Janet Lee and Arnie

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Sat, 11 Jun 2011 12:01:44 -0400

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Arnie Visits Stayner Collegiate Institute

Fri, 25 Feb 2011 07:11:41 -0500

So, if you are following the blog, you will know that I have moved to a new school for Semester 2 and of course Arnie had to be there right away to get me started! It had been 6 months since his last speech at Innisdale and he felt a little nervous. My students were very excited to meet Arnie because this was not the first time. You see several of my students met Arnie in Elementary School during our Simcoe County speaking tour! I was so excited to learn that my students remembered Arnie as a passionate literacy advocate.

When Arnie arrived at my house, he realized that in his rush to leave his house that morning, he had forgotten to pack his suitcase! So, he did not have his blood pressure pills or his clothes!! My husband went through his closet and found some shirts and pants for Arnie to wear. I was relieved but I was also worried about Arnie’s blood sugar. I packed an extra special lunch for Arnie just to be sure he would feel balanced throughout the day.

Although Arnie was very nervous about his first speech, he relaxed when the students arrived. All of them gave Arnie smiles and nods of respect as they entered the room. Arnie stood before them and said, “look at these clothes I’m wearing. Janet Lee’s husband gave these to me because I forgot mine at home! See, it isn’t bad to wear hand me downs! What do you’s think??” The group cheered for Arnie and I knew it was going to be a great day!

Several students visited us during lunch where Arnie told more stories about the mine and learning to read. He said, “Reading is like hunting to me. I go out there searching for words and when I come back sometimes I get big words and sometimes I get little ones. It only matters that I never give up.” The students nodded with understanding and I felt so happy to see Arnie connecting with my students.

The afternoon presentations were a little more tearful than the morning because I think that Arnie was beginning to feel exhausted from it all. I know how much energy it takes to put yourself out there in this way. Students poured through the book of letters and a couple of students actually located their elementary school letters within the stack! It is a full circle moment for me! My current students had inspired me back then to continue our work and to never give up!! It’s a great feeling now that it has come around again!

We handed out about 200 Arnie cards on Wednesday and already we have had two students use their cards to ask for help! I am very proud of my new students for being so courageous. I am so proud to be their English teacher and proud of Arnie for continuing to make such a huge difference to the students and adults he meets.

The great news is that two students have approached me to make a play about Arnie’s life! We will begin our planning next Wednesday!!

I’ll keep you posted!

Until next time!
Janet Lee

An Update on P11

Sun, 12 Dec 2010 11:14:36 -0500

After 5 years of traveling around facilitating discussions with teachers from grades 1-12, I have returned to the familiar setting of the classroom. I don’t mind telling you that I literally shook with anticipation as the students climbed the steps into Portable 11 once more. Would all of my understanding and learning translate well into the lives of my students? Could I still inspire students after traveling through a time warp to reach them again on the other end?

We moved the desks from rows to a gigantic table where we could discuss our thoughts using a talking stick to direct the conversations. The curriculum was an excellent guide for me as I slowly collected information on students and decided where to go next.

Every day the technology was set up so that we could stay in touch with what the world values most these days, media. Students used their phones to take notes and yes to text each other. Motivation is the key...this and teaching from the students’ perspective. How surprised I was to find that most are not critically viewing media. Even more surprised I was to find that I struggled to get to the deep meaning of texts with so little time in each classroom.

On the first day of school, I told the story of my former student, Troy. His life was cut short too soon this summer on a dark street in Barrie. I told students that it is all about choices we make and actions we take. He was the motivation for dozens of conversations about peace and war, victims and survivors. His life and lessons were never in vain.

The reason we come together in this place is to grow together and learn about life. We make good choices when we can and when we fail we must revisit our choices with thoughtful reflection. Every day I look into the eyes of adolescents remembering my own struggles as a kid. Remembering the vow I made to myself to never forget what it was like...to never forget her.

We have laughed together and sometimes cried together. We journeyed through big ideas to make connections...sometimes meaningful sometimes not. We listened and responded to the stories of Arnie, Randy Pausch, Romeo, Juliet, etc. All to gain understanding that each story is valuable. Each person contributes their verse and writes new ones because of the community they grow within.

I am proud to say that I cannot remember being happier. In the classroom I feel content and at ease with myself and others. I smile more, laugh more, and feel more. I am inspired again. My colleagues say that I have “hit the ground running.” I agree. How else can you hit the ground??

And so as the holiday season approaches with its singing and brilliant colours, I am reminded that not all students experience hope at this time. For many (if not all) this is a time of loneliness and dread. This is a time when valuable things are removed not gathered. We must not blanket our classrooms in green and red expecting all students to identify with the “magic of the season.” Instead we must provide students with a forum for conversation and recognize that we are not all alike, but we are valuable each and every one. This week I will spend some time on it...if not all our time.

Next semester, I will start over in a new school. New to me but not new to others. Again I will post Troy’s photo and allow the students to add their own verse to our understanding of this journey. We will blanket our bulletin boards with notes of sincere striving. We will build trust in increments and imagine a world where all students feel valued and valuable. To get their attention I’ll say, “All eyes on me...because it’s all about...” and the students will reply shouting, “ME!”

Until next time,
Janet Lee

Innisdale Secondary School

Mon, 20 Sep 2010 16:42:56 -0400

Today was a very special day for Arnie and me. This was the day we got to speak to students from my very own classroom. I was so proud of my grade 11 and 9 students as they attentively listened to Arnie’s story. We explained our journey so far and encouraged students to always ask for help. I am so happy that my students now understand a little more about their teacher and know that they can ask me for help at any time.

Several students remembered us from their years in Elementary school. Students looked through the book of letters and one student even found their letter within the book! We were so happy that students remembered Arnie’s story. Tomorrow, students will write letters to Arnie through me, their very proud teacher. It was a full circle moment for both of us.

Thanks to everyone for your respect and attention today. I think we made a difference...now remember to always ask your teacher for help. :)

Until next time,
Janet Lee
AKA Mrs. Stinson

Angus Morrison Grade 8 Graduation

Mon, 28 Jun 2010 10:37:47 -0400

Arnie and I knew that this graduation ceremony would be very important. The night before we discussed what he would say for his keynote address to the students, staff and community of Angus. I told him about the poem by Robert Frost called, The Road not Taken. This poem speaks of paths in life and choices. Arnie looked off into the forest of trees behind my home and closed his eyes. I knew an idea was about to materialize. He spoke about darkness and pathways, lending hands and destinations. We considered the students and the caring adults in their lives. We talked at length about our journey so far and decided that this would mark the end of a chapter in our lives and more importantly the beginning of a new one. We were ready!

Arnie and I arrived at Angus Morrison with 30 minutes to spare. The parking lot was full of cars, the students and teachers were buzzing. We walked along a red carpet to enter the building. The beautiful artwork and photos of students lined the walls. Everyone was so excited and proud.

The time came for us to enter the gym. John Alexander (grade 8 teacher) and Kerrie Fitzhenry (Grade 8 teacher) directed us to join the line with the Principal (Catherine Hannon) and Vice Principal (Bill Floyd). I could tell Arnie was suddenly nervous because he became very quiet. We marched in the gymnasium and followed the line of people ahead of us. