THE WORKS--Creative Writing Final Projects

This term, I assigned my first ever hybrid blog. In short, each student in Creative Writing had to use his/her favorite pieces of the term and push them into a blog.

Here they are.

The Writing Recital--Tuesday Night: http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/47816712
The Writing Recital--Wednesday Night: http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/47857569
The Writing Recital--Thursday Night: http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/47898092

1st Hour

David Theune

In this blog, I walk through the journey of education--as I see it and experience it. I hope others can grab an idea and run with it.

http://educationaltransformer.blogspot.com/

Dakota Olsen

In this blog, revealed; a fine art masterpiece derived from the thoughts and experiences of D-bone!

http://olsenrant.blogspot.com/

Christian VanVelzen

This blog is just pure awesome so watch out.

http://amazingblogcv.blogspot.com/

Emma France

Just some stuff I’ve written throughout the tri. Enjoy.

http://emmadfrance.blogspot.com/

Olivia Pavlin

My blog is about the Flower of Life and everything that came from it. I hope everyone understands it.

http://thefloweroflifeolivia.blogspot.com/

Davis Allison

This is just the random thoughts that roamed through my head during this tri.

http://creativewritingdavis.blogspot.com/

Kayce Goll

This is a blog full of pieces written by me!

http://kaycegollscreativewritingblog.blogspot.com/

Abby Allman

This is a blog about things I have done while I was in high school. I dance, I sail and I have crazy family memories. My intro is at the way bottom!

http://abicanbecreative.blogspot.com/

Karissa Raschke

This is a blog about different people who inspire me

http://classblogcreativewriting.blogspot.com/

Wesley Dews
This blog basically a bunch of random things that i have written so enjoy.

http://hipsterlifeguard.blogspot.com/

Kyle Houts

This blog has words and writing pieces in it (title is: If You Got the Money…. I Got The Stuff). It is filled with random thoughts as well.

http://khouts.blogspot.com/

Cameron Amaya

In this blog, I have posted my best writing pieces from this trimester, as well as a bit about myself.

http://cameroncreativewrite.blogspot.com/

Lydia Suchecki

This blog is random as I just write about what I want so yeah.

http://lydsuch21.blogspot.com/

Morgan Boeve

This blog holds words that run through my mind.

http://pisspeebumblebeeyo.blogspot.com/

Dani Rhem

This blog is a reflection of the things that give me happiness and saddness in life.

http://stugglesandsuccess.blogspot.com/

Baileigh Yeager

My blog consists of writing pieces that reflect my life and strength

http://baileighyeager.blogspot.com/

Joey Bowen

My blog is several writing pieces that reflect me as a person.

http://joeysblogforcw.blogspot.com

Sam Thornsen

This blog is a collection of thoughts and ideas I have encountered over the trimester.

http://thoughtsandfeelingsofsam.blogspot.com/

Josh Roberge

This is basically a bunch of random things I wrote. Have fun.

http://joshroberge.blogspot.com/

Katie Sinn

This blog is about moments and memories of my childhood

http://katiesinncreativewrite.blogspot.com/

Mitch Davis

This blog is about my life and fun stuff like that. follow me on twitter @mitch_davis7

http://creativewritingblog7.blogspot.com/

Connor Foster

This blog is an insite to my life. There are a few writing pieces that are deep so don’t hurt my feelings, because that is not nice. #flightofthecondor

http://connorfoster5.blogspot.com/

Maggie Nietering:  

This is just the blog of random writings that i was absolutely in love with.

http://magsniet.blogspot.com/

Alexiss Ferrell

um heres my blog, it has deep thoughts and amazing creative writing pieces from me.

http://ultraalexissferrellslblog.tumblr.com/

Ali Kilbry

a blog of feelings anf thoughts from killa

http://aliciakilbry.blogspot.com/

Emily Van Wingen

This is a blog of some of the things that I am.

http://helloiamem.blogspot.com/

Max Ingersoll

Take the journey through my mind and get ready for a wild ride

http://indidemaxsmind.blogspot.com

Austin Griggs

5 very unique pieces that each have something new to offer.

https://sites.google.com/a/springlakestudents.org/austin-s-creative-writing-blog/

Maggie Roll

My blog was inspired by a hard time in my life that I had over come this past year.

