Note: Some of our TOYs are making lots of “noise,” which we are always interested in hearing. You are encouraged to share information about your own personal and professional activities by sending
details to Peggy Tordoff at jtordoff@suddenlink.net
Ruth Meissen (IL 08) is an art teacher at Harlem Middle School in Loves Park, Illinois. In January of 2007, she organized a school-wide effort to help the students of her school learn a real life lesson about the art of giving. Her school “adopted” Edward Hynes Charter School in New Orleans, which had been destroyed by Hurricane Katrina. This project continues to have a profound effect on Ruth's school and has made a real difference to the students at Hynes. Ruth's school raised thousands of dollars to purchase and send educational support materials. The accomplishment was even more impressive in view of the fact that over 50% of the students at Harlem Middle School qualify for free and reduced price meals.
Prior to Hurricane Katrina, the faculty at Hynes had considered the possibility of purchasing a SMART Board for their school. The devastation wrought by Katrina changed this high priority item to one that was no longer under consideration. Upon being named Illinois Teacher of the Year in October, Ruth received a certificate for a state-of-the-art SMART Board package. Without hesitation, she had this equipment sent to Hynes. She said, "It was the right thing to do and the least I could do for the teachers who have left such a mark on my heart and have profoundly impacted my evolution as a teacher."
Note: For further information about Ruth's project and its outcome, including photos, members may access the online “Noise from TOYs” feature at: www.nstoy.org.
Josh Anderson (KS 07) has continued to serve actively in the educational community beyond his classroom. His official year of service as Kansas TOY ended in December of 2007, but a glance at his calendar would suggest that although the "official" part has ended, the "service" part has not - exactly how he wants it to be!
In January of 2008, the Kansas Education Commissioner appointed Josh to serve as one of two teachers on an eight member commission to address teacher recruitment and retention concerns. This commission recommended strategies and initiatives to the Kansas Board of Education in April. It is the highest-ranking commission in the state addressing these issues.
When not serving as a TOY, Josh prefers to be in his classroom working with his students. For the second time in three years, Josh's debate team was the top ranked team in the state. Additionally, his speech and debate teams qualified for the State Championships. Josh plans to further his education; he has applied to Baker University (KS) for the Ed.D program
Alan Sitomer (CA 07) is excited about the publication of his fifth and sixth books, which will soon be available on the market. The Secret Story of Sonia Rodriguez, published by Disney, will be on shelves starting in September. The novel, a narrative about a young Latino woman who is the oldest daughter in a family of seven, has already garnered critical praise; Booklist writes, "Sonia's immediate narrative will hold teens with its mix of anger, sorrow, tenderness, and humor." Alan's second book for teachers, Teaching Teens and Reaping Results In A Wi-Fi, Hip-Hop, Where-Has-All-the-Sanity-Gone-World, published by Scholastic, will be out in November.
Keil Hileman (KS '04) was recently named by the Daughters of the American Revolution as the 2007 Outstanding Teacher of
