The events at Fort Hood yesterday are unexplainable but perhaps alert remind us of the perpetual protection countless men and women give us everyday.
I'm speaking of our armed forces. While I am a nonviolent person I have reflected very recently on family and friends who have served for America in some horrendous conditions and yet, in some cases, have barely received the due they deserve.
To the DPI, let's make Veteran's Day a day full of civic literacy, from an opening program, to visits to our ederly veterans, to preparing gift baskets for soldiers to ensuring that "the world will... never forget what they did here (Gettysburg Address)." If we want our students to have a role to play in government, let's have them look, listen and learn from the men and women who ensure that our liberties remain intact.
So while that proposal simmers, here's to our men and women. To Art, Charlie, and other instructors who have served our country, Thank You! To Mark, Dundee, Dan and others serving now, I'm with you brothers and sisters. To Uncle Arnie and others who for which Flanders Fields means a little bit more today and I know just how fortunate I am to live in the land of the free.
Friday, November 6, 2009
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Labor Day
I sat last evening with a great deal of pride and remorse as the summer season unofficially came to a close. Looking back over the summer, I accomplished many business, family and personal agenda items. A list is never finished, but many items that were to be completed are now a memory. I feel real good about the list of accomplishments.
I looked back last evening with sadness. Many questioned the lack of summer season, which when you look at the statistics and reached more for a jacket in July more times than you cared for, then I could see people's points. I actually didn't mind the weather. Sure the tomatoes and other garden produce are weeks behind, the crops didn't produce as much and the kids didn't swim as much as they normally do, but it was still summer.
And that's what I'll miss the most: the freedom which the summer gives us. The reading we can't get in, the picnics, family visits, vacations, heck, the recreation and ultimately the freedom to choose your own schedule.
Now that school is in session, I'm back to a set schedule. I'm a habitual creature, so this appeals to me. However, I'll miss waking up to the call of a wren, the 4th of July fireworks, playing a motley of games with my sons and of course taking a nap when the moment presents itself.
With one chapter complete, comes another chapter ready to pen. Here's to the next new chapter in this story. I look forward to working with all of you as we work together to help grow our young people to be the leaders of tomorrow.
I looked back last evening with sadness. Many questioned the lack of summer season, which when you look at the statistics and reached more for a jacket in July more times than you cared for, then I could see people's points. I actually didn't mind the weather. Sure the tomatoes and other garden produce are weeks behind, the crops didn't produce as much and the kids didn't swim as much as they normally do, but it was still summer.
And that's what I'll miss the most: the freedom which the summer gives us. The reading we can't get in, the picnics, family visits, vacations, heck, the recreation and ultimately the freedom to choose your own schedule.
Now that school is in session, I'm back to a set schedule. I'm a habitual creature, so this appeals to me. However, I'll miss waking up to the call of a wren, the 4th of July fireworks, playing a motley of games with my sons and of course taking a nap when the moment presents itself.
With one chapter complete, comes another chapter ready to pen. Here's to the next new chapter in this story. I look forward to working with all of you as we work together to help grow our young people to be the leaders of tomorrow.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Remember the Podcast
Remember that if you do prescribe to this blog that I also podcast material on a weekly basis.
tmartin.podbean.com is the source for all email content ala audio. Take some time and upload my content that I hope to keep under 10 minutes in order to get you the information you need in the busy lives we lead.
Although Americans tend to use the term “technology” to describe “hightech” or information technologies, such as computers or iPods, in reality most humans spend over 98 percent of their lives interacting with technology. Pencils, chairs, water filters, toothbrushes, cell phones, and the Air Traffic Control System are all technologies –solutions designed and created by people to solve a problem or to fulfill human needs or wants. The term “technology” includes objects as well as processes and systems.
“What’s Missing in K-12 Education? Answer-engineering & Technology” www.seenmagazine.us
tmartin.podbean.com is the source for all email content ala audio. Take some time and upload my content that I hope to keep under 10 minutes in order to get you the information you need in the busy lives we lead.