http://insideahealingmind.blogspot.com/

Jori Henderson

This blog is called "welcome to my mind" simply because I typed what I thought and turned them into pieces and fixed them up.

http://jhcreativewriting.blogspot.com/

Sarah Corgan

This blog is about me as a child and some homeschooling problems.

http://obscurelifeofhomeschooler.blogspot.com/

Antonio Reeves

“Decisions” because that’s what it was based around--decisions.

http://antonioreeves.blogspot.com

Alexandria Carter

This blog is some thinking about a book I’m working on.

http://mysimplelifelol.blogspot.com

3rd Hour

David Theune

In this blog, I walk through the journey of education--as I see it and experience it. I hope others can grab an idea and run with it.

http://educationaltransformer.blogspot.com/

McCulla Kosch

My blog is purely blackout poems. Occasionally I will change a blackout poem into a regular poem and will add a picture with it. Hope you enjoy:)

http://206411.tumblr.com/

Tirzah Schmuker

In my blog, I explore what a kidnapping situation does to a family, splintering relationships, and festering regrets.

http://supportandinformationnetworkkhilberling.wordpress.com/

George Ferguson

My Blog is simplistic. My senior Picture and my writing pieces. What you see is what you get. Enjoy!

http://creativegrobferg.tumblr.com/

Kyle Recker

If you want to see the ramblings and work of a cynical artist who loves his craft, check out my blog.

http://paintisdelicious.tumblr.com/

Elise McGannon

I’m the definition of an amatuer writer, but here’s my blog. I worked hard on it, and it shows some of my art. You’re free to be anyone you want on it, despite the level of craziness.

http://theprotagonist4.blogspot.com/

Rianne Plattner

Works that captures the connection of the mind with the cosmos. Its some pretty weird shit.

thenumberthree3.blogspot.com

Caleb Sumney

This blog  is based on emotion. It contains love, loss, humor and belonging. A lot of it is based off of emotions and events that have transpired in my own life, so it’s rather personal.

http://voxinmentes.blogspot.com/

Darby Sepulveda-

My blog is just a collection of fiction stories of different genres.

darbyjs.tumblr.com

Derek Holmes

This blog details a character experiencing abuse at home, by his father.

http://coexpr.blogspot.com/

Justin Cyr

In this blog, its about how I feel in my own way. So check out my feels!

http://hybridpropublishing.blogspot.com/

Augusta Bailey

My blog is pretty random: it includes weird pieces of literature that you might find in the library of my island, Augustralia. gussie ur so cool

http://lostandfoundlibraryofaug.blogspot.com/

Emily Vasquez

My blog is about my life and my experiences i learned or had.

http://writer-evasquez.tumblr.com/

Anna Denslow

My blog is about just about escaping from everyday life in many different ways.

http://escapeintothestarss.tumblr.com/

Sophie Kleinheksel

My blog explains my love for traveling and how it has flourished as I go from place to place and it really catches my passion

http://swt1010.blogspot.com/

Carlyn Arteaga

My blog is about trying to stay afloat in life. “Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light.”

http://afloatinlife.tumblr.com/

Jonny Stalzer

This blog has been my little place for my little stories that have big meanings, to me anyway. Feel free to peruse it and enjoy as you may.

http://sherbyx.blogspot.com

Gabby Coates

My blog is about some random things that have occurred in my life and fiery rants.

http://gabbycoates1234.tumblr.com/

Chance Lambert

In this blog, I share poems, stories, anvulnerabilityty of my brain i really let my brain juices leak all over this blog. Tales of love, courage, friendship, food, love, and food.

http://virginmaryjblige.tumblr.com

Leah Vander Laan

My blog is really awko, but it’s a variety of pieces squeezing the guts out of the little things in life that can be the most beautiful. It’s called “Simple Things”.

http://leahscreativewritingblog.blogspot.com/

Zac Chartrand

In my blog I write about the things that I love.

http://zachartrand.blogspot.com/

Kelcea Wilson

Random rants about emotion and feelings.

http://kelceawilson.blogspot.com/

Shelby Arends

My blog isn’t really much about anything, It basically just has my opinions on life.

http://createthroughyou.tumblr.com/

Emily Sumney

My blog is full of random ‘brain doodles’, things I spurted out during this tri. I dont really know what else to say about it other than each thing I wrote has a little piece of me in it.

