A Very Special Birthday

Greetings to you my fellow BETS!

I decided to change my opening greeting because I never know exactly when I am going to post, or when you all will get around to reading it.  So there we go.

Today is not my birthday, let's just get that  out of the way. A week or so ago, I made the comment that I have hundreds of stories about my kids at school that I want to share.  I believe I made the comment that they would be for “Another Day”.  Well, welcome to “Another Day”.  I won’t share all of them of course, just one for now.

Over the last two years, I have kind of kept myself at an arm’s length with my students as a whole.  Some kids of course, you connect with quickly, but for the most part I have tried to shield them from seeing the real me.  I’m not sure if this is for them, or if this is for me.  Maybe a bit of both.

This year, I discovered that I have a few “Birthday Buddies” here at school.  I’m not sure why, but this really got me excited.  I love the fact that I share my birthday with some of the kids!  So much fun to be had, now multiplied by the additional characters!

In learning this, I apparently made it clear as to when my birthday actually falls.  Now this could have been when I mentioned I had birthday buddies.  Or it may have been when a student asked me directly.  Or possibly it was when I would announce every day, two weeks prior to the date, how many shopping days were left until said event.  Anyway, it doesn’t really matter how they found out, but they did.

I was really touched when one of my students came to my room before her class with the bag of goodies you see in the picture.  If you can’t see it well, there is a chocolate bar wrapped in a Dementos wrapper, some truffles with wings added to resemble Golden Snitches, a bag with a Gryffindor tie on it, an awesome Prefect Badge, and a wonderful birthday card with Ron, Harry and Hermione on it.  Obviously she and I had shared our love for the Harry Potter series before this date.

What really got me though, was the time and thought that it took this student to put this together for me.  This was one very special moment for me this year.  A couple of other students also got me candy bars(my students know me), and I think I got a special Doughnut and Coffee in the morning as well.  I also got many, “It’s your birthday today, Mr. Ringenberg?  Happy Birthday!”, which of course was also cool.  But the Harry Potter Gift bag.  Did I ever do any of that for a teacher? No, of course not.  Heck I probably never even acknowledged my teachers’ birthdays.

My takeaway from this was that I need to be that thoughtful in preparing for my kids in the morning.  My lesson plans may not thrill them, and my homework won’t score points for me I am sure.  But maybe, if I plan on being truly present with all of my interactions with each of them, I can convey a measure of thoughtfulness, as my students do to me.  Let’s hope so, huh?

Remember, if you like what you are reading, don’t forget to follow me on Google Plus, subscribe on the top right, and recommend posts at the bottom of each post using Google Plus, Twitter and Facebook etc.  Thanks again for reading!

Update-Garrett The Wandering Goose

Good Morning BET’s!

Today, I wanted to take a few minutes to update you on my status of “Unpublished Author”.  No, the status hasn’t changed, so don’t get too excited.  After two years of submitting my manuscript to scores of literary agents and publishers, I have come to the conclusion that Garrett, the Wandering Goose’s time, has not yet come.

I still believe this story has a lot to offer, but maybe it will be to a slightly different audience.  I would like to see if any specific sub group will pick up on what I view as good humor with a message.  To that end, I have decided to self-publish this through Amazon Kindle Publishing.  I just want to get it out there and see what people think and maybe get some direction for my other efforts.

Right now, I am looking for an artist to come up with a look for Garrett, hopefully similar to how I envision him.  To me, he is a Fonzie wanna be, in a flock that doesn’t understand retro comedy.  I have a couple of students who I am going to approach to give it a shot, based on work they have shown to me at school.  Anyone else interested, shoot me a message and let’s talk.

I did want to share a few stanzas from the text for your enjoyment(hopefully).  Please let me know what you think, good or bad.  Once again, looking for direction here.  I hope you enjoy it.

Garrett The Wandering Goose

I am but a goose with a story to tell,

Just hoping you’ll listen, and you’ll listen well. 

‘Bout a misguided creature so angry and vain,

Aggressive and sure, but hiding his pain.

His skin it is hidden behind certain shielding

That keeps him aloft and provides a warm feeling.

His feet are grotesque, pale, yellow and wide.

And he wears a down coat made of aged fowl hide.

His lips he has none, rarely needing to utter,

His life it is Spartan, no sign of a clutter.

His voice is unnerving, more bass than of treble.

Some call him a problem, still others a rebel.

His ways they are timeless a true epic struggle

He’s obviously needing a blanket to snuggle.

When his problem grabs you, there is no good end.

I’m speaking of course of not being a good friend.

To speak of him scares me I have to admit.

But his story must carry, this I submit.

So without further fanfare, without any ruse,

I present to you Garrett, the wondering goose.

