Two Views. One Day. TGIF (Even with a Holiday Monday). Ramping Up For Summer Programs is Exhausting

I've always wanted to script and craft the superhero story of Frog. It will get done one day, and there are numerous chapters needing to be written and explored. In the meantime, I gravitate towards the classics and am super excited by the Penguin Random House / Marvel partnership that worked with Matt de la Peña for the creation of Superman: Dawnbreaker. It will be a staple this summer and we build a Hope Nation (ed. Rose Brock) with our teachers.

That is why when I arrived to work yesterday, without my Frog-cape, I was drawn to an envelope in my English Dept. box, followed by the words of Linda Miller, the faculty administrator who keeps everything in place for that department, "GET THESE BOXES OUT OF MY SPACE!"

My book orders arrived - 150 copies of Hope Nation and 100 copies of Superman: Dawnbreaker. These books will be used throughout the summer and then donated to local schools so they have classroom sets. I didn't expect this as the charges haven't hit my credit card yet. Ah, but they are in, they are unpacked, and the excitement is really growing.

I returned home, however, to the dog-in-the-window who seemed to be wondering, "Where the @#$#$ have you been?" I stayed late in my Donnarumma Ding Dong office to get things organized for the arrival of June. We're getting there...one checklist item at a time, and it feels good. I keep telling Glamis that Chitunga is coming and Abu is coming, so she's more anxious than usual with her window surveillance. I don't have the heart to tell her, "Not yet."

Ah, but back to my book cart. Not shown here are the copies of A Good Fit For All; Collaborating to Teach Writing in Diverse, Inclusive Settings. I can't wait to work with 20 teachers, 200 kids and all the teacher leaders who continue to return each summer as we celebrate all the new possibilities of collaboration, partnership, sharing, lesson planning and best practices in writing instruction. Frog is ready to croak, but he's inspired whenever things come together as they should 

A Bucket of Meatballs? Now, That is an Appetizer I Never Thought I'd See. Ah, to Live is to Experience

I ordered a salad (and a variation on the Old Fashion that used peaches, which was flavorful, but a bit overpowering). The salad was a citrus blend and delicious, but the table also decided to sample the food at Barra's in Shelton, these incredible fried rice patty balls, and a roast beef hero, which was also spectacular.

I was fortunate. I didn't enjoy the meatballs because I like my mom's, my dad's and my own. I was able to deny the 10-pound bucket of beef. Everything else was extremely tasty, and I'd recommend the restaurant to everyone, especially if you want to eat. It was odd, however, as we were the first customers in and felt like carrion while the wait staff fought over who'd get our table. Their menu also comes on these huge pieces of wood that were too clunky to look through, especially in the frigid air. Yet, it was a great dining experience.

I promised myself, too, that I wouldn't write anything about a customer that sat near us, especially because I kept trying to pinpoint why she looked familiar...a cross of Scooby Doo's Velma, Howdy Doody, Pat from SNL and Chucky. It was a look I'd never seen before and the writer in me was trying to describe how I might write her into a story. I hate that my mind works that way and that I'm a cross of Mr. Potato Head, Jim Carey, John Belushi and Augustus Gloop. It takes characters to compose a lifetime.

On a greater note, I began to assemble summer notebooks and I love the tropical colors we chose for our workshops and institutes in July. I'm thinking we will all need to wear leis, too, to feel like we are on holiday while we are working so hard during our 'vacations.' It's time for Young Adult Literacy Labs, Ubuntu, the Teacher Institute and The Superpower of Hope. Slowly, it is all coming together and I'm looking forward to hosting all the kids and teachers at Fairfield University this summer.

Ah, but this rain and dampness needs to chase away the pollen so I stop sneezing and can finally end the volleyball match of mucus between my chest and nose. One second I'm running a 10K and the next second I'm needing to take a nap at my desk because the snot is wiping me out.

It's practically June already, May. Let your blooms be over with so we can get on with our work!

Weird That Gray Skies, Rain, Colder Temperatures and Dreariness Would Trigger A Craving for Peanut Butter and Ice Cream (Mother's Son)

The ice cream bug usually only hits when I'm in CNY and around my mom and brother-in-law. I typically don't crave ice cream, but I will never resist an invitation to the Walnut Creamery. With that noted, my sweet tooth turned on last night and I stopped by Big Y to see if they had their super chunk Reese's Peanut Butter Peanut Butter Cookies (yes, they're disgustingly rich, but they are so good).

Drat! They had them.

So, I returned home and lurked in the fridge for vanilla ice cream that was likely there from last summer when Tunga was home (like I said, I don't get ice cream cravings too often).

I guess I needed the sugar or my body was craving for the warmer weather this past weekend promised (note the limes in the background waiting to be squeezed into margaritas or mojitos).

And, after a plate of leftovers from the Memorial Day celebrations, I said, "Okay, let's do this up," and gave Glamis a bowl of vanilla and then loaded mine up with crap.

My eyes were bigger than my stomach, although my older sister asked, "Are you licking the bowl?" when her husband caught me in the ice cream indulgence. I wasn't licking the bowl. I was scraping the bowl with my silver spoon...that's what she heard.

I know my mother is reading this right now wondering why I didn't offer to make her a bowl. It might be 7:45 a.m. when she reads this, too, and it wouldn't surprise me if she heads to the fridge to replicate the dessert.

It was a one-night ordeal. I'm over it and thinking about it makes my stomach spin. But, between 7 pm and 8 pm last night, it was exactly what I needed.

Memorial Day, as Summed Up by Glamis and the Ish - Wiped Out and Ready to Return To Work

I had to laugh when, at around 7 p.m., Kris pointed to under the table and said, "Look who wiped each other out." Glamis and Ish were pals all day, playing frisbee, running around, throwing sticks, eating hotdogs, and kicking around a soccer ball. It was great to see them napping under the table after we finished a game of volleyball and the dishes were brought inside.

It was an impromptu picnic where graduates from Ubuntu Academy came by and my neighbors the Wooley-Sealys. The other guests couldn't make it, so we did chicken, beans, salad, cous cous, beans and more beans without them. It was great food for a perfect day of cooperating weather.

I'm a bit sunburned, however, as I did more yard work, ran, set up the volleyball court and corn hole set, and did more weeding. I didn't want to go indoors and my skin represents this.

Ah, but it's Tuesday and I took advantage of the extra weekend day. My relocated office doesn't have a window, so the thought of being trapped indoors is a bit alarming and frustrating, especially after 3 great days.

My one disappointment? I have six books I pulled out to read over the weekend and I didn't get to any of them. This is frustrating as reading in the sun was a way I wanted to spend the time off.
Oh, well, there's always evenings.

Okay, work week. Be good to me.

The Adirondack Chairs are Out and Even Got Outdoor Pillows to Feel Fancy and Stuff

The next step is to get a chord of wood for the fire pit and we'll be all set for summer nights on Mt. Pleasant. It was a warm one on Sunday and a taste of summer was definitely in the air. I was told about 2-for pillows at Costco, so went a little tropical in my purchase, but then spent the rest of the day roasting in the sun and cooling off in a swimming pool at the condos near Walnut Beach.

