What Awaits
A ribbon
falls from the sky –
cascading water
calls to me,
Come;
See the beauty
of creation
and I wonder –
What awaits above?
A weathered, wooden sign
warns me
as I ascend.
Emerald boughs nudge
me forward
and I wonder
what awaits above.
Balanced on the bridge
in the middle of the falls,
the mist kisses my face
and whispers
“Keep going
There is more to see.”
So I continue
And I wonder –
What awaits above?
Peering over the edge,
no railing to protect
from a stumble or misstep.
Finally, a clearing at the summit
and I wander forward,
And I see
And I wonder -
This
Is all that awaited
above?
Argumentative Letter
March 22, 2017
Dear friends and family,
Imagine being unable to read a job application or the instructions on a medicine bottle. What if you could not decipher your child’s scribbled message on a Mother’s Day card or the letter from the school about an upcoming parent meeting? Unfortunately, many people in America don’t have to imagine these scenarios, because they live them every day because of illiteracy. To foster a passion for books and literacy in our community, I hope to establish and maintain a Little Free Library as part of a school project at EHMIS, but in order to do that, I need your support.
The facts about the impact of illiteracy are startling. According to the American Educational Research Association, “A student who can't read on grade level by 3rd grade is four times less likely to graduate by age 19 than a child who does read proficiently in 3rd grade.” The Bureau of Labor indicates that 88% of students who do not receive a high school diploma struggled with reading in the first few years of elementary school, and the National Institute of Health has determined that the rate of illiteracy in America’s correctional systems is over 60%. Many people fail to realize that their inability to read is leading them down a path that may have them ending up poor, homeless, or even worse -- behind prison bars.
Although Illiteracy may not seem as important as finding a cure for cancer or reversing the damage we have done to our environment, it is an issue that impacts all of us. But you can help by making a small donation to help me establish a Little Free Library right here in Penn Township. According to their website, Little Free Library is a nonprofit organization that “inspires a love of reading, builds community, and sparks creativity by fostering neighborhood book exchanges around the world.” They have created more than 50,000 libraries in over 70 countries. I am hoping to raise $400, which will cover the cost a small wooden library (see photo below) and an inventory of books for children, teens, and adults in my community. Every donation will help to make a difference, so whether you can spare $5 or $25, please consider helping to fund our own Free Little Library. You may be the reason a child meets Clifford the Big Red Dog for the very first time or a teen falls in love with the wizarding world of Harry Potter.
Thank you for considering,
Stephanie Klansek
March 22, 2017
Dear friends and family,
Imagine being unable to read a job application or the instructions on a medicine bottle. What if you could not decipher your child’s scribbled message on a Mother’s Day card or the letter from the school about an upcoming parent meeting? Unfortunately, many people in America don’t have to imagine these scenarios, because they live them every day because of illiteracy. To foster a passion for books and literacy in our community, I hope to establish and maintain a Little Free Library as part of a school project at EHMIS, but in order to do that, I need your support.
The facts about the impact of illiteracy are startling. According to the American Educational Research Association, “A student who can't read on grade level by 3rd grade is four times less likely to graduate by age 19 than a child who does read proficiently in 3rd grade.” The Bureau of Labor indicates that 88% of students who do not receive a high school diploma struggled with reading in the first few years of elementary school, and the National Institute of Health has determined that the rate of illiteracy in America’s correctional systems is over 60%. Many people fail to realize that their inability to read is leading them down a path that may have them ending up poor, homeless, or even worse -- behind prison bars.