And remember, if you like what you are reading, don’t forget to follow me on Google Plus, subscribe on the top right, and recommend posts at the bottom of each post using Google Plus, Twitter and Facebook etc.  Thanks again for reading!

Experimental Education...ers! I Just Can't Help Myself

Good Afternoon BET’s!

Okay, so today I am addressing my regular readers…all seven of you.  If you are a friend of mine on Facebook, you are familiar with what I am about to share.

This fall, I am going to be trying some new educational techniques with my students.  These techniques are some that I have come across in my extensive research of leading education…ers…niner.  Okay, this is something that I came up with and has no data to support its effect on learning.  But, it is a cool idea, I think.

Here is the gist.  I want students to incorporate music, poetry, writing, drawing, painting or any other ways of expressing themselves, into the computer curriculum that I have put together.  I want them to feel empowered to express themselves in various ways, and allow that expression to be a part of the lessons that we will be working through daily.

To this end, I have asked my Facebook and Twitter followers for donations of any musical instruments (really, ANY) for use this fall in my classroom.  So far, I have received a guitar a drum set, and possibly a banjo!  So now I extend this invitation to my many readers!

(Most Important Paragraph)

I am also asking for your help with any ideas you all may have regarding how I might accomplish this.  If any of you have any great ideas or experience in this area, your thoughts would be greatly appreciated.  Although I have a general idea of how I want to proceed with this, I can use all the help I can get from your vast experiences.  Please comment below and give me all you’ve got.  There are no stupid suggestions!  Please, comment away!

So, I thank you in advance for all of your ideas and donations.  Remember, even a harmonica could have a great impact on the kids this fall.  So, dust off those cellos, bassoons and drumsticks and let me know how I can get a hold of them.  And yes, I would accept the chicken drumsticks as well…just not too spicy please.

And remember, if you like what you are reading, don’t forget to follow me on Google Plus, subscribe on the top right, and recommend posts at the bottom of each post using Google Plus, Twitter and Facebook etc.  Thanks again for your support!

My Life as an Unpublished Author

Hello out there all you BET's!  So, it has once again be awhile since my last post.  In that time, I have finally finished my first children's book.  I have submitted it to the publishing agent I really want, and now it is all about waiting...and contentment...and counting my blessings...and all of the other stuff I say to myself to keep from thinking about being unpublished.

Before

After

This book has been a labor of love for over seven years.  Garrett The Wandering Goose(working title) was started about two years before Garrison passed, and then I took a five year hiatus to grieve and blame myself.  Not the best use of a hiatus, but I am finally back in a good place, hence the completion of the book.(I love it when I can find a use for the word 'Hence')

Anyway, for those of you who know me, you know that a seven year timeline on the book is not so outrageous.  After all, it took me eleven years to get my Bachelors degree.  And I think I am the first recipient of the 17 year Masters at IU.  So seven years is nothing in Mark World.  I am just glad I am not a dog or these numbers would be ridiculous...er.

So, my story is about a goose who is too cool for the gaggle or skein, depending on their flight status, and decides to go out and seek his fortune elsewhere.  He has numerous adventures and comes to the conclusion that a gooses life as a loner goes much slower and is much harder, especially in flight.  So he learns to be a good friend and helps himself, and the other geese learn about forgiveness, fortitude, and proper flight.

About six years ago, upon reading the first draft, Brenda said, "You realize this is your own story, right?"  I totally denied it and pointed out that my life doesn't rhyme nearly that much.  But after much reading and shouts from my office of, "No Way!  That is me!", I came to the conclusion that she was right.  I also came to the conclusion that most children's books and fiction books in general, are someones story.  Even the Grinch rings true for many of us.  And don't get me started on how many of my friends are the Lorax...and Wilford Brimley of course.

There is great freedom in being unpublished.  I know how great my story is and I can just live with the greatness of the text in my head.  No outsiders input to tell me what mistakes I made or that geese don't really behave the way I have depicted them.  So now that the writing is finally out of the way, I can move on.  I am currently starting Garrett's next adventure, just to make sure I don't lose my unpublished writer's touch.  Ahh, freedom.

Goodwill and Salvation Army...Why have you forsaken us?

About ten years ago, I really embraced shopping at thrift stores.  At the time, I was covering the city of Chicago for my company and was able to find not only a great variety of Goodwill stores and Salvation Army stores, but independents like, The Find out in La Grange.  These were a sanctuary for me after a busy day of selling.  I would pop in and browse, and more often than not, I would leave with some coveted blazer by Hickey Freeman, or a Brooks Brothers suit, neither of which I would have paid more than a few bucks.  There almost seemed to be a type of chicness to shopping this way.  And as the word spread, I believe, so did the greed.

With the influx of more affluent, or maybe middle class shoppers shopping in these stores, Goodwill and Salvation Army seem to have changed their mission.  They seem to think that if something is worth more new, than it should be worth more used as well.  Now I won't argue that there is some logic in that.  But these are Not For Profit Charitable organizations and these are the same items that five years ago, were considered generic donations and were accepted without question and put on the shelf.  No price checking to see if they could make a few extra bucks. What I question is the motivation behind this change in policy.  Have things changed for the real needy in America?  Have things gotten better to the point that we can all afford to pay more for used and mostly donated clothing items? Or is it an issue from the other side.  Have Goodwill and Salvation Army adopted a policy of paying their workers a better living wage, hence needing to raise prices?  I kind of doubt that one.

Is there a place in the donated or consignment world for higher end clothing to be priced this way?  Absolutely!  It's called Boutique consignment stores, or Plato's Closet.  They exist, and for the people that are looking for that and prefer not to shop at Goodwill or Salvation Army, you have a home.  

If I'm honest, in my case, I can afford to pay more right now.  A year ago...no.  But what about all of the people that depend on these stores for their clothes and household items exclusively?  I often see people shopping there that I know, really don't have a choice.  Why are we penalizing them for the shopping habits of more affluent people?  Even worse in my opinion, is the fact that I see only two solutions.  The first would be that as a people, we stop shopping at these establishments unless we really can't afford to shop elsewhere.  The second would be for these two NOT FOR PROFIT corporations to get back to doing what they used to do best...Charity.

2012 Picture Day at Jefferson

Other than the "2012", this title could be as timeless as a 1967 Corvette. Aren't all picture days the same? The night before, thinking about what to wear. Be honest guys, even we did it. The morning of, your mom making sure you didn't wear your favorite striped shirt with plaid pants. The "walk of Fame", sporting your very best outfit as you walked into school for the day. The anticipation of when your class will be called down to the gym. Now, from the inside, I see that it has hardly changed.

Today was picture day at Jefferson Elementary School, where I work. What a day! The kids looked so great in their not so oft worn ensembles. It is funny though, some kids really do it up, and others just don't get into it that much. I understand that some of that is economic in nature, but I think there is more to it than that.

Some kids like the whole "dress up" gig. It's fun for them to get all fancied up. Some of the older kids come to compete, it is obvious. Many just conform to the group of kids they hang around. Some kids I am certain, think what they normally wear is already good enough, so why upgrade for a photo? I think I am in this camp.

Today was special for me though. Today, I was reminded of the most magical part about picture day for us guys. The FREE COMB! Sure, most of us had a comb or several at home. But this was the brass ring. The slim black beauty...and free! Some of us would even go to the bathroom before our turn and mess up our hair, just so we could land that tiny plastic piece of black magic. We would sport around all day with that thing hanging out of our back pockets, asking each male passerby non chalantly, "Did you uh, get the free comb?" Many of our friends would look back in horror, forgetting the whole reason for all of the pageantry, knowing that they would have to wait 365 days for this chance to present itself again.

Today, sadly, I was an adult. When asked by a bright eyed third grader, "Did you get the free comb?” I had to awkwardly reply, "Oh man!" Oh well, at least next year is not a leap year...only 364 days to go.

Chasing the Ice Cream Truck

As a parent, I think we spend too much time making rules for our kids.  I remember vividly, my dad saying, "You're too old for that!"  That is how we seem to be as a nation.  We can't be the Peter Pan character, so we turn into mean old Captain Hook.

Who can make this repulsive trend turn around?  Maybe we all can, with a little help from our inner child.

Let me ask you a couple of questions to get things started. 

1.  When was the last time you went to the playground to swing?  I get to push kids on swings everyday at my job.  I pull them back and let go with a little push and they are off.  That's all I do.  They giggle and laugh and laugh out loud as their tummy makes that uncomfortable, but pleasurable gentle lift.  It cracks them up and for a small time makes all of the school days problems go away.  When I am stressed out I usually get an aspirin or two and flip the TV on to the Drone channel.  Why don't I go to the park and swing?!

2.  When was the last time you had ice cream.  I don't mean the kind you get, made en mass at the grocery, I'm talking about the individually wrapped kind that you can only find waiting for you on the ice cream truck.  You hear the bells and that familiar jingle, and your kids may make a mention of it.  But why don't you chase that truck?  Remember how good that tasted on a hot summer day?  Remember how it made all the hassles go away?

I think it is up to us as parents to reteach our children on this issue.  When I am 80, would I rather sit around and complain about the old days, or  be seen swinging in the park with ice cream running down my arm?  The choice is easy and obvious.  As for me and my family, we will chase the ice cream truck!

Blessings in a Backpack Update!

Went to a great meeting last night with the people working with Blessings in a Backpack.  Last year they were able to serve 25 students, providing weekend meals for the entire school year.  In less than 9 months, they have increased their goal to serve 100 students!  This is where all of us step in. 