I'm always amazed by how refreshing a swimming pool can be on the hottest days, and this one snuck up on us fast.

Now, I only have a couple more plants needing to be relocated and then I think I want to plant a few tomatoes and cucumbers, so we'll have them fresh as July and August hit.

In the meantime, I've learned of a new cover band who brings together great vocalists to remake classics - I will post one of their videos here just so I don't forget their name: Scary Pockets. Every song is funky and unique, even though the tunes they cover are familiar and common. They just have this spunk that makes them great to listen to...I would have never guessed while listening to them that the lead singer for this particular song was this guy, Kenton Chen. Amazing.

Done Got Dirty. Took Advantage of a Gorgeous Day to Re-Landscape and To Launch The Summer Months

To be honest, yesterday was the perfect day. It was in the mid-seventies, no humidity, and perfect to be outdoors. I decided that I would widen one of my corner gardens, redo my fire pit, put out annuals, and relocate some Japanese Irises and purple bee balm. I also spray painted the fire pit, weed whacked and cleaned the back patio. I move numerous rocks and I know my back and legs are going to hate me later today.

It is so rare to have space to work on my house and I loved every second of it, relocating the Alexs for outdoor music and getting my hands all grimy and gritty. The birds loves all the earthworms and insects I released, and they followed my every step. Now I'm ready to enjoy the backyard.

I also trimmed back numerous trees and took down a few shrubs that needed to go. I know with outdoor work that the labor can bite one in the butt and not take off in the direction one hopes. I just hope the relocation of foliage doesn't get angry at me and decides it likes its new home.

I also got a long walk on the beach with Glamis, Jake and Pam and even tasted margaritas, a salad, and some salmon.

The yard is also raked and everything has been hosed down. I don't look forward to the humid and miserable days, but love love love the perfect temperatures we got yesterday. Glamis was a mess as I moved and dug up things, as she's a creature of habit and skittish about any change.

I'm now thinking I want to do a little bit of a vegetable garden, especially tomatoes, as there's nothing better than eating them off the vine in the summer.

I will miss the family gathering in Syracuse, but feeling quite accomplished at the Homefront in Stratford. Nothing feels better than accomplishing a series of much-needed items on a to-do list. I have more, and I am awakening this morning sore, but feeling like I'm a little more on top of the world than I've been in a long while.

The Latest Addition of Pupperdoodles in the World of Dog-Loving People...A Night With Jack

My friends Shirls and Gary found themselves a new love nugget, and I couldn't resist the temptation to have piranha teeth dig into my skin and to smell the wonderful puppy breath. It was hard to resist, too, poking at the pork belly and snuggling up with its fluff and fur. They named him Jack, and he was wonderful with the other dogs - if not brave.

I've never brought a dog into my home that was this young, as Juliette, Baby and Glamis were all rescues and a little older. Consequently, I missed out on the chewing phase where everything is a potential kibbles and bit. Jack loved him some plants and dirt. Yum. Anything to put into his mouth, including Jake's fleshy cheeks and any tail that wagged his way.

I got this photo during a temporary nap when playing with the older dogs wiped him out. Way too adorable for words.

Now a few years of chewed furniture, ruined shoes, major accidents and "Jake, No!" is upon them. The restful days in their homes have subsided for a few years. As I said to them, "I'm amazed dogs ever were able to survive on their own. They put everything in their mouth and make the most ridiculous of decisions at ever corner."

Ah, but the snuggle, licks and nose nibbles are worth it all. Makes me want to get another one, but then I think of the headaches to come and I'm like, "Nope. I'm good."

But I will still visit - too cute not to....

Honored to Be Part of an Evening for Non-Profit Organizations Serving Communities in Connecticut

I am waking up enthused, reenergized, and excited about the possibilities of the work we do in Connecticut in celebration and advocacy of the communities we work with, love, learn from and serve. Last night, I met with a gathering of individuals doing good great work for so many individuals, families, schools and organizations in the nutmeg state. The evening was simple. Come to talk. Come to network. Share your story. Learn.

Last night, at Hub & Spoke, in Blackrock, there was a meeting of the minds to discuss the work being done all throughout southern Connecticut. I was invited to represent the work of the Connecticut Writing Project, especially the advocacy work of Ubuntu Academy and the leadership opportunities given to Bridgeport students. I was thrilled to see my colleague, Melissa Quann, with me as she advocated for the tremendous work of Fairfield University in service-learning courses and community partnerships, and Jessica Baldizon who teaches in Ubuntu Academy, but also started Hope Club, an after school program for students at Bassick High School and English language learners at Cesar Batalla.

It's magical.

In a profit-, ego-, and self-world, it was a great experience to be surrounded by so many people interested in the rich diversity of communities, social equity, opportunities, and high standards for all. I was in awe of the great work of so many and inspired to think creatively for work in the future.

It is not new news that I live in a state with some of the largest socio-economic divides in the nation. Last night, I felt like a consortium of like-minded people were brought together to talk about projects, programs and opportunities that are working.

Community matters. An individual can only be a successful individual in a community of others that support them. I love / to believe / in hope (thanks Brendan Kennelly) and every person I talked with last night is someone providing hope in a complicated world.

Kudos to the organizers. One of the better evenings I spent this semester.

Retreat Day for the Department. Not Necessarily My Dream Escape, But a Retreat Nonetheless

An Adirondack chair. A dock. Water and Sunshine. Maybe even a fishing pole. This is my idea of a retreat and respite from the daily grind and what I can conjure up in my head for  a potential break from the chaos.

That, however, is not the way of a faculty retreat; rather, it is a room with lots of papers and brainstorming of more work still needing to be done. This morning, we will retreat to discuss standards and objectives as necessary for a CAEP report for our teacher education program, and yesterday, all of us prepared our part so we can have a say in the meeting.

I've been spoiled in that I can get up and run, walk the dog, and then start the day. Now, however, I have to give this up for bagels, pasta and mental concentration. Most of us will retreat in our heads frustrated at additional work we know needs to get done.

I will keep this image in my head throughout the day to keep myself calm and focused.

One more interview for the summer Invitational, and a day of working with northeast network of writing projects for a conference next Spring. Check and check. I'm getting there.

But first, I need to take a day away from CWP demands to work on department ones, as next year will  require much from us all (it always does).

Still waters. Worms. Silence. A fishing pole. That is what will be on my mind.

Another Long Day in the Office Crunching Numbers, But I Am Getting There (While Enjoying Great Weather)

I spent the morning designing stickers for this summer's writers' notebooks, and the afternoon ordering supplies for the teacher institute and the Young Adult Literacy Labs. As always, I went through W.B. Mason to get our pens, paper, notebooks and other shenanigans, but this was the first time doing so with the new accounting system.