Although Illiteracy may not seem as important as finding a cure for cancer or reversing the damage we have done to our environment, it is an issue that impacts all of us. But you can help by making a small donation to help me establish a Little Free Library right here in Penn Township. According to their website, Little Free Library is a nonprofit organization that “inspires a love of reading, builds community, and sparks creativity by fostering neighborhood book exchanges around the world.” They have created more than 50,000 libraries in over 70 countries. I am hoping to raise $400, which will cover the cost a small wooden library (see photo below) and an inventory of books for children, teens, and adults in my community. Every donation will help to make a difference, so whether you can spare $5 or $25, please consider helping to fund our own Free Little Library. You may be the reason a child meets Clifford the Big Red Dog for the very first time or a teen falls in love with the wizarding world of Harry Potter.
Thank you for considering,
Stephanie Klansek
Sample List Story
6 smart tips for parents who fear smartphones
2. Find a tech person to help you make sense of things
Even if it is that techy eight-year-old nephew, there are a lot of people out there who are more than willing to share all that they know about technology. Some people are better teachers than others, so find someone who is patient and willing to explain things carefully. Many community centers also offer technology sessions that will have you up to speed in no time at all.
3. Technology can be consuming
Forty-six percent of smartphone owners say their smartphone is something “they couldn’t live without,” compared with 54% who say that their phone is “not always needed.” Very quickly, tech users find that life just doesn’t work as well without technology. Have to get somewhere new and don’t have GPS to get you there? This could result in a disaster. No one knows how to fold those stupid paper maps anyway. Be sure to find ways to disconnect from the cyber world and reconnect to the real world.
4. Digital calendars are very helpful
Families today are busier than ever. It is hard to keep track of everyone’s activities, but digital calendars can make life much easier. Some calendars allow color-coding for different family members and most calendars can be put together.
5. Technology can be a burden on the wallet
Owning a smartphone can be a high cost for some families. Nearly one-quarter (23%) of smartphone owners have canceled or suspended their cell phone service because of the high cost. Some families have a combined bill that equals a car payment. The desire for unlimited data, the newest phone, and cool accessories all adds up to a hefty bill.
6. Texting is better than nothing
As most parents know, high schoolers are not too good at sharing their feelings. Having an conversation is like pulling teeth. For some teens who are so accustomed to texting, parents can still communicate, even if it is just with a text and emojis. In fact, according to the Pew Internet & American Life Project, families are actually experiencing a “new connectedness," texting more often than before smartphones. For many teens, the shorter texts are more than enough conversation, and it even makes mom somewhat happy.
- Technology is scary
2. Find a tech person to help you make sense of things
Even if it is that techy eight-year-old nephew, there are a lot of people out there who are more than willing to share all that they know about technology. Some people are better teachers than others, so find someone who is patient and willing to explain things carefully. Many community centers also offer technology sessions that will have you up to speed in no time at all.
3. Technology can be consuming
Forty-six percent of smartphone owners say their smartphone is something “they couldn’t live without,” compared with 54% who say that their phone is “not always needed.” Very quickly, tech users find that life just doesn’t work as well without technology. Have to get somewhere new and don’t have GPS to get you there? This could result in a disaster. No one knows how to fold those stupid paper maps anyway. Be sure to find ways to disconnect from the cyber world and reconnect to the real world.
4. Digital calendars are very helpful
Families today are busier than ever. It is hard to keep track of everyone’s activities, but digital calendars can make life much easier. Some calendars allow color-coding for different family members and most calendars can be put together.
5. Technology can be a burden on the wallet
Owning a smartphone can be a high cost for some families. Nearly one-quarter (23%) of smartphone owners have canceled or suspended their cell phone service because of the high cost. Some families have a combined bill that equals a car payment. The desire for unlimited data, the newest phone, and cool accessories all adds up to a hefty bill.
6. Texting is better than nothing
As most parents know, high schoolers are not too good at sharing their feelings. Having an conversation is like pulling teeth. For some teens who are so accustomed to texting, parents can still communicate, even if it is just with a text and emojis. In fact, according to the Pew Internet & American Life Project, families are actually experiencing a “new connectedness," texting more often than before smartphones. For many teens, the shorter texts are more than enough conversation, and it even makes mom somewhat happy.
