Thursday, August 26, 2021

"It is indeed ironic that we spend our school days yearning to graduate and our remaining days waxing nostalgic about our school days." Isabel Waxman


                                                                     WishaFriend.com 


My 50 + 1 year class reunion was this past weekend.  The Class of 1970 had to wait an additional year to get together because of COVID.  My class was the second year of the merger of two schools - Har-Brack and Tarentum - two small districts that combined to make one larger and more economical district called Highlands School District.  My class was the first one in the brand new high school, and we seemed to understand the expectations put upon our shoulders, as the kids from Tarentum and Har-Brack worked together in athletics, academics, dramatics, and community improvement.  The students in my class became very close, and 51 years later, those deep feelings of friendship and common purpose remain. 

I loved school.  If you ask most teachers why they became teachers, the answer will be that they loved school, or they were good at school.  Just as I enjoyed school, many of my former classmates also became teachers.  many followed in their parents footsteps, working at the nearby Allegheny Ludlum Steel plant, which is now Allegheny Technologies. Some moved thousands of miles away, but many stayed in the Alle-Kiski Valley where we grew up.

My class had 653 students, of which 104 are deceased.  We are, after all, 69-69 years old.  Although we had a decent turnout, I wish that more of my old friends would have shown up for this once in a lifetime milestone.  It was wonderful to catch up and reminisce with my old school chums, several of whom I have not seen for a true 50 years.  Certain individuals show up for every event - I am one of them - but others just do not want to be bothered, it seems.  Thinking about this makes me wonder makes me wonder :

Did they not have a positive school experience?

Are they lacking self-confidence?

Did they gain or lose a lot of weight?

Are they ill and don't want anyone to know?

Do they not like their classmates?

Did they not achieve what they hoped to achieve?

Whatever their reasons, I still wish they would have attended.  Especially in these times of COVID, it was so wonderful to get together with old friends.  Memories of school and the teenage years have flooded my memory for days since the Friday night ice breaker and the Saturday night reunion, and for those memories, I am so grateful. 

My class will be having another big party next year - The Class of 1970 will be turning 70!  With our group, that is a good reason to get together.  

I strongly recommend that you attend your next class reunion.  For me, it was fun to remember simpler times. In fact, it is 5 days since the reunion, and I am still thinking about it, which is why it is the topic of my post this week!

As always, I welcome your comments and suggestionsRittman Publishing, LLC ®

Please invite GRADY GETS GLASSES (and me) into your school, in person, or on Zoom. Email us at GradyGetsGlasses@gmail.com

I do college and university presentations for student teachers with my practical "Dede's Three C's for Classroom Success: Confidence, Communication, and Creativity" in person or via Zoom. Please email me at DedeRittman@gmail.com

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 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   GradyGetsGlassesPinterest   Rittman Publishing, LLC ® 




Wednesday, August 18, 2021

"The beginning is the most important part of the work." Plato

 

                                                                     Country Living Magazine 


When mid-August arrives, it means new beginnings - Fall sports tryouts, band practice, dance team drills, new school subjects, new classes, new teachers, new friends, and new interests - all centered around the start of the new school year.  I have always loved this time of year.  During my 37 years of teaching and my 33 years of coaching girls' and boys' golf, I liked the promise and new start of August even more than the resolutions and new beginnings of January 1.  On the first day of school, there are no failures, just the undertaking of a new and exciting start to school life.


The students I have spoken with are so excited about returning to in-person learning this year.  After the loneliness and isolation of the pandemic, expectations and excitement for the new school year are running high!  And, why not?  As the country struggles to return to pre-pandemic life, students and teachers are eager to be back in school.  One thing I learned in my 37 years teaching 10th grade English is this:  kids need their friends.  They learn to grow and mature through their relationships with friends, which are so essential to well-being.  Last year, many students became despondent during their seclusion and took their own lives.  Kids need each other, just as adults need other adults.  Life isn't worth much without the enrichment of relationships in our daily lives. 


My 51 year high school class reunion is coming up on the weekend, and my high school memories are as fresh as if they happened yesterday.  I loved school - of course!  That's why I became a teacher! - and I hope for similar experiences for all students.  


I hope the beginning of this school year is exciting and fulfilling for all students and teachers.  Here's to a successful year! 