Let's just say it took 3 hours to get all the items in queue and then, CRASH, I couldn't order, because the University platform times me out and so I lost the entire order and had to start all over again. It's okay. I know that a teacher lives synonymously with Sisyphus, so I simply ate a Twizzler (or two, thanks Anne Campbell) and started all over again. When I got it into the Workday system, I then had to go through 157 items ordered and redirect the accounting lines, numbers, and directions. Let's just say that I had to repeat these procedures 157 times, which took another two hours.

Long story short? It's done. The financial officer approved the order and we are getting closer to the summer work we passionately love to do.

I did take time in the morning to take advantage of this very Danish-like weather...cool breezes, warm sun and beautiful skies. I got a run in, walked the dog and read a little in the fresh air.

At night, I had the privilege, too, to join the Saugatuck StoryFest Youth Board and to witness the excitement as another literary festival begins to take off for the Fall of 2019.

I got home around 9 p.m. and entertained the dog who didn't have it too bad. She spent most of the morning outside and got her long hike in.

Today, I have a national conference call, two interviews, and another round of budget work.

I read a quote, too, that went something like Be careful when the passionate people go silent...it may be an indication that your leadership isn't working.

I am thinking about Faryl Edelen, Counselor at the Brown while I was there who said, "You never want to clip the wings of your worker bees."

This work takes hard work, and I hope it doesn't go unnoticed. I love every second of it, but I would be a liar if I didn't admit that I sometimes think, "Why am I doing this within a system that makes the good work almost impossible?"

Anything is possible when you go into ram mode and do what you need to do in support of teachers and kids.

Just a Little Ticked Off: What, Besides a Viagra Porn Hack and End-of-the-Year Budget Reporting, Could Be Better?

I'll get to the porn in a second.

First, let me tell you about my run yesterday. It was humid, but felt great, and with all this rain, a lot of bushes are overgrown and covering sidewalks. I will admit, I brushed up against many of them. I didn't know I was collecting hitchhikers. I came home to shower and head to work, when I saw all these black dots around my waste, after I toweled off. They apparently burrowed in the band of my spandex while I was running, piercing into my body to feed. So gross. In a panic I didn't even have time to use tweezers. I simply used my nails and pulled the monsters out. Ouch. But I put on Neosporin and bandaids. It's not like I was in a wooded area or near deer-infested parts. Tick-Tock. Tick-Tock. Had to Get to Work.

That's the way the morning began. I had crazy dreams the night before, and when I woke up I shot out of bed ready to go. In fact, I felt like I was standing more erect that usual, although all day I kept having a stiff neck.

Here's why. Several teachers and families contacted CWP Fairfield to let us know our website was hacked. At the time of year when kids are signing up little Johnie and sunshine Alice, they were being directed to Viagra ads and unsightly websites. The joke all day was CWP became the Connecticut Weenie Project, but I wasn't laughing. We pay our website host a lot of money so we can't be hacked.

Alas, we were hacked by Viagra.

When I called for tech-support, they sent me to an agent in Singapore who really loved saying Viagra as many times as she could. "Oh, we know about you Viagra problem. We get calls on Viagra all da time. We help you with your Viagra issue. We fix your Viagra troubles for you."

This cannot be made up.

She then says the issue may be fixed in a couple of days. A couple of days?! No. Now. Why do I pay them what I do? She then says that the problem could be easily fixed for $$$ dollars more a year. "They can fix your Viagra problem immediately."

Weird. I said, "Okay," and suddenly I had a technician in the United States. He explained that hackers are moving faster than web developers can keep up, so my mainframe host for CWP does not have the ability to keep the Viagra hackers out. For $$$ more a year, we can full-proof the website. I asked, "Isn't that what I was paying them for?" and he replied, "Well, yes. But technology has advanced so quickly that they can host a site, but not maintain it agains malware and viruses."

So, when you searched Little Lab for Big Imaginations...well, you were taken to an explicit site off of Google. I can only imagine what parents were thinking.

I told the guy, at least we're not the hack, so people searching for Viagra find themselves on our website, but he didn't think that was funny.

On a happier note, Susan LaFrance and I got out our microscopes and magnifying lenses out so we could do Workday budgeting for State and Federal grants. The University's new accounting software prints in microscopic lettering and it's impossible to read unless it is blown up immensely. The online font isn't any better. If anyone could see us looking liking two old badgers cruising over numbers today they would have laughed.

Of course, I told her we might be able to straighten up our posture if we visited the CWP site and ordered some Viagra.

Monday was spectacular. Can't wait to see what Tuesday brings (yes, there's sarcasm there). 

Well, @ginaludlow, We Both Can Say...That's a Wrap, Spring Semester. This Is For The Kids of Tomorrow

Since 2011, I've been able to Marshall the undergraduate and graduate commencements at Fairfield University, but this year I had to stay back as I was awaiting to hear if Chitunga would participate in his own ceremony (he opted to wait for his Masters). So, I missed the undergraduate ceremony and arrived for the graduate walk on Bellarmine Lawn to applaud, cheer, and scream for this year's graduate students.

Many finger snaps for the School of Nursing Doctoral students who were hooded at the ceremony. Very, very Nice. I love that they lead the ceremony.

And I'm equally as proud of the 2019 GSEAP graduates who turned their tassels and are getting ready for a career in counseling, school psychology, technology and teaching. I'm especially proud of Ms. Gina Ludlow who found pep in her step with advocacy work at Fairfield Warde and who has made a tremendous difference in all our lives in the Graduate School.

All of us in GSEAP are equally as proud of Ms. Pamela Kelly, mother to Patrick and Kaitlyn, twin sister to me, and Assistant Dean for us all. She's completed her Masters and I know that all of us want to celebrate her accomplishment (Chitunga is ready to share a back patio party, too, if she'll join him). She's studied hard, while working full time, to finish up her program. And it's done!

Now, with this official day at its completion, I'm full-force ahead for CWP summer programming, my busiest time of year. It must be noted, however, that everyone who goes back to school to earn an advanced degree deserves the hugs, the congratulations, and the support for their accomplishments. It's not easy in a fast-paced world to stick with the goals and to carry them forth, but when you do, it all pays off.

Here's to all the 2019 graduates. May the hard work be put back into play as you make the world an even better place to inhabit that it currently is!

Happy Sunday! Happy Graduations! Congratulations Dolphins! Woot Woot Stags! Graduation Day

Last night, I made it to Walnut Beach in time to see the blue moon, although it was much pinker than it was blue. She lifted above Charles Island and made for a great full moon over the water - I love the 28 day cycle.

Today, it's off to campus for all the graduates, but my heart and mind are with Chitunga in upstate New York (although he chose not to walk). Still, he's on my mind as he's accomplished a lot of success in the last four years and I'm proud of him.

I accomplished a Saturday outside and did more of the yard work that I've been wanting to do for several weeks. There's still a lot more to do, but I'm satisfied with where I am.