Profile Piece - Mr. Klansek
As buses pull up to Baresville Elementary for the start of another day, a friendly face stands by the door, ready to greet every student with a high five or handshake. Some kindergarteners sprint to him, wrapping their arms around his legs and looking up with beaming smiles. Passersby might think a famous movie star or NFL quarterback was visiting the school, but the friendly doorman is actually a daily presence in the building. They might be more surprised to find that the man receiving all of the attention from the students is actually the principal, Eric Klansek. Even more surprising to them would be the knowledge that when Eric was in school, he lacked motivation, caused behavior problems, and was even told not to bother attending college.
His school struggles started in elementary school.
“I was supposed to wear glasses, but I thought I was too cool to wear them,” he said. “Because I didn’t wear glasses, I missed out on a lot of things.”
Eric’s mom remembered those challenging years. “Eric was a challenge. I didn’t ever think he was going to make it to graduation,” she said.
Even his teachers worked hard to help him succeed.
“They tried to help me but I didn’t accept their help. It was easier to play it off and not feel like it was important that it was to put in time and effort to do the work. I just didn’t apply myself,” said Eric. “That’s the bottom line. I didn’t apply myself.”
As a struggling junior, Eric finally found his passion while during volunteer work at a nearby elementary school. He was working in a special needs classroom and spent 3 months trying to get one student, Jessica Kurtz, to tie her shoes. She was a young girl, hearing-impaired and non-verbal, and every day, Eric and Jessica would work, huddled over her shoes, his large fingers trying to help her make a simple bow with the laces. Finally, on a day in May, Jessica did it. Eric tears up as he remembers how she went around to each of her classmates to show them that she could tie her shoes. Finally she came back to him, tied her shoes one more time, and wrapped him in a hug. That was when he knew he wanted to be a teacher.
However, Eric’s road to a teaching degree had some roadblocks. His lack of effort and poor attitude had earned him a less than stellar grade point average. His guidance counsellor at the time told him he wasn’t even college material, which motivated Eric even more.
“I wanted to prove him wrong,” said Eric. In addition, there was an expectation that he would attend college because that is what his three siblings had done.
Eric attended Cabrini and that is when the motivation kicked in. He surrounded himself with others who valued education and the opportunities. He became well-respected on campus, even baby-sitting for his professors to earn extra money. His first job, teaching high school learning support classes, was at Aberdeen High School in Harford County. Three years later, after getting married, Eric relocated to Pennsylvania and spent 7 years teaching at Hanover Middle School before coming to South Western as a learning support teacher and eventually a team captain.
His leadership as team captain helped him to realize that he had skills that would help him be successful as a high school principal
When Mr. Klansek found out he was going to be the new principal, he had mixed emotions.
“I was excited and sad. I didn’t want to leave EHMIS because I had worked there so many years. I enjoyed the people I worked with, but I was also looking forward to a new challenge.
Mr. Klansek enjoys the energy and enthusiasm of Baresville, spending as much time as possible in classrooms interacting with students and teachers.
“I enjoy talking with kids and getting to know them,” he said. “I like to find out what they are excited about - what makes them tick.”
The kids love Mr. Klansek, too. Third grader Ben Littleton said, “Mr. Klansek is cool and he always does funny stuff. He makes me want to do new stuff every single day.”
Mr. Klansek isn’t afraid to show his silly side. For the upcoming Feed-A-Friend, he challenged the student to bring in 1500 cans. If they achieve their goal, he plans to be coated with honey while student throw gummy bears at him.
Unfortunately, being a principal isn’t always the most fun job in the world. Angry parents, misbehaving students, and disgruntled teachers all want a bit of Mr. Klansek’s time at Baresville. As he handles all of those situations, he tries to remember that everyone makes mistakes and keep in mind that everyone has a bad day once in a while. He know that for a fact, as he had his share of bad days when he was a student thirty years ago.