As always, I welcome your comments and suggestionsRittman Publishing, LLC ®

Please invite GRADY GETS GLASSES (and me) into your school, in person, or on Zoom. Email us at GradyGetsGlasses@gmail.com

I do college and university presentations for student teachers with my practical "Dede's Three C's for Classroom Success: Confidence, Communication, and Creativity" in person or via Zoom. Please email me at DedeRittman@gmail.com

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 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   GradyGetsGlassesPinterest   Rittman Publishing, LLC ® 





Monday, August 9, 2021

"A true hero isn't measured by the size of his strength, but by the strength of his heart." Zeus from "Hercules"


                                                               Pinterest Inspirational Hero Quotes 

I have several great nieces and great nephews, and I buy toys for them each Christmas.  Even with all the battery-operated and Internet driven toys today, their favorite toys are still trucks and dinosaurs and building blocks and other games to use the imagination. I always like the toys that exercise the imagination!

I saw a new toy introduced by Mattel last week that caught my attention.  Mattel has introduced a line of dolls (sort of like Barbie dolls) that are patterned after real  American women on the front lines of COVID.  Mattel has created these dolls to look like the real women they are - a nurse, a psychiatrist, a professor, and doctors, right down to their tattoos!  I like this idea so much, because it tells girls that if they can dream it, with hard work, they can be it. These dolls teach young people that heroes are much more than mythical people like Batman and Spiderman and Wonder Woman. 

Here is a link to an interview with Professor Sarah Gilbert, Project Manager of the Oxford/AstraZenaca vaccine.  The doll features her red hair and large black glasses.

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/mattel-barbie-doll-oxford-atrazeneca-covid-19-vaccine-sarah-gilbert/ 

To see the full list of the women honored by Mattel dolls, please click on the link below to take you to the full article. 

https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210803006181/en/Mattel-Once-Again-Says-ThankYouHeroes-by-Supporting-First-Responders-Children%E2%80%99s-Foundation-and-Honoring-Global-Frontline-Medical-Workers-with-One-of-a-Kind-Barbie-Dolls

My darling 5 year old great niece Lily just might be getting a special doll for Christmas this year! 


As always, I welcome your comments and suggestionsRittman Publishing, LLC ®

Please invite GRADY GETS GLASSES (and me) into your school, in person, or on Zoom. Email us at GradyGetsGlasses@gmail.com

I do college and university presentations for student teachers with my practical "Dede's Three C's for Classroom Success: Confidence, Communication, and Creativity" in person or via Zoom. Please email me at DedeRittman@gmail.com

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 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   GradyGetsGlassesPinterest   Rittman Publishing, LLC ® 







Monday, August 2, 2021

"Reading is the gateway skill that makes all other learning possible." Barack Obama

 

                                                                Oprah Daily 

I love books.  In junior high school, I read almost the entire library of fiction books.  I read the encyclopedias we had at home.  I saved my allowance to buy scholastic books in elementary school.   I would call myself a "bookholic,"  but I know I am not alone.  In fact, most teachers I know love books.  Even when we replaced our English classroom textbooks during my 37 years in the classroom, I hated to throw the old ones away, and our department usually found another school to donate them.  #Savethebooks! 

I am not the only one who loves books, and some very special people made something wonderful happen with discarded books. I just read a story that is new to me - although it happened a few years ago.  No matter - the idea is so good, it is worth writing about!

Seems that some garbage collectors in Turkey just couldn't bear to throw books away.  So, they started saving them.  In fact, they saved enough books from the trash heap to fill an entire new library! 

Sometimes, wonderful things can happen because of a good idea and a few people working together!  Such a beautiful and uplifting story!  Here is a picture of the trash heap books that became a library and link to the story: 

https://edition.cnn.com/2018/01/15/europe/garbage-collectors-open-library-with-abandoned-books/index.html?fbclid=IwAR3Nsga5VwFX40-adxPUlMibKasiEEodabakJGqDHkxC3Hukb-DK_0j2Vn8 


As always, I welcome your comments and suggestionsRittman Publishing, LLC ®

Please invite GRADY GETS GLASSES (and me) into your school, in person, or on Zoom. Email us at GradyGetsGlasses@gmail.com

I do college and university presentations for student teachers with my practical "Dede's Three C's for Classroom Success: Confidence, Communication, and Creativity" in person or via Zoom. Please email me at DedeRittman@gmail.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   GradyGetsGlassesPinterest   Rittman Publishing, LLC ®