http://sumday123.tumblr.com/

Brooke Carrier

In my blog everything is a separate story but they are all related because I used the idea of fire or ice. The Reason is my favorite piece because it says a lot about what I believe in and it is very special to me.

http://carriergent.blogspot.com/

Julia Keckeis

My blog is about a short travelling story.

http://julikx.wordpress.com/

Maxwell Flagler

If you would like to read the work of an almost lost boy who wrote by the light of the moon. This is your blog.  http://lunarletters.tumblr.com/

Callan Willey

If you like description and I think you’ll find my blog very fun to read!

http://cwdescription.blogspot.com/

Nathan Batts

The creative mind of a child.

202156.blogspot.com

Stuart Velarde

My blog is quite simple. Just a collection of literary works I have created this Tri. Most of my writing has something to do with cognitive thinking and self reflection. Enjoy!

stucheck.tumblr.com

4th Hour

David Theune 
In this blog, I walk through the journey of education--as I see it and experience it. I hope others can grab an idea and run with it.
http://educationaltransformer.blogspot.com/

Maddy Dekker
Everything on here is true.
http://bookworm207246.blogspot.com/

Katie Slajus

Each piece is influenced by some outside source

http://hybridinfluences.tumblr.com/

Dan Hogan

NFL related pieces with a twist

everydayjoefootball.wordpress.com

Emma Leech

Things That Start With L

lstartingwith.blogspot.com

RICHARD RHEM

Deep thoughts, quotes and poems about life--abstract ideas inspired by many/all original.   

philosophicalcreativewriting.blogspot.com

Elizabeth Lee

This is my story. After years of silence, I am finally speaking.

http://smileyliz10.tumblr.com/

Toree Burrell

The Voiceless. This blog is about animal abuse, my personal photos, and my reflection

http://theanimalabuser.weebly.com/

Becca Tober

A place to put my thoughts.

http://themindofanaveragegirl.tumblr.com/

Ian Johnson

I thought of these things in the shower

http://ianscreativewritingblog.tumblr.com/

Josie Winter

http://ajo-zblog.tumblr.com/

Jacob Orling

mine is just random stories I wrote in this class.

http://orlingj.blogspot.com/

Hanna Swenor

Here is my blog it’s about random things about my life so there ya go.

http://hannaswenor.weebly.com/about-me.html

Mia Kamp

my life this past year with friends.

http://justbreathe616.weebly.com

Katie Wells

A place to reflect my self

http://fragmentsofmyessence.blogspot.com/

Maya Denslow

My blog is about a character I created named Harper Bearheart

http://thelifeofharperbearheart.tumblr.com/

Ellen Lauinger

My blog has a lot to do with my family and how being around them has shaped me.

http://elauhybridblog.weebly.com

Alyssa Goericke

My blog is all about reflecting on my past school years and childhood. Nostalgia-like.

http://thewriterdiaries.weebly.com/

Bre Burns

This blog is just my random pieces I’ve written during this class

http://averageteenagegirlthoughts.blogspot.com/

Ted Thomas

My blog is about what has been on my mind when I thought about my past.

http://insidethemindofted.blogspot.com/

April Lucas

My blog is centered around my family.Each piece is about one specific member.

http://creativelywritingrn.blogspot.com/

Ethan York

My blog is focused on the truth and darker side of things.

https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2366584985396435347#allposts

Zachary Goosen

My blog is about getting that strong emotion out of the reader, or by placing a deep thought into the reader for them to ponder.http://bteht.blogspot.com/

Brittany Dawson

My blog is about my love for cross country.

http://bbosson15.tumblr.com/

Kyra Butler

My blog is humorous, that’s about it… It’s also awkward.

http://welllthisisawkward.weebly.com/

Justin Taylor

My blog is just pieces that I have written during this class

http://206416.blogspot.com/

Sydney DeCator

This is my blog where I have written my best pieces during this class and at home.

www.sydneydecator.blogspot.com

Maxx Kriger

sorry everyone. If you want to see a nice blog, just come back in a few weeks haha.

http://maxxsbrainnectar.blogspot.com/

The Writing Recital

At the end of a school year, all the recitals for our kids are scheduled: piano recitals, vocal recitals, and all other year-end school celebrations. It's an exciting time, for sure!