Mr. Klansek’s own struggles as a student help him to be much more patient and understanding with students. He has been know to spend lunch detention with students, talking about their families and hobbies, and sometimes even sharing the dessert he brought in his lunch bag with them.
“Everyone has their own speed as they journey through life,” he said. Some people, it just takes longer to figure out what they are supposed to do in life.”
Thankfully for the teachers and students at Baresville, Mr. Klansek figured out that he was meant to be a principal.
Poetry Reflection
When I learned that TuPac wrote “Starry Night,” I was shocked and surprised. My knowledge of TuPac was that he was a violent rapper who disrespected women and died a violent death from a drive-by shooting. Yet, this poem gives me a whole new perspective of who he was as a man.
This poem is a tribute to the artist Vincent Van Gogh but also an opportunity for TuPac to share his own frustrations about the lack of respect he receives for his art. I love the lines, “a creative heart, obsessed with satisfying this dormant and uncaring society.” TuPac is honest and angry that mankind is sleeping through life and failing to see the beauty in the world around them. VanGogh was not recognized for his talents until after his death, and TuPac seems to relate to this. He goes on to say that Van Gogh pours himself into that frame and presents it so proudly. He is recognizing that VanGogh worked hard, but because his art was different than the other art that was out there, the “world could not accept” his masterpieces “from the heart.” Again, TuPac is talking as much about himself as he is VanGogh.
The final stanza of the poem is much simpler in word choice and sentence length, but deep in meaning. VanGogh ended his life in suicide and died not knowing that anyone appreciated any of his work. TuPac recognizes that his death, although a tragedy because he could create no more art, actually brought his work to people’s attention, as seen in the lines “So on that starry night u gave 2 us and u took away from us The one thing we never acknowledged – your Life.”
Although the poem does not contain a lot of poetic techniques, there is some alliteration (Bountiful Boquets and present it so proudly). The precise, sophisticated word choice throughout the poem (Dormant, contempt, obsessed, satisfying) allows Tupac to show his intelligence, but he still uses some letter and number abbreviations (u and 2) to keep it more informal, similar to texting (even though texting wasn’t around when this was written). The poem’s structure and line breaks are very effective. In the first stanza, each line ends with a strong word, and there is a definite tone change between the second and third stanzas. By breaking lines 11 and 12, TuPac is able to emphasize the word “and,” which in turn emphasizes that VanGogh’s death was bittersweet.
Readers can still relate to this poem today, especially as we become more and more lost into cyberworld and less connected with the real world. We are dormant and uncaring, just like the people of VanGogh’s time. And with TuPac’s death at a young age, his life paralleled VanGogh’s in more ways than he even realized when he wrote this inspiring poem.
Flash Fiction
That Voice
That voice. Even with the music from his favorite band, Screaming Rhinos, blasting through the speakers, he couldn’t erase that nagging, condescending voice from his mind. J.D. sat in the Baltimore rush-hour traffic, realizing that he now had one more reason to despise her. If she hadn’t kept him after school for their little chat, he could have left on time and arrived at the concert early.
He swerved into the parking lot of Ram’s Head, jumped out of his beat-up Chevy Camaro, and sprinted towards the entrance gate. The beep from his phone alerted him to a text from Tony, who was already inside, waiting for the show to start. Handing his ticket to the attendant, J.D plowed his way through the crowd and sprinted to his seat in front of the stage.
“Hey, man,” said Tony. “I didn’t think you were gonna make it on time. Why are you so late?”
“Long story. Let’s just say I had to have a little chat with the English teacher who dresses like my grandma, even though she’s half her age. That old witch Stevens hates me. I can tell by the way she glares at me through her nerdy glasses.”
“Forget about her. We’ve been waiting for this concert for months. What could be better?”
“Yeah, guess you’re right. She’s not worth my time or energy.”