I am also having many flashbacks to my senior year at Binghamton and how much none of us wanted it to end. We knew it was coming and nothing would ever be the same again and for every day of the last week, we awoke with excited youth, but also with apprehension of all still to come. I loved every second of that space of no work from classes, and moving onto our new worlds. There was absolute freedom in that short time and I'm thinking about everyone that made those four years what it was. Of  course, that was 25 years ago - that doesn't seem possible, because all the memories are fresh in my mind.

Okay, time to see the tassels turned. Here's to the graduates. They deserve the attention and the applause. Congratulations, especially to Pam Kelly, who is earning her Masters today.

After a Friday of Receipt Porn, I Can Finally Say I Got the Dirt Therapy I Desperately Needed

From 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. I sat in my makeshift office in Donnarumma Ding Dong and worked my way through grants and yearlong spending, matching expenditures and receipts with funders and gifts that have invested in the Connecticut Writing Project at Fairfield University. The numbers are many and the expenses plentiful, but I'm proud to say that all of this is for Connecticut teachers and their kids. We did well this year with our funding, but someone has to be the accountant and, well, I'm not able to hire Chitunga, so I had/have to do it all myself.

By afternoon, I was crosseyed and left right after a rain shower in time to welcome the sun and a beautiful evening. I got on my scrubs, began to weed, trimmed the trees and bushes, planted a few annuals and perennials, and put another coat of protective layering on the new Adirondack chairs. I very much needed an extended period of time in fresh air, with sun, getting myself filthy and feeling like the outdoors is getting ready for the summer chaos and its events.

I have to applaud and admire Chitunga who is choosing budgeting, money, spreadsheets and accountability for a living. It is tedious, mind-numbing and frustrating work that I'm glad only comes my way once or twice a week. As my colleague Dr. Anne Campbell said, the grant work becomes another full-time job. I'm getting there.

And are you ready for this? This morning, I looked at the calendar and I have the entire day without events, obligations or responsibilities. I can't remember the last time when I had some a period of time. I have to put away laundry, clean inside, and tackle the garage, but I look forward to it because the weather report calls for a perfect day.

Hello, Saturday. I'm so glad you've come my way. I hope the two of us will have time to dance and enjoy one another's company. Wow! The work has been something else.

As for the receipt porn? Let's just say that Workday requires me to photograph every receipt so it can be uploaded to the University system. It is whacky to photograph receipt after receipt after receipt to send to my computer from my phone so I can add it to the online system. The new way of doing things is supposed to make things easier.

Nope. That would make sense.

I Can't Catch a Break. My Nose Is Now a Pollen-Induced Faucet of Throat-Aching Mucus and Annoyance

I witnessed that Lily of the Valley is in full bloom and although I love the scent it puts in the air, like the Wysteria and Lilacs, my nostrils, sinuses, chest and ears are cursing the green pollen crud covering windowsills, tables, windshields and air streams. I can't stop sneezing, coughing, and dripping.

Oh, Spring.

I just am thankful I'm not in the Ohio River Valley where the sinus pressure also accompanies the blossoming crud.

On a good front, I now have a new office for the summer in Donnarumma Ding Dong and I'm set up to continue the work I'm destined to do. My throat, however, is on fire. As I sip ginger tea with honey, and take the Zyrtec, I'm hoping that something will finally give so I can get past my annual spring agonizing.

Such a beautiful time of year and I'm thankful for the 70-degree weather that has finally graced Connecticut. Alas, I want to be able to breathe, to run, to clean my house and to have my brain back to complete the tasks at hand. Instead, it's a ballet of Kleenex, fogginess, and popping ears.

This too shall pass, but not soon enough.

It simply drives me insane.

Proud to Work with Bridgeport MAAC Seniors with a College Readiness Program and Thrilled to Celebrate GSEAP Graduates and Awardees

Ever since I've arrived to Fairfield University I've worked with the Bridgeport Public Education Fund and their annual spring conference for graduating seniors who have benefited from their guidance, mentorship, service, and academic support. Yesterday, they hosted 72 seniors at Housatonic Community College and I did a post-lunch keynote on college writing and the power of telling their stories. They were a wonderful group of kids, but I wanted to shout out to Faith Villega, who has taken the helm of the program after Margie Hiller's retirement. It was remarkable.

In the evening, I had the privilege of attending the Graduate School of Education and Allied Professions Graduate Recognition, where I was able to introduce Elisabeth Muller as one of the graduate awardees in Educational Studies and Teacher Preparation. It was a full house, and wonderful to see so many of my colleagues, my Dean and Associate Dean, as well at members of our Board there to applaud the huge accomplishments of our graduates.

I didn't realize it until I made it to the second event that I never got around to tying my tie correctly.

Seriously, at this time of year, the events are all day and plentiful. I am counting my blessings that I'm not a Provost, as she has been going from event to event to event lending her voice, leadership and congratulations .

Tis the season of graduation applause, and although Chitunga is graduating Summa Cum Laude from LeMoyne, but has chosen not to walk (because he's already begun his graduate program), he is #1 on my mind and what I'm most proud of this spring.

Happy Thursday. Here's to all the students who have achieved so much.

24 Years of Wishing Colleagues Their Best in Retirement (and Another 20 Years to Go Until My Own)

The Graduate School of Education and Allied Professions is saying bon-voyage and congratulations to numerous scholars this spring including Drs. Barbara Wells-Nystrom, Faith-Anne Dohm, Paul Mahoney, Diana Hulse and "Ginny" Kelly. Each and every one of them mentored and helped me in my transition from a doctoral program at Syracuse into a Fairfield University life. Yesterday, the University held a special recognition for retirees at the Quick Center and I was lucky to be able to hear Drs. Diana Hulse and Ginny Kelly speak, as well as Marcie Patton from Political Science (sadly, the other retirees couldn't attend).

Dr. Peter Beyers, a colleague in American Studies and the English Department, stopped by on his way out and said, "It's so humbling to come to these events and to see the legacies these individuals leave to us. It makes me feel so much more responsible for all I need to do next to carry on their names and hard work."

I told him, "That's funny, because I was thinking the same thing."

Back in my Kentucky teaching days I remember seeing the retirements on the horizon and the importance for handing their mission onto the next generation. We watched the faces change quickly over a period of a few years, and the same is true in higher education. There's a time for everyone to say, "That's it. I'm done. It's time for the next phase of my life."

My colleagues in the Graduate School of Education and Allied Professions deserve the best as they 'toss their tassel' for real. I am recognizing genuine and true happiness in their decisions and I'm inspired by the wisdom they sent our way.

Dr. Hulse has been a tremendous advocate of my work and has helped me to see the importance of love and relationships: Who Am I? Who Are You to Me? And Who Can We Be Together?

Dr. Kelly taught me the power of attentive listening, of digging deep into the relationships established through family, and the power of perseverance during troubling times. She was the first mentor assigned to me at Fairfield and I still laugh that during her first meeting with me she kept saying, "Oh, Bryan. Oh, Bryan. What will we do with you. Oh, Poor, Poor Bryan. How can we help you to keep your humor and creativity as you get beat up by the tenure process?"