So why not, when it comes to my outstanding term leading Creative Writing classes, have a Writing Recital?

This Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday--May 20, 21, and 22--at 7PM, please join us at Spring Lake High School's Media Center for the first-ever Writing Recital. It is an opportunity for us to celebrate our work, to show parents--or anyone really--how far we've come. It gives us an audience. And if you've been following my educational path over the last two years, you know how important the audience is.

Because of YOU--not me, not the grades--my students have worked hard. They do not have wait for their words to make a difference: to inform, to entertain, to make you feel. Their words matter RIGHT NOW! And the pieces they have created will do just that: they will matter. There are going to be powerful words shared on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.

But wait! Can't make it, you say? Don't live in Spring Lake? Can't get away from work in time? Just like getting in the house and putting on PJs? Stationed in Afghanistan? Speak a different language and just want to hear how Midwest American teens speak? Are you a governor who just wants to see what some students in Michigan are turning out?

Then watch here: http://www.ustream.tv/search?q=dtheune

That's right! We're live streaming all three nights and we're hoping you can join us.

Help us celebrate!

Make our words matter!

Our art for the event was a collaborative effort. It started as a blank white page taped to my wall. Students, throughout just one day, came up and added anything they wanted. Here's the result.

Who: Spring Lake Creative Writing Class

What: The Writing Recital

When: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday--May 20, 21, 22--at 7PM

Where: Spring Lake Media Center OR http://www.ustream.tv/search?q=dtheune

How: Just Show Up Or Click On The Link At 7PM On Any Or All Days

Why: To Give Our Words Meaning And Purpose!

Teachers & Mothers--Same Thing

This post is for my mother--the great teacher, the great provider of empathy.
If we could just all be like her...

(This is a re-post of an essay I wrote and audio recorded last year.)

To mothers everywhere, you have incredible power and influence.

Teacher Appreciation

This week is Teacher Appreciation Week. I've been motivated, inspired, and changed by the teachers who have been (and are) in my life.

Here, I'd like to thank just a few who are part of making me who I am today--both as a teacher myself and as an individual. (Inevitably, I've left out names that have impacted me in major ways, but I wanted to name names, to be direct, so I had to be picky. I didn't want to simply say "My English Department", for example, no matter how true that is. Ask me tomorrow, I'd come up with more names for each category.)

I don't know how things catch fire and become digitally viral, but I would LOVE it if teacher appreciation did just that. So, if you want to give appreciation, fill out this form: Teacher Appreciation. Tell the world what teacher you appreciate.

My Colleagues of Spring Lake Public:
*Joe Sinn--I appreciate the way he uses humor and literary skill to teach
*Mark Webster--I appreciate the way he is passionate in the educational political arena
*Kent Higgs--I appreciate our hallway conversations and how he uses technology in his math classroom
*Eric Kipling--I appreciate his passion and his honesty
*Garth Trask--I appreciate his motivation, his willingness to help me by asking me thought-provoking questions

Former Teachers:
*PH (Paul Wolbrink)--I appreciate the way he celebrated my work
*Sandy Clark--I appreciate the way she pushed me to read challenging literature
*Pat Foley--I appreciate how he got me to open up, to be confident in my own skin
*Daina Robins--I appreciate her for giving me tough love--followed by love
*Mary Bolt--I appreciate her being my security blanket in my challenging move from Iowa to Michigan back in 3rd grade

Current Teachers in Other Districts:
*Greg Kobylak (Fruitport)--I appreciate his passion for his subject and for our candid conversations on the state of education
*Trent Klairter (Reeths Puffer)--I appreciate his energy
*Erica Beaton (Cedar Springs)--I appreciate her encouragement in keeping me moving forward
*Kelly VanderHoek (Coopersville)--I appreciate her connection to kids and her willingness to learn
*Lindsey Boyle (East Kentwood)--I appreciate her fire; it's contagious

The Pros Who Have Taught Me:
*Penny Kittle--I appreciate her for modeling high-quality teaching
*Kelly Gallagher--I appreciate his deep concern for the quality of reading we do in our schools
*Jeff Anderson--I appreciate the energy and passion he brings to technique
*Brene Brown--I appreciate her reminder to "Dare Greatly"
*Emily Bazelon--I appreciate her willingness to connect with her readers

Community

On Friday, our community raised almost $100,000 for non-fiction books to be distributed throughout our school system.

