It was a wonder to see the beauty of Augusta National in the glorious reds and golds of Fall; I have only ever seen the course in the pastels of Spring. And with no throng of fans at the event, a viewer's perspective on  the golf course changes significantly.

I have long admired Dustin Johnson as a player, but I never felt any connection to him personally.  I know he has a famous father -in-lay in Wayne Gretzky, the great hockey player, and I also know that DJ's wife is supermodel Paulina Gretzky. But I never felt that Dustin Johnson allowed golf fans to see who he really was, inside.  That changed when he won the Masters.  He actually cried as he tried to speak, and to relate the importance of his family team, including his brother, who is his caddy.  He talked about going to the driving range at the age of 7, and his father, a golf professional, who encouraged him.  Just that little bit of information and the showing of emotion allowed patrons a glimpse into the real Dustin Johnson, and I am now a true fan, because of his disclosure. He was honest and transparent with his feelings, and I appreciated that. From what the sports reporters said, so did they. 

I share this story, because I believe that to be the best possible teacher, a person also must be his  true and authentic self.  I am not talking about divulging personal information or sharing problems; rather, a person must show his humaneness and his feelings.  When I was in the classroom, I told my students when I appreciated something they did, and I also shared my sadness when they let me down.  I showed interest in them and in their activities, and they showed interest in mine.  We were honest with each other.  Sometimes, I was required to give an assignment that I did not like, and I told them that although it was a requirement, I was not a fan of that particular assignment.  They appreciated my transparency.  Plenty of times, kids did not have their work finished on the due date.  They knew I did not like lies, and many would tell me the truth and hope and ask for more time.  I appreciated their honesty and would most likely grant more time.  When people know each other for who they really are, classroom life is better. Teaching is entirely about relationships, and working toward relationships of honesty and transparency is a wonderful pathway to success. 

Dustin Johnson increased his fan base last week, and teachers can increase their fan bases, too. Honesty and transparency make for solid relationships, and teaching is all about relationships. 


As always, I welcome your comments and suggestionsRittman 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 readingSigned 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   dede_rittman  and Gradygetsglasses
Pinterest   Rittman Publishing, LLC ® 



Thursday, November 12, 2020

"The influence of a good teacher can never be erased."

 

Lyle D. Fox died on November 9, 2020.  He was my first Principal at North Allegheny Intermediate High School when I was hired in 1976.  I was just 23 years old, and I was one of many young  teachers on the staff. In some ways,  Lyle was like our dad.  He was all about Education and being the best one could be. Although stern when he needed to be, Lyle had a great sense of humor, and his administration and our staff had many fun times at picnics and parties.  

Lyle was a military man before he became a teacher.  He was a man to whom one gave respect.  Just by the way he carried himself, and with his strong physical presence, a person knew that Lyle was a man who knew himself and where he was going. I was chatting with him in his office a few times when an unruly student was brought in, and Lyle handled disciplinary issues with fairness and an open mind.  Although no one ever wants to be sent to the Principal's office, the punishment is easier to take when one knows his side will be heard.

When I first met Lyle, I remember him telling stories about all the jobs he performed for the fledgling North Allegheny Joint Schools, which had just become a new district.  Lyle taught Physical Education and coached the very first North Allegheny teams in Football, Baseball, Basketball, and Track and Field.  As if all those jobs were not enough to keep a person busy, he also was a bus driver and the custodian for the building! Thinking of all he did for the school district, it is difficult to create a realistic number of students whose lives Lyle impacted over those 35 years. Five classes a semester of 30 students each is 150, then add in the same number for second semester.  Think of how many kids played on each of the teams, plus the team managers and team assistants.  Add in the kids from study halls and the kids he knew from driving the bus.  I would have to guess that Lyle impacted many thousands of students in his 35 year career.

As a principal, Lyle held his staff to his own high standards.  In our last exchange of emails, Lyle asked me if any of "his people" (the teachers he hired) were still working. It is a great man who takes such ownership of his decisions. Lyle was both loved and revered by "his people."  In fact, that love inspired this post.

I remember when I became Varsity Girls' Golf Coach in 1978, and Lyle told me that I would come to love coaching even more than I loved  teaching.  Of course, he was right. In fact, I can't think of when Lyle was wrong or unfair during our years together in the building.  He always had an open mind and an open heart, and he listened with both.  I am just one person who is a better individual because of Lyle's influence on my life. 

Rest in Peace, my old friend and mentor. Know that your influence will be felt for years to come, as others pay forward the life lessons you taught them. 

Thank you. Lyle, for friendship and guidance through the years. 



If you would like to know more about Lyle D. Fox, the following is what Lyle's daughter, Becky, wrote on the North Allegheny Facebook page.  He was quite a guy. 

I am sad to report that our dad, Lyle Fox, passed away on November 9, 2020. He was 94. Most of you will know him as a former Administrator at North Allegheny Intermediate and High School. If you will, however, please allow me to take a moment to tell you more about his amazing life. He was born on a farm in Lawrence County not far from New Castle where he excelled in sports. Never one to brag about himself, when I asked what position he played in Football he would say he was an end and a guard. He sat at the end of the bench and guarded the water bucket. Upon discharge from his service in the US Air Force, where he told me he spent his time sweeping the runways with a big push broom when in reality he served on the base military police force, Dad was signed as a Pitcher with a farm team for the Cleveland Indians. After a career ending injury, he returned to Pennsylvania where he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Education from Slippery Rock. Dad was hired by North Allegheny Schools as one of the district’s original staff members. He was North Allegheny’s first head coach in Football, Baseball, Basketball, and Track and Field. Upon earning his Master’s Degree from University of Pittsburgh, Dad became an Administrator for the district and retired after 35 years of service. During his time at NA, he was a member of Ingomar United Methodist Church, served on several boards with the WPIAL, and had roles in most of the North Star Players productions. When anyone would ask him how he got his minor roles with the North Star Players he would say it was because they were using the school auditorium and he had the keys. Lyle loved to have a garden and a beautiful lawn. He was an amazing husband and an exceptional example as a father. He cared about his students and I’ve been told he treated those that visited his office with respect. He was loved and respected by his teachers and friends. Upon retirement, Mom and Dad moved to Ormond Beach, Florida where he volunteered and assisted in organizing the Ormond Senior Games. Life came full circle for him when he became the official score keeper of the Daytona Cubs minor league baseball team. He is a member of the Lawrence County Sports Hall of Fame as well as a member of the North Allegheny Sports Hall of Fame. In his final years Dad lived in Coppell, Texas. He is preceded by our mother, Marge, and our brother, Bruce. Both Cindy and I were blessed to be able to spend several days with him before his passing in the early morning hours on Monday. Besides Cindy and I as well as our husbands, Mark and Larry, he leaves behind 4 Grandchildren and 6 Great Grandchildren. We plan to have a memorial service in Pittsburgh for both our mother and father once this pandemic allows all of our family members to feel more comfortable traveling. We hope that many of you will join us when that time comes.  

As always, I welcome your comments and suggestionsRittman 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 readingSigned 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   dede_rittman  and Gradygetsglasses
Pinterest   Rittman Publishing, LLC ®