She did her best to stuff me back into a box, but also applauded the fact that every time she tried to stuff me into it, I would pop back out with something new, a little zanier, and with a little more funk.

It's special to absorb the knowledge of individuals leaving a profession and I'm glad that I've made it a mission to to take in as much as I can while others leave their life's work - it's a well-deserved exiting of one of the most foolish caves there are.

So proud of them and so lucky to have been able to share a short time as their colleague and friend. They, like all the retirees this year, deserve nothing but the best.

Bee-Cause, I Still Have Naturalist Tendencies I Need To Put an Action Plan Into Place This Summer

As the Carpenter Bees moved in over the last few years, I realized I needed to do something, so I hired Fox to spray their holes high on Mt. Pleasant to reach the areas I couldn't. Yesterday morning, before the deluge of rain, I walked outside and saw that it worked, as there were Carpenter Bees all over my driveway and sidewalk. They have been deterred from burrowing in my house, chewing the wood and spitting on my siding and onto the ground.

There should be a memorial. There were a lot of bees, and I'm feeling somewhat chagrined. I like to live hand-to-hand with the natural world, but when it becomes abundant, there needed to be action.

I acted and now I feel bad.

I am therefore vowing to plant a few more bee balm plants to offer nectar to such creatures, even though I don't want them building their homes in my house. I am also thinking I will offer donations to those who have bee farms and have no problem with raising them for the good of the globe's ecosystem. I understand their worth and contribution. Yet, when they take over a house, they should be pushed to go elsewhere (cough cough), even if it is to Carpenter Bee heaven (looked like that scene in the Star Wars movies when all the baby Jedis were slaughtered)

I've grown tolerant of the house sparrows who insist on nesting in the high eves of my house, and I hoped they might feed on the carpenter bees, but they didn't. In fact, I think they battled one another for territory.

I am feeling somewhat accomplished that the rodent/insect/pest people won, but bad that their demise was the inevitable result. I don't think I would have minded if there were a couple, but there was a funeral of several dozen all around my house. Whatever they sprayed worked and I'm wondering if they will plot (perhaps with Mary Elisabeth) a revenge in my imagination and dreams.

Nature is wonderful and I love it all - but when they do massive damage to a house, then my tolerance is not as strong. They're such beautiful creatures out in the rest of the world, but not so much in my home. I will do my part to balance out their loss.

I know how important bees are...and love them...just not inside my walls creating empires for the next generation.

Finishing Spring Semester, 2019, Like a Zombie Hanging on a Wall In Canisius Hall

And the rainy Sunday, Mother's Day, was the last hoorah of a tiring week, following and exhausting semester, that lagged by an impossible year. With 20-minutes on campus yesterday, I finished emptying out my office and completed the last gradings of graduate work when I realized, I'm absolutely dead. As I departed my vacated office I couldn't help but hang a zombie finger pupped on a nail and called it a day - an end of time - before I get the opportunity to a NWP summer and rebirth. We'll see if he makes it through all the work in my building as I'm relocated for the summer.

The cold temperatures and rain symbolically brought a close the work, as well, and I was ready to go to bed at 6 p.m., simply keeping my eyes open to talk to Chitunga at 9. Funny how a body absolutely collapses when it knows it has permission to sit still, chill out and unwind without need to prepare for this, attend to this, or catch up on that.

I wish I had a bootleg copy of End Game so I could finalize the semester with some joy and fast-moving eye dazzle. I could use a little Marvel-ous cinematography to call it a day.

Ah, it's the first Monday in a long time where I still have items to attend to, but not the pace that I've been keeping for the last 10 months. Now bring on the sun, the barbecues, the sweat and the summer shenanigans. We'll be busy with the institute and literacy labs but for at least 30 days there will be no grading, no classes to prepare, and no professional development to conduct (well, not like usual - I do have some commitments, but they're no every day and around every corner like it's been.

Aaaargh and Raaaaawr, 2018-2019. I'm ready to fold you over and move on. Having to clean out an office to kill it all off was quite the task.

It is done, and so am I.

My Yesterday...A Memoir by Bryan Ripley Crandall. Mama Told Me There'd Be Days Like This.

Happy Mother's Day.

With the rain, I am anticipating a less eventful day. Yesterday was one for the record books (and Mama told me there'd be days like this - I love this photo of Mimi and Chitunga on Milford Street, her childhood Home).

So I wake up and start grading. My house has been invaded by carpenter bees, and although they've been around for a few years, this year there are too many, so I hired a bug company to do their thing. Two cool college girls from Idaho showed up this morning and said this is their summer gig (in CT) and we started talking bugs (which I love). I tell them that I wouldn't normally hire anyone, but they seem to be multiplying every day. They explain it is normal and I say, I don't have a lot of bugs.

Then, as if on cue, a fog of midges start coming out of the ground (they were hatching) and they were everywhere. We were covered and I said, "Maybe we should step inside." That's when this brown spot started coming after us from the blue sky and it turned out to be a swarm of swallows - you know - like that blog that clogs in the sky and suddenly moves in different directions. It was beautiful.

The swallows began dive bombing the midges and it was like The Birds. It was cool as the birds whirled around our heads diving at the bugs.

As soon as it started, the bugs and birds were gone. I was like, "Holy Nature, Batman." It stopped as soon as it began was very cool.

The girls treated the house and said they'd be back in a month to check on my bug situation. Home ownership - whoa. Never thought I'd have to invest in Carpenter Bee removal.


They left and I headed to Canisius Hall for the marathon cleansing. In short, an entire office of a pack rat like me was packed, labeled, and moved within six hours. There was a posse of academics in the building scrambling to remove everything from our offices to meet the 8 a.m. deadline. Many found mold everywhere, including on their  commencement gowns. I was lucky. All I found was 8 years of dead bugs (and my office insects didn't even know about my home insects).

Our hallway looks like a warehouse of unwanted garage sale items. Many of my colleagues brought their families to help them but I had to go solo. It was an exhausting, tiring day that had to be done. It wasn't until I got home when I thought, "Wait, how am I going to print? Where am I going to go? What about all my summer programs? When can I get a new space?"

The skinny is that they are replacing windows, rugs, the roof, ceiling tiles and much more in the refurbishing. It's been pretty gross and many with severe allergies have had to change locations much, much earlier - I'm wondering if that is where my monthly cough came from.

In the evening, however, Dr. Emily Smith hosted a department party where many retirees from yesteryear showed, uniting with the new crop of academics on our team. I didn't think I'd find the energy, but I did and it was a wonderful reunion.

Today, though - Mother's Day - I'm going back to grading. I threw everything into boxes and I will regret the mess in the Fall when we're allowed to move back in.

Okay, MOMS out there, especially my own - have a fantastic day. You deserve only the best for all you've done and do. Let the love pour on you.

