"Longtime friends are family that we choose." Patrick Regan

 

                                                                     www.wow4u.com

I have been retired from teaching since June of 2011, when I had to retire when my husband was dying from cancer.  I was not ready to retire, as I had taught only 37 years, and I wanted to stay at least 40 years.  I loved school!  One of the reasons I enjoyed my career so much was the great staff of friends I worked with.  My building was just for 9th and 10th grade students, and we had a large student population and staff.  Teachers, paras, clerical staff, and all other support staff worked together and formed great and lasting friendships.  Many of those friends have not seen each other in the past several years, all because of COVID.  That is about to change!  I am currently working with a few other retired staff members to plan a reunion picnic for our retired group.  After sending out just one group email, I have received so many responses and phone calls, prompting many memories and lots of laughs.  My heart is uplifted!

Reconnecting with others is something that many folks desperately need right now.  After so many long months of isolation, getting back to longtime friends is like returning to the arms of a loving family after a long trip away from home. 

I hope you can reconnect with someone from your list of longtime friends.  I promise your heart will feel happier! 

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

"If you are going to get anywhere in life, you have to read a lot of books." Raold Dahl

 

                                                                A Mighty Girl - Facebook 

I believe that reading is the single most important skill one can acquire.  When I was a child, twice a week I walked to the bookmobile (library on wheels) that came to our Heights Plaza Shopping Center.  The librarian became a friend, and she hand selected books that she knew would pique my interest.  She never disappointed.  Because of my love for reading, I did not experience that "summer slide" in education that plagues so many students.  

I saw a piece on the TODAY SHOW this morning about the author of the GOOSEBUMPS series, R. L. Stine. His books are aimed at an audience of 7-11 year olds.  In case you do not know, Stine has written over 300 books in the series, and sold more than 400 million books!  The books have also inspired 2 movies and a television show. Mr. Stine says that although technology has changed, fear of  the dark, lurking monsters, being somewhere new, and being lost have not changed, so kids still enjoy his books.

Watching this interview with R. L. Stine prompted me to write this blog.  If you are the parent, aunt, uncle, or grandparent of a child 7-11 years old, and if they have not experienced any of the GOOSEBUMPS books, help them to discover a new love for reading!  Not only will their reading skills improve, you will help to stop their brains from falling into the dreaded "summer slide."  Time spent reading is never a waste of time, and time with a book makes for less time on electronic devices. You would be fostering a love for reading and lifelong learning, two pastimes that I strongly endorse.  Reading is the most important skill for success. 

If you would like to see the charming interview with R. L. Stine, here is the link: 

https://www.today.com/popculture/books/goosebumps-author-rl-stine-on-how-childhood-inspired-series-rcna35439

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

"A good coach can change a game. A great coach can change a life." John Wooden

 

                                                                 QuoteNova.net 

Teachers and coaches have such great opportunities to make a difference in the lives of their students and athletes. Temple University Women's Fencing Coach Nikki Franke has been making a difference for 50 years.  The only African American coach in Division I Fencing, she began her career as head coach in 1972, and yes, she is returning again next Fall.  Her fencing coach helped her to receive a college scholarship and to become an olympic athlete, and she has been paying it forward for 50 years.  Nikki likens teaching and coaching fencing to a physical game of chess.

I love her inspiring story and her continued enthusiasm for her sport and her players.  Nikki Franke has helped to shape thousands of lives in her 50 years of coaching.  She exemplifies the quote, "A good coach can change a game, a great coach can change a life." John Wooden   

To see an interview with Nikki Franke, please follow this link:

https://www.nbcnews.com/nightly-news/video/temple-fencing-coach-nikki-franke-has-been-inspiring-athletes-for-50-years-142557765508

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

"Education is for improving the lives of others and for leaving your community and world better than you found it." Marian Wright Edelman

 

                                                                            AZ QUOTES

Every school has students who are uninterested in learning and at risk for dropping out. In today's world, the chance to succeed is largely influenced by the education one has acquired, so if a student drops out, the prospects for success are bleak.  Lots of high schools work with students, creating alternative high schools, offering a school and work program, and many other programs to help keep kids in school.  I saw a segment on television about a program that is making a huge difference in the lives of people who want to finish their high school education requirements and graduate.  The program is called PROJECT SUCCEED,  located in Pittsburgh, PA. 

Joel Vanucci was hired by the Keystone Oaks School District as Dean of Students over 35 years ago.  He observed that many students were in danger of dropping out, and spoke to his principal about an idea to help kids to get those last few credits or to revisit school and achieve the diploma.  This year was the 35 years of PROJECT SUCCEED, and Joe and his staff have helped 4,000 students to graduate in those 35 years.  Of those students, 72% moved on to post secondary education, in colleges, community college, trade and technical schools, and in the armed forces. 

Students in the program this year graduated last Thursday, and their ages vary from 18-45.  They attend an evening school at Keystone oaks HS, and the number of classes and hours they must spend depends on what requirements they need for graduation. The program is open to anyone in western Pennsylvania. 

Joel Vanucci is making a huge difference in the lives of others.   His dedication to his students is a beautiful thing to see.  What is Joe's best advice at graduation?  "Don't let anyone tell you that you can't succeed" and "Work hard - you will be successful."

This program is one that could be incorporated into many school districts. Often, students who dropped out are sorry, and they have nowhere to turn.  I would like to see other schools across the country follow this model of success. 