On May 6, our community will decide, through their votes, if they'd like to see new construction and major renovations to our district as well as technology and athletic upgrades. They've shown before that they are supporters of the right bond; I certainly hope that's the case again.

That's incredible money. It takes thousands (in terms of the voting) to make major change for a school district. For The Shindig, the name given to the casual fundraiser, over seven hundred individuals showed up to eat, drink, and be merry--all in the name of new books for our kids.

And, me, I get to live in this community. I feel proud to pay these taxes and raise my kids in a place where they are embraced and supported by the individuals and companies in them.

It's not easy being a child. So many changes--in emotions, in appearances, in relationships, in academics--that a child goes goes through during his/her course via the school system. To be supported by the entire community is such a major help while traveling down an often rocky, always adventurous, road. When we put our kids in the center of a community-wide embrace, we are giving them a far-reaching foundation, one we hope can last a lifetime--or at least until they are ready to embrace their own community's children.

But not every community does this. Why?

Because it doesn't have the visionaries focused on helping others, the few at the center of an event who can rally the masses. Sometimes, visionaries just look out for themselves--doing anything they can to make money or elevate themselves within the community. The few at the center of both of these events--The Shindig and the 2014 Bond Proposal--wouldn't want to call themselves visionaries. They would quickly deflect the title and share it with the masses (and, don't get me wrong, the masses are essential; they have to show up), but it is the few with the motivation and know-how who start the process of greater change in our schools.

Visionaries see things differently than they are and then put in the work, including connecting with a community of people who will help spread the vision, to make it come true.

Here in Spring Lake, we're lucky; our visionaries are looking out for our kids, embracing them every chance they get.

Calling All Conferences

Over the last year--starting with MACUL 2013--I've been bitten by a bug: a presenting bug. I LOVE it! I suppose it really connects my two passions: education and performance. Before I was a teacher, I was an aspiring actor. Really, I only left theatre because I taught it to children once and learned that I liked that more than actually doing it myself.

For ten years, I didn't realize that I could do both. I'm not sure why, but I just hadn't considered it. I just didn't know about the opportunities.

And that's still how I feel. Though I'm speaking quite a bit more around the state--getting ready to head to Jackson, MI next Saturday for #ConnectEdu--I still don't know of all the opportunities.

So, I need your help. Hook me up with links! Connect them as comments to this blog or email the opportunities to dtheune@springlakeschools.org or contact me on Twitter using @DavidTheune.

Over the last year, I've learned more than ever. That's because I've been in the presence of more motivated educators than ever through these conferences. Also, through preparing my own talks, I've become more aware and excited and reflective of my own practices. Together, with the daily education I get from my colleagues and from my students, it has made the last year the best one of my career.

Calling All Conferences!
Bring 'em on!

Life Lessons, Part 2

In last week's blog (the first weekend of spring break), I wrote about the life lessons my girls were teaching me while my wife was visiting a friend in Boston. (Read it here: Life Lessons from My Girls). But the lessons continued when my other girl--my wife--got home.

People will pay $70+ a ticket to hear Jim Gaffigan for 90 minutes. Others will pay more for silliness. Why? Because silliness carries value in our lives. It allows us a break to be more productive on the other side.

As for me, I'm fortunate. I don't have to pay a thing for this all-important characteristic.

Truth is: I often take myself too seriously. I find myself working too many hours and thinking of my job as a sprint (and, yes, I'm glad I do see it as that sometimes. I am certainly NOT belittling the importance of my job as an educator). During my normal hours, my everyday life, silly is not my thing. I smile a lot--and even laugh. But that's not silly. I need reminders to be silly--to laugh and chuckle. To roll on the floor laughing--kicking and screaming because the tickle torture I'm receiving has gone on too long. To be startled and scream like my five-year-old self when my girls--yes, including the 37-year-old one--jump out from around the corner. I need that from them because I don't produce it enough in myself.

The value? I get to be a kid. And smile more broadly. And laugh more loudly. And--eventually--embrace more passionately. And breathe more freely.

It's silliness that allows me to work harder and make a bigger difference in the world.

It's because of the silliness I received over spring break from all of my girls that I am now ready for the final push of the school year.