Day 5 - National Teacher Appreciation Week...Time to Recoup, Regather, and Rethink Next Steps

In honor of the 5th day, actually Saturday morning, I shout out to the Friday evening cocktail that will hopefully lead into a pleasant weekend. It's been a week celebrating teachers, students, and schools, but all the celebrating kept me away from grading. Now, I'm remarkably behind and we got an email at 3 p.m. Friday that everything must be out of our building by 8 a.m. Monday. We will not be able to enter until all their repairs are done.

(Wide-eye emoji here).

I have half my office packed, but there was not time this week to finish given the obligations of my job. Why this couldn't be suspended one week is beyond me, especially as the last exams and graduate classes were on Thursday. Hmmm. I am seeing that a lack of respect for educators transcends the K-12 spectrum.

Anyway, I had a horrible dinner: Reese's peanut butter cookies. I was too tired to cook and too exhausted to go get something. I needed dog biscuits and stopped on my way home to grade (that's when the email arrived we need to have all things packed and out by Monday). So, I got the cookies as comfort food and devoured them like a 3-course meal

Ah, but Yale University released Shaun Mitchell''s Ted Talk, a personal testimony of his journey to be a teacher. Proud of the guy, as he was in my first summer institutional cohort at Fairfield University and has been excelling ever since. I told Tanya Baker, National Writing Project, "I think this time his excellence choked me up a bit." He's a funny human being and has been so incredible for CWP-Fairfield, our colleagues and the young people he passionately works with. Proud of him, once again.

Day 4 - National Teacher Appreciation Week. Bridgeport Higher Education Alliance Awards @FairfieldU

Last night, year 3, I had the honor of hosting the Bridgeport Higher Education Alliance Annual awards for Excellence in Education with my co-host, Akbaru Niyonkuru. I am in reflective mode, because I remember the initial idea presented at an Executive Board meeting and I am thrilled to see where the ceremonies have gone, a collaboration between Fairfield University, Sacred Heart University, University of Bridgeport, and Housatonic Community College.

It is a night to recognize outstanding teachers, staff, administrators, young people and parents/guardians who excel at their individual schools and who go beyond the call of duty to accomplish school-wide visions, especially in the support of student achievement.

As the awardees are named, I'm in awe of the applause, happiness, and thrilled enthusiasm for the winners (and we're talking about a crowd of 400 - 500 people).

Last night was an absolute thrill, and I was more than happy to see my right hand man, William King, an ESL teacher at Bassick High School, receiving the Mentoring Award from his school. Shoot, this guy mentors me, too! He is a champion for all kids, especially those who are English language learners and finding their way into the the United States in their first years. I don't mean to be biased, but I have extra finger snaps for William King: teacher, friend, Ubuntu Academy extraordinaire, Writing Project enthusiast, and passionate teacher.

I felt like things went full circle last night, as William King is a graduate from Fairfield University.

With this noted, I also want to applaud the staff, parents, guardians and other educators who were applauded last night. Also, the kids. They were amazing.

This made me reflect on today's date, when I lost a huge champion of the Connecticut Writing Project who was in my corner and worked tirelessly in support of the literacy work that we do. Lois Minto was my 2nd half at the Connecticut Writing Project and she passed way too soon. This morning is the anniversary of that loss and I am thinking of her as I always do on this day (and everyday). I can attest that an individual like me cannot do anything without the support of a wonderful, incredible, and hardworking side-kick. Lois was also a tremendous friend - I miss her every day (and talk to her often).

Here's too Lois. Here's to William. Here's to all the winners from last night's program. I am waking up this morning more motivated than ever to do what is right in this world.

It's TGIF. But it's also a nod to those who have the biggest impact on our lives.

3rd Day - Teacher Appreciation Week...I Love Working with @BridgeportPSchl Teachers! Go, Columbus School!

Allan Luke, in 2008, wrote a book chapter on teaching in which he named 'pedagogy' as a gift. It is one of my go-to readings when I want to inspire myself as an educator with the purposes that we were all called to do. Because it is National Teacher Appreciation Week, and I know how hard the teachers work at Columbus K-8 in Bridgeport, Connecticut, I hosted a celebration with them that included Paradise Pizza, salad, chocolate and individually wrapped gladiolas. I also gave Christina Portella, 6th grade teacher, a piece of art collaborated on by my undergraduate Educational Philosophy class who had the privilege of working with her students this semester.

I stayed with the teachers all day, and knew I was also the closing presenter after 5 hours of professional development. At the last minute, I turned the corner to rethink the work we would do. We spent the afternoon revisiting our purposes for teaching, the gifts we share with one another and our students, and thinking metaphorically about perennials and how they pop out of the ground at this time of the year, especially when we're all thinking, "Why did we choose teaching as a career?" I explained, by August the flowers will be in full bloom and we'll be refreshed. Right now, however, we forget about the routines, the cycles, and the craziness of the end-of-the year chaos.

They will have summer to refresh themselves and they will also be able to see their bulbs bloom into flowers (which will come back to them in May ever year, slowly, but surely).

In the presentation, too, I highlighted the colleagues that meant the world to me and the students that impacted my teaching and my life. I didn't expect to get emotional while doing this, but that's what happens when we dedicate ourselves to future generations. The stories abound, and sometimes we forget to share them and to look at them closely for how they bring meaning to our lives.

I'm thrilled to see Ms. Portella with Vice Principal Bagoly because I've been lucky to work with her in three schools now (and her shirt matched my students' artwork).

Each student was given a shape where they thought about our collaborations with Columbus School, and answered the question, "Why teach? Why school?"  The challenge, however, was that they had to artistically represent their thinking which was coordinated to make this collective piece for the school called "Ubuntu" - I am, because we are.

It resonated with everyone and it was a magical day. I told them we receive red carpets and ticker tape parades too seldom in our teaching careers. I hoped for a day, anyway, they would get the round of applause they deserve.

My heart was refreshed. What an incredible staff!

Day Two - National Teacher Appreciation Week: Connecting Schools Across Connecticut

 The good news? I didn't have to get up this morning at 5 a.m. to catch a train to the western part of the state. The truth? I would do it again to witness such educational magic. The bad news? Well, lack of sleep and bags under my eyes.

Tuesday was a fantastic day partnering with Central Middle School and their team of 8th grade educators to provide writing workshops surrounding Young Adult literature, transitions, creeds and stealing like a writer. In total, we ran our workshops 4 times a piece and had a blast with the brilliant young people of Greenwich.

My workshop featured the writing of Laurie Halse Anderson, Kwame Alexander, Jerry Craft, Elizabeth Acevedo, Walter Dean Myers, Matt de la Peña, and Kevin Emerson. The 60-minute sessions flew by fast and in a short time we read selections of each, discussed the high school years ahead and nodded to Jacqueline Woodson that The Day You Begin is the day you share your own stories. Workshop after workshop, I loved the silence that could be heard as kids composed, shared their work, and saw their thinking put to page.