To see an interview with Joel Vanucci, Executive Director of PROJECT SUCCEED, please click on the link below. 

https://www.cbsnews.com/pittsburgh/sunday-spotlight/

The program saw it's 3000th graduate 5 years ago.  Below is the link to an informative article about PROJECT SUCCEED. 

https://thealmanac.net/news/project-succeed-marks-30-years-graduates-3-000th-student/article_57cbf572-6f2f-11e8-970e-1b04617ec58d.html

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

"Inclusion is not a matter of political correctness. It's the key to growth." Jesse Jackson

 

                                                                    FNDUSA, Jul 17, 2019 

                                                             

I saw a segment on NBC Nightly News that I have to share.  First, a little background. I grew up in a baseball family.  My dad played baseball as a young man and semi-professional baseball as a young adult.  Both of my brothers were in the local little league program.  I wanted to play as well, but in the 1960's, baseball was only for boys.  I still managed to play hundreds of games with the neighborhood guys in a field that was part of a local cemetery near our house.

When my brothers and I were growing up, we knew local kids who has special needs, both mental and physical. We also noticed that there were no organized sports for these kids.  I can remember asking my mother about this problem of lack of inclusion and belonging, and she said, "It is just the way it is.  Maybe someday things will change."  

To my delight, I saw the clip on NBC about the Miracle league and the opening of their newest baseball field in Watkins, GA.  Working with another nonprofit called Extra Special people, this new field offers an opportunity to all the people with special needs - adults and kids - who have never had the opportunty to play the game and be a part of a team.  The game is modified, and each player is assigned a "buddy" to assist during the game.  The score doesn't matter - everyone who is playing feels like a winner.  For many of these players, this is the very first chance to be a participant, rather than an onlooker. The new field in Georgia is their 300th field.   In the baseball games sponsored by the Miracle League, happiness abounds.  I hope you will take two minutes to watch this delightful video from NBC News. 

https://www.nbcnews.com/nightly-news/video/new-field-making-baseball-accessible-to-players-of-all-abilities-141733957717

I loved teaching for 37 years, and inclusion has always been very important to me, in the classroom, on the stage, and in sports.  I love that America's pastime is making so many smiles for new players. 

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

"Work is the rent you pay for the room you occupy on Earth." Queen Elizabeth II

 

Today is Queen Elizabeth's platinum jubilee.  That means that at the age of 96, she has been on the throne since she was 26 years old.  It is a job she never volunteered to do, never signed up to do, but it is a job that she has continued to do with dignity and grace, through both peaceful times and war.  The world is a much different place than when she became Queen in 1952 (the year I was born), yet she has learned to navigate the changes without losing her way.  Today is a great day to think about the lessons we can learn from the Queen of England.  Here are just a few: 

1.  Bloom where you are planted.  Queen Elizabeth worked hard to be the best she could be.  In fact, she is still working at that, 70 years later.  She has been completely devoted to her subjects these 70 years.

2. No matter what happens, keep your dignity.  The Queen's reaction is not to waver when unpleasant circumstances and events happen to her.  We can all learn to control our attitudes and reactions.

3.  Do your best every single day.  Even when the pandemic shut everything down, Queen Elizabeth continued to work from her computer at the palace. Through the years, she has kept a grueling schedule.  

4.  Keep up with technology.  During her 1952 coronation, Queen Elizabeth II realized that television would change everything, so her cononation was televised.  Who could have predicted the technological changes of the next 70 years, all of which the Queen has embraced.

5. Hard work is its own reward, and there is great satisfaction in doing one's best.  

Happy 70th anniversary to the longest ruling monarch in the world.  Thank you for providing so many life lessons. God Save the Queen!

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

"Charity sees the need, not the cause." German Proverb

 

                                                                            JuicyQuotes.com 

                                                                

I am a person who donates to St. Jude Hospital, which costs about $1.7 million to run each day.  Just thinking about a child with cancer is enough to make me cry, and that urge to cry has become even worse since my husband died from cancer. Cancer is so mean - it doesn't care who you are or what your age is. Everyone has been touched by the hand of cancer, whether it is someone you know or yourself. 

A little boy named Calvin was a cancer patient at St. Jude's Hospital.  He was feeling so many conflicting emotions during his treatment - the love of those caring for him, the fear of the disease, the happy emoji, as he tried to stay happy.  Calvin was in treatment with both chemo and radiation treatments, and then he relapsed and had to return for more treatments. Calvin is also a boy who likes monster trucks.  He drew a monster truck with his selected emojis, and MonsterTrucks.com made his drawing into a real toy!  How exciting! For each of the toy trucks purchased, $10 will go toward St. Jude Hospital.  If you are interested in purchasing a truck, here is the website: https://www.monsterjamsuperstore.com/searchresults.asp?Search=calvin%27s+emoji+truck

Last week, Monster Trucks surprised Calvin and his mother during an interview on FOX News. They made a REAL (not toy) monster truck from Calvin's drawing, and Calvin and his mom will get to see that truck in action when they are guests at the Monster Jam World Finals. Here is the link to the interview, where you can meet Calvin and see the giant truck with Calvin's emojis! 

https://www.foxnews.com/lifestyle/st-jude-patient-designs-monster-jam-toy-truck

Our world is filled with so many bad news stories right now, so I wanted to share a good news story.  I also applaud the Monster Trucks organization for their contributions to St. Jude, and for making the public aware of the needs of the hospital. They saw the need and stepped up to help save lives. 

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