J.D slouched in his seat and tossed his leather jacket on the floor. He hadn’t believed it when Tony had scored them center seats in the 13th row. They were so close to the stage, he would probably be able to see the sweat dripping off the lead singer’s forehead. Despite his excitement, his mind kept wandering back to his latest run-in with his English teacher, which had occurred earlier that day.
Arriving 3 minutes past the late bell, J.D. trudged into room 133 to face the worst part of his entire day – the red-headed, beady-eyed, dragon lady otherwise known as Ms. Stevens.
“Mr. Kelvin – so nice of you to join us today,” she said as he meandered to his seat. “Any particular reason you are late today?”
“No reason, just took my time, enjoyed the journey from the art room.” J.D. plopped down in the last seat of the back row. As he did so, a late form appeared on his desk, placed oh-so-lovingly by Ms. Stevens.
“Please sign this. It is your third late slip in the last 3 weeks. You owe me 15 minutes after school today,” she said, peering down at him.
“I have to be somewhere important after school,” he quickly responded
“So do I, but I am sure that you can spare 15 minutes of your precious time. I will see you at 3:30.”
As she returned to the front of the room to begin class, J.D. pulled out his latest copy of Cycle World. He had his eye on a new bike, but was about $500 short. Turning the pages, he tried to tune out her droning voice. He was half-listening when she walked past his desk and yanked the motorcycle magazine from his hands.
“Interesting reading material Mr. Kelvin, but let’s turn our attention to Julius Caesar, shall we?”
She turned and walked away. As she did, his eyes glared at the back of her head, the red strands pulled so tightly back into her usual bun that it had to have given her a headache. She had to be the most uptight, rigid teacher he had ever had in school. Her idea of a fun time was probably putting together jigsaw puzzles while she sipped hot tea and watched Jeopardy. She couldn’t relate to being a teenager who loved motorcycles, loud rock music, and leather jackets. How could she possibly teach him if she didn’t understand him?
“Hey man,” Tony yelled, as he nudged J.D. from his wandering thoughts. “Concert’s starting.”
As the lights went down, J.D. and Tony rose to their feet. J.D. had never heard of the band opening for the Screaming Rhinos, but he was always looking for new groups to follow. Smoke billowed onto the stage and the strobe lights flashed. Through the haze, J.D. could make out a drummer, lead guitarist, and bass guitarist. Suddenly, the lead singer burst onto the stage.
J.D. stared as the lead singer, dressed in leather pants and a glittering silver tank top grabbed the microphone and started belting out a song. J.D. could make out a tattoo on her left arm. But what made the singer so stunning was her long red hair that curled in waves down around her shoulders.
“Amazing voice,” Tony yelled.
“Yeah,” J.D. replied. Amazing voice. But it was a voice that sounded strangely familiar. Where had he heard that voice before? That voice. J.D.’s jaw dropped. He stared. It couldn’t be. It just couldn’t be.
Two hours later, as the concert ended, J.D. made his way to the lobby, still stunned from what the night had revealed to him. As he exited through the sliding glass doors, a familiar voice greeted him.
“Mr. Kelvin, what a surprise to see you here,” she said. “I didn’t realize we had so much in common. See you on Monday.” Stunned, J.D. couldn’t even utter a response. He just stared in disbelief as Ms. Stevens sauntered over to a parked Harley, tucked her long red hair into her helmet, hopped on, and sped away.
That voice. Even with the music from his favorite band, Screaming Rhinos, blasting through the speakers, he couldn’t erase that nagging, condescending voice from his mind. J.D. sat in the Baltimore rush-hour traffic, realizing that he now had one more reason to despise her. If she hadn’t kept him after school for their little chat, he could have left on time and arrived at the concert early.
He swerved into the parking lot of Ram’s Head, jumped out of his beat-up Chevy Camaro, and sprinted towards the entrance gate. The beep from his phone alerted him to a text from Tony, who was already inside, waiting for the show to start. Handing his ticket to the attendant, J.D plowed his way through the crowd and sprinted to his seat in front of the stage.