Also wonderful was the inclusion of Ubuntu Academy seniors from Bassick High School who co-led the workshops, offering their stories of immigration, working hard, relocation and a believe in American democracy. They were the true superheroes of the day.

Last night finished, too, with a National Writing Project online workshop of round tables where Jessie Early, Arizona State University and I led a session on Vibrant Youth programs. I learned so much from her (and stole this photograph after my screenshot failed). There were 3 pages of online participants (that is, take these photos and times it by three). There is nothing better than the teachers teaching teachers work of the National Writing Project. The talks are invigorating, inspirational and timely. It was the first time I saw the power of breaking out into mini-sessions during a ZOOM meeting. Go 21st Century technology.

Ah, it is obvious that summer is coming.

I'm waking today ready to tackle professional development in Bridgeport and work with the fantastic teachers at Columbus School K-8. I can't wait to learn with them once again.

Proud to Celebrate @ICMYGoals, 2019 Connecticut Teacher of the Year @FairfieldU. Go Teachers!

Dr. Pierre Orelus (Chair) & Sheena Graham
2019 CT Teacher of the Year, Harding High School

Last night, Fairfield University was graced by the 2019 Connecticut Teacher of the Year during the Graduate School's Celebration of Teachers and Teaching. Here we honored student teachers, cooperating teachers, and their supervisors. It was a phenomenal event in which we were honored to host Sheena Graham, a 36-year veteran of Bridgeport Public Schools and a current music, performance, and drama teacher at Harding High School. Go Presidents! The talk was moving, inspirational, musical and poetic - so many in the audience approached her afterwards and reflected, "You were the light I needed to inspire me another year."

I asked Sheena Graham if I could have her remarks and she handed them over to me, minus a couple of places where she improvised and knew the story from heart.

I post her the opening here, because it was that special!

Congratulations Fairfield University student teachers and thank you, once again, Sheena Graham, for your time, wisdom, professionalism and expertise.

What a blessing to have you.

What do you see when you look at me?

Do you see me for who I am Or who you 'heard' I would be?

Am I too tall? Too short? Too Fat? or Too Thin?

(I just couldn't resist slipping that last one in!)

Is it my talk? My walk or my color at birth?

(That you've been trained to spot as a character flaw first)

Just what is it you see, when you first look at me? 

Do you see me for who I am Or who you 'think' I should be?

Good Afternoon,

I am both humbled and honored to represent the thousands of Connecticut teachers who strive to educate, motivate, inspire and engage in today's young people. While doing so I've been asked too many times to count - why I teach in Bridgeport and is it challenging? Yes. I am 36 years in and the many obstacles that face today's youth seem to be never ending, but that is not something new. My freshman year in High School I wrote the following:

I like to dream, 

I like to think there's a world in which I'm going places,

I like to think that the only thing that will hold me back

is when I don't have the true ability to go forward.

Yes...

I guess you can see I like to dream...

I can't help but dream. 

I see a world in which love is colorblind

and true feelings never have to be kept hidden. 

In my world friendship can be gained from anyone or anything

be he/she human or not;

And

each friendship is just as valuable as the one before.

But...

I'm still dreaming

DON'T WAKE ME UP!

Because there is happiness in my world.

People smile real smiles and not the kind that fade before your back is turned

DON'T TOUCH ME!

LET ME SLEEP!

For within my world I'm allowed to be me

I feel like I'm a page hidden away in a coloring book so that a child has yet 

to find me and decide my fate.

Here I am free to do anything and everything with no mind as to ability.

And love?

Somebody loves me, 

Loves me, 

Loves me....

I stand here today as the 2019 CT Teacher of the Year, but that doesn't mean my life has been easy and I believe that may be true for many of the adults in this room. Today, you, and not your students, are my focus. You may have noticed that I brought an overnight bag with me. In there are 2 hats, a doll, a notebook, and a sash. What possible connection could all these items have...and this suitcase?

I brought these items because they are a reminder of where I've come form and most importantly a reminder of the first real steps I look towards my dreams! Teachers, like students, face many challenges and obstacles that can shake them to the core. Yolanda Adams has a song that begins with, "Shattered but I'm not broken."

I don't know if it is possible for everyone to see it, but this is my AHS graduation doll. It was a tradition in my family for each graduate to receive a ceramic doll made by Mrs. Cafaro a friend of my mom's. I'm one of six children. I was the fourth to graduate high school and I couldn't wait to get my doll. You might be wondering...Why do I still have it? Or even what would make me thing you care that I have it? Or (if you're close enough to get a good look at it) Wha the heck happened to it? This doll has more cracks than a downtown sidewalk. I still have her because she truly represents me. I too have been shattered, but I'm not broken.

Educators around the world need to hear her in person. My recommendation? Invite her to talk at your school. To meet with your administrators. To inspire those you work with.

It's Tuesday, but I'm reflecting on the Monday that kicked off my week. Sheena Graham! What a gem and how lucky were we to have her for the evening.

Congratulations to all who teach...those beginning, those hosting student teachers and those with 36 years of experience. We're all in this together!

May Needs To Tell April to Take Her Showers Away. We're All a Little Too Saturated. But It's Healthy.

And the day after Derby, Crandall(s) sleeps until 8:30 a.m. - felt like I lost a little life. It was a deluge kind of day, so I worked on grading until I couldn't take it anymore, then got out the raincoats and went for a long run. Actually, running in the rain is one of my favorite things to do, as long as it isn't too cold. Later, too, it let up enough to take Glamis for a long walk (albeit the rain didn't stay away for long).

It was hard to get Glamis up, too - she lost all of Saturday to sticking her nose into the crotches of guests and begging them for food.

The rain was helpful, however, to bigger plans this week, as I needed a day in my office getting ready for the Student Teacher Celebration, the 8th grade Writer Celebration in Greenwich, PD, and of course the BHEA Awards (Um, I forgot about these. They're Thursday).

And the graduate projects are in. I will find the time. I will find the time. I will find the time.

I was very glad to get my run in yesterday, because I ate the Kaitlyn cookies for breakfast. Basically baked butter, chocolate and sugar, but so good.

But so tired. So So tired. I can't wait for Friday to get here and, better yet, all my grades to be in.

Good news? My office is almost empty for the renovations. Um, Okay, that isn't true, but it will be. Finally, Happy 1st day of Ramadan to my Muslim friends. I am thinking of you.

Mary Elisabeth Got To Experience Her First Mt. Pleasant Derby Festival Without Incident

It's always amazing to see how parties go. I remember my parents throwing them as a kid (not Derby, per se), but a gathering of their friends. Funny to know that I'm in that location in my life. The mint juleps were a hit, as were the teriyaki steak tips, roasted vegetables and cooperative weather that we had.

And Crandall(s) (as Ish calls me, Dave and Kris's youngest), made it through the day of cooking, entertaining, and losing yet another horse race. Pam won, but the disqualification too away her cash prize. It ended up in the palms of Julie Roneson and her 65:1 odds (fist in the air: Julie Roneson!) All day-entertainment for two-minutes of horses running in mud. Easier to watch on a television than to watch from the infield, I'm sure.