Although Americans tend to use the term “technology” to describe “hightech” or information technologies, such as computers or iPods, in reality most humans spend over 98 percent of their lives interacting with technology. Pencils, chairs, water filters, toothbrushes, cell phones, and the Air Traffic Control System are all technologies –solutions designed and created by people to solve a problem or to fulfill human needs or wants. The term “technology” includes objects as well as processes and systems.
“What’s Missing in K-12 Education? Answer-engineering & Technology” www.seenmagazine.us
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
September 1 CTE News
1st Day!
I was never much of an athlete (not for lack of effort) but I am able to imagine the excitement that athletes have on their opening day! The chance to start something new. A new page for which to start a new chapter in life. There's nothing like getting a second chance.
As I type, I think back to my first day in the classroom and think about how I was given the awesome responsibility to shape the lives of young people. I still have that same anxiety today. Granted its different now, but I still have many things that occupy my mind.
I realize that there are issues surrounding the new year, but when does a year ever not have some clouds looming?
I don't worry about what might happen, but focus instead on what could happen. Let's work together to grow programs, make connections to our communities as well as make resolutions to grow, if only just one way.
Here's to another year!
I was never much of an athlete (not for lack of effort) but I am able to imagine the excitement that athletes have on their opening day! The chance to start something new. A new page for which to start a new chapter in life. There's nothing like getting a second chance.
As I type, I think back to my first day in the classroom and think about how I was given the awesome responsibility to shape the lives of young people. I still have that same anxiety today. Granted its different now, but I still have many things that occupy my mind.
I realize that there are issues surrounding the new year, but when does a year ever not have some clouds looming?
I don't worry about what might happen, but focus instead on what could happen. Let's work together to grow programs, make connections to our communities as well as make resolutions to grow, if only just one way.
Here's to another year!
Monday, August 31, 2009
CESA #3 Technology & Engineering News, August 28
In the news...
Welcome back!
Podcasts...why?
WTEA Meeting Schedule
Teaching Changes
The 56th Annual
Technology Education Conference
October 8-9, 2009
University of Wisconsin-Stout
This year's conference is focused on student learning and classroom relevant information, with exciting live activities and demonstrations! We invite you to preview this year's conference program.
NEW this year are the optional activities on Thursday, October 8th to include industry tours, a motorcycle ride and a TECA cookout.
Friday provides a full day planned with pertinent vendors, morning round table sessions presented by practitioners in the field, a stimulating keynote address and afternoon presentations/lab experiences.
Save 30% if you register by September 25th! Register now
For more information, please send us an email or call us at 715.232.2793.
www.donorschoose.org/teacher
Welcome back!
Podcasts...why?
WTEA Meeting Schedule
Teaching Changes
The 56th Annual
Technology Education Conference
October 8-9, 2009
University of Wisconsin-Stout
This year's conference is focused on student learning and classroom relevant information, with exciting live activities and demonstrations! We invite you to preview this year's conference program.
NEW this year are the optional activities on Thursday, October 8th to include industry tours, a motorcycle ride and a TECA cookout.
Friday provides a full day planned with pertinent vendors, morning round table sessions presented by practitioners in the field, a stimulating keynote address and afternoon presentations/lab experiences.
Save 30% if you register by September 25th! Register now
For more information, please send us an email or call us at 715.232.2793.
www.donorschoose.org/teacher
A New School Year
Well...
Here we are again. Another year, another chance, another student to guide to their dreams and aspirations. While its hard to believe that tomorrow is September, we have before us the vast array of opportunity.
I personally am marking a new day with this blog, a podcast that I will simply link you to. Change isn't always welcomed, but if as I said our students will be leaving and expecting to get their content using these means, then we must as well.
To all of you, I will do my utmost to help you with your issues, requests and questions.
Here's to another year!
Here we are again. Another year, another chance, another student to guide to their dreams and aspirations. While its hard to believe that tomorrow is September, we have before us the vast array of opportunity.
I personally am marking a new day with this blog, a podcast that I will simply link you to. Change isn't always welcomed, but if as I said our students will be leaving and expecting to get their content using these means, then we must as well.
To all of you, I will do my utmost to help you with your issues, requests and questions.
Here's to another year!
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