“Hey, man,” said Tony. “I didn’t think you were gonna make it on time. Why are you so late?”
“Long story. Let’s just say I had to have a little chat with the English teacher who dresses like my grandma, even though she’s half her age. That old witch Stevens hates me. I can tell by the way she glares at me through her nerdy glasses.”
“Forget about her. We’ve been waiting for this concert for months. What could be better?”
“Yeah, guess you’re right. She’s not worth my time or energy.”
J.D slouched in his seat and tossed his leather jacket on the floor. He hadn’t believed it when Tony had scored them center seats in the 13th row. They were so close to the stage, he would probably be able to see the sweat dripping off the lead singer’s forehead. Despite his excitement, his mind kept wandering back to his latest run-in with his English teacher, which had occurred earlier that day.
Arriving 3 minutes past the late bell, J.D. trudged into room 133 to face the worst part of his entire day – the red-headed, beady-eyed, dragon lady otherwise known as Ms. Stevens.
“Mr. Kelvin – so nice of you to join us today,” she said as he meandered to his seat. “Any particular reason you are late today?”
“No reason, just took my time, enjoyed the journey from the art room.” J.D. plopped down in the last seat of the back row. As he did so, a late form appeared on his desk, placed oh-so-lovingly by Ms. Stevens.
“Please sign this. It is your third late slip in the last 3 weeks. You owe me 15 minutes after school today,” she said, peering down at him.
“I have to be somewhere important after school,” he quickly responded
“So do I, but I am sure that you can spare 15 minutes of your precious time. I will see you at 3:30.”
As she returned to the front of the room to begin class, J.D. pulled out his latest copy of Cycle World. He had his eye on a new bike, but was about $500 short. Turning the pages, he tried to tune out her droning voice. He was half-listening when she walked past his desk and yanked the motorcycle magazine from his hands.
“Interesting reading material Mr. Kelvin, but let’s turn our attention to Julius Caesar, shall we?”
She turned and walked away. As she did, his eyes glared at the back of her head, the red strands pulled so tightly back into her usual bun that it had to have given her a headache. She had to be the most uptight, rigid teacher he had ever had in school. Her idea of a fun time was probably putting together jigsaw puzzles while she sipped hot tea and watched Jeopardy. She couldn’t relate to being a teenager who loved motorcycles, loud rock music, and leather jackets. How could she possibly teach him if she didn’t understand him?
“Hey man,” Tony yelled, as he nudged J.D. from his wandering thoughts. “Concert’s starting.”
As the lights went down, J.D. and Tony rose to their feet. J.D. had never heard of the band opening for the Screaming Rhinos, but he was always looking for new groups to follow. Smoke billowed onto the stage and the strobe lights flashed. Through the haze, J.D. could make out a drummer, lead guitarist, and bass guitarist. Suddenly, the lead singer burst onto the stage.
J.D. stared as the lead singer, dressed in leather pants and a glittering silver tank top grabbed the microphone and started belting out a song. J.D. could make out a tattoo on her left arm. But what made the singer so stunning was her long red hair that curled in waves down around her shoulders.
“Amazing voice,” Tony yelled.
“Yeah,” J.D. replied. Amazing voice. But it was a voice that sounded strangely familiar. Where had he heard that voice before? That voice. J.D.’s jaw dropped. He stared. It couldn’t be. It just couldn’t be.
Two hours later, as the concert ended, J.D. made his way to the lobby, still stunned from what the night had revealed to him. As he exited through the sliding glass doors, a familiar voice greeted him.
“Mr. Kelvin, what a surprise to see you here,” she said. “I didn’t realize we had so much in common. See you on Monday.” Stunned, J.D. couldn’t even utter a response. He just stared in disbelief as Ms. Stevens sauntered over to a parked Harley, tucked her long red hair into her helmet, hopped on, and sped away.