The highlight for me? Kaitlyn made a Derby pie cookies with chocolate and pecans that were out of this world - thanks for the three sticks of butter in that recipe. My cholesterol is at its highest.

Alas, Sunday is here. Time to grade, organize, think ahead and plan: two awards-ceremonies, all day work in Greenwich with 8th graders, a National Writing Project online conference presentation, and PD at the Columbus School. In between, I will get the graduate student projects graded.

We got this, and I have plenty of leftovers for the week. Stop by and I will reheat some for you.

Derbying Ding Dongs in Connecticut - The Tradition Will Continue. The Mint Leaves Have Soaked.

Mt. Pleasant will be open for mint juleps starting sometime around 4 p.m., after colleagues and I do the last round of interviews for the 2019 Invitational Leadership Institute with the Connecticut Writing Project at Fairfield University.

I completed my undergraduate grading on Friday afternoon, did interviews until 6, and then went on a shopping spree. Hoping there's propane in the grill tank, because the burgers, vegetables and dogs have been purchases.

The mint leaves have been splintered for simple syrup and the bourbon is purchased. Now, all we need is sun. I know that is unlikely in Kentucky, but we're hoping for dry skies in Connecticut. It would be nice to break in the back porch this spring, too (used to love hosting this event at my home on Eastman in Cicero, too.

As for a clean house? Let's just say that we are vacating our building this summer and my house is the storage area for my office. It needs work, and I write my apologies here. I will do what I can when I know that I'm up against the clock.

Now, if I can only remember to print out the horses while at work and I can get home in time to prep the food before company and CT horse-betters arrive.

Funny, This is sort of pre-Donnarumma Ding Dong Derby party...I will have an office in that building sometime later this month.

Exhausted? Yup. Horsebags under my eyes.

But I'm channeling Kentucky the best way I know how. May the horses be safe and the spectators on their best behavior.

Good Luck, Kentucky Folks. Have a Great Weekend of Horse-Racing, Bourbon and Big O' Hats.

Yesterday, I saw the annual posting of the Ky Derby parade floats created by Brown School elementary students being pulled through the halls of 1st and Muhammad Ali - a tradition I miss with all my might.

I know that KY schools let out early so people can attend the annual parade and prepare for the festivals and shenanigans that are central to Louisville life. The Oaks used to be a local event, affordable and a place for all to enjoy the track. That, however, skyrocketed in cost almost becoming what the Derby once was. The Derby...forget about it...even the infield takes some economical investment.

The tradition, however, is on my mind as I'm in grading marathons and interviewing for the summer institute. I can't even rap my head around taking a day or two off to be part of the horn blowing, mini-marathons, balloon races and, of course, horses. Still, I channel it in spirit and always open my home on the first Saturday of May for the race. In fact, I have my mint and sugar water cooling as we speak and stocked up on bourbon.

No, academics are in a different race right now, trying to close out a semester and be on top of the game to meet grading deadlines. I'm getting there - but didn't want today's post to be whiny.

Instead, I'm channeling the threat of tornados, the inevitable weather wondering, the star-struck celebrity gawking, and the crazy infield on my mind.

So, here's to the Kentucky Derbying of the weekend. I will do what I can, with those who are willing to do it with me.

In the meantime, my radar is on my pillow: sleep, sleep, and sleep.

In Celebration of Graduate Research Excellence @FairfieldU and for Graduate Student Elisabeth Muller, Fairfield Warde History Teacher

Yesterday I had the honor of seeing Elisabeth Muller receive the Library Research Prize at Fairfield University for her graduate work, but to also see that Sydney Williams, an undergraduate, was also honored. I post this morning with my remarks about Elisabeth Muller and celebrate her tremendous accomplishment. I am extremely proud.

It is a true pleasure to celebrate the research of Ms. Elisabeth Muller, the recipient of the 2019 Library Research Prize. Elisabeth is a graduate student in Teaching and Foundations in the Graduate School of Education and Allied Professions, an advanced professional degree for experienced educational professionals and community educators who wish to deepen and expand their knowledge of teaching and learning in a socio-cultural context. 

Last summer, Elisabeth was selected to participate in the Connecticut Writing Project’s Invitational Leadership Institute, a five-week program that works in collaboration of the National Writing Project at Fairfield University. The 90-hour institute provides a location for teachers to build their own writing portfolios and to create a teaching demonstration/workshop to bring back to their own schools and districts. Without a doubt, Ms. Muller’s work last summer excelled. At the time, she was interested in visual literacy and used the summer institute to explore ways to prompt writers with historical documents.

A semester later, Elisabeth continued her research in ED 501: Practicum for Literacy Teacher Consultants. In this course, she implemented new practices from the summer and continued her research with a design for data collection. Here, she began to explore the concept of building historical empathy amongst her students and began to critically assess her own instructional practices and the student work that resulted.  I had the privilege of visiting her classroom at Fairfield-Warde, and saw her scholarship in action –  She not only designed a brilliant study, she’s an incredible, inspiriting teacher.

Her academic talents are plentiful, as she is keen on detail and astute with intellect. I’ve already asked her share preliminary findings to graduate students a content literacy course and encouraged her to submit her work to local and state conferences. This spring, too, she presented portions of her study at The Literacy Essentialsat Central Connecticut State University with colleagues across the state. 

What pleases me most with Ms. Muller’s work is that she lives it, and often moves beyond course expectations and objectives. She moved through numerous texts from the CWP-Fairfield library and frequented the collection at the DiMenna-Nyselius Library, including numerous online journals. Her study, action research at its core, with a formative experiment design, allowed her to make changes as data was collected. Her work has grown from curiosity for improving student writing in a history class to use of multimedia work to promote an empathetic understanding of history. With implementation of a National Writing Project workshop approach, she promoted reflective writing, research, and document analysis with her own students. Additionally, she experimented with historical fiction to complement the argumentative objectives she wanted to reach. As she analyzed student work that initiated the study, her study proactively created a plan to improve their compositional practices. The result is the work she’s submitting for consideration: Reflective Practice: Continued Improvement of Writing Instruction in the Social Studies Classroom to Promote Historical Understanding.

The research by Elisabeth Muller is original, sophisticated and timely. This semester, too Elisabeth has built upon her work even more in ED 552: Participatory Action Research. In this study, she is triangulating new data with materials collected last semester. I suppose, too, that after she leaves today’s ceremony, she’ll probably be saying to herself, “Oh, Gosh. I have another paper due to Crandall this weekend!” 

Please join me in celebrating the tremendous accomplishments of Elisabeth Mueller. She is an outstanding graduate student from our Teaching and Foundations program.

Congratulations to Elisabeth Muller, but also a round of applause to all who serve on Fairfield University's Library Committee for their yearlong dedication to research excellence and dedication to our University faculty and students.