At the meeting last night, we were able to secure commitments from four people who will serve as coordinators at the school level in the Plymouth school district..  These people will pack the backpacks and work with the kids, making sure that the backpacks are returned each week so that they can be filled for the following weekend.  We are still in need of many volunteers, so contact Chris Garner or Ellen Stillson and let them know of your interest in serving this incredible organization locally.

To meet this aggressive goal, we need to continually tell people about this great program.  Once people see the great need this organization meets, people seem to want to help.  You can go directly to Blessingsinabackpack.org, or read my previous blog about the organization on this website.  The great thing, once again, about Blessings, is that ALL of the money raised goes to buying food for the kids.  The backpacks are supplied by the parent organization, so all of your money goes directly to feeding truly hungry kids.  This can mean the difference between a successful elementary school experience, and a very sad story later in life.  Let's go for the successful school experience, huh?

Some of us will be at the annual Plymouth Indiana Blueberry Festival this weekend, collecting donations and spreading the word.  Come by and see us at Jefferson Elementary on Saturday.  Put the word out and let's make that goal of 100 kids a reality by this weekend!

2012 Praxis II Business Education Examination Results

As I stated in my last post, the majority of planned activity time for me this summer has been spent studying for the Praxis II exam. Be it known, that on July 21, 2012 at 2:30am Greenwich Mean Time, I sat for the Praxis II Business Education Content test at Concord High School in Elkhart Indiana. After three agonizingly long weeks of awaiting the results, I am happy to tell you… I passed! Can you even believe it! I am so excited I can’t see straight! So after I jump through a few more hoops for the government, I will be licensed to teach High School Business in Indiana. Remember to keep that in mind, all of you who may be in a position in the near future to hire such a person! If you have a position open out of state, I assume I could jump through some hoops in that state and be licensed there as well. Although I have heard that can be a difficult thing sometimes. But if I can do it in Indiana, the world is my oyster! That is all for today, so I will leave you in peace, feeling as excited as a hungry dog in a beef jerky factory. I will remain at my computer, sitting with a smile ear to ear, and hoping beyond all hope, that one of the business teachers in one of the area school systems wins the lottery, moves to Europe, and recommends me to fill their vacant teaching position.

What I did this summer. what did I do this summer?

So, what did I do this summer? Actually, I'm not sure. Let's see, there was my son's graduation from High School, with parties and such. That took a couple of days. I studied for the Praxis test. That took a couple of weeks. We went to the Mall of America. That was a five day trip. We went down to Richmond for the weekend. That was three days. I had a pitch in and meeting at school. That took up half a day. In total, that comes to that comes to 24.5 days. So what did I do with the remaining 49 days? I have no idea!

That's what happens when you do something for a living that you love. It becomes a pleasure and a privilege to be doing it, and the time spent away from it seems less important. Now, I know this is coming off my first year doing this, so many of you think I am in the "honeymoon" stage of this job. You may be right. I will tell you though, that in 30 years of being in the full time workforce, this is the first time this has happened. Better late than never, I guess.

As I stated above, we did have a meeting and pitch in at school last week. It was great to see everybody again. All of teachers were getting their classes in order and a certain excitement was so noticeable. It seems that I am not the only one who has missed the kids this summer. And though I could tell that many of the teachers didn't take the entire summer off, they are just as ready to get back to school as I am. Summer, I bid you farewell. I will notice your absence, but will not long for you as I once did...unless I get to teach summer school!

Congratulations to Amy W! Winner of the Sesame Street Learning Fun 4 Activity Books and 4 CDs

Congratulations to Amy W! She is our first winner at Break Even Teaching! I will be emailing you soon so I can get your prize in the mail!  Thanks so much to all of you that entered, and keep your eyes open for your next chance to win!
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Hot Summer Day Missing the Kids...

Today I am sitting at home doing nothing.  It seems like such a long time since I have had this opportunity, but today it feels less like an opportunity and more of a chore.  I have talked to several people this week that have commented how fast the summer is going by.  I find it to be the exact opposite for me.  For the first time in my life, I feel like the summer is never going to end!  I think it is mostly because I just miss the kids.  Most of the people I have shared this with assure me that this feeling will pass the more years I spend working with the kids.  I have my doubts.

This is my first summer to experience this.  All those little ones at your feet all day, then BOOM, nobody.  No one to send to the nurse with a scraped knee.  No one to have stand on the wall for disobeying a rule.  No one asking those great questions that we adults love.  You know, the ones that make us feel so smart to that second grader, who looks up with that grin like, "Mr. Ringenberg is soooo smart."  Yeah, I kind of miss all of that.

Registration is only a week away, and then only a couple of weeks until school starts.  I think I can make it.  Maybe I'll read a picture book or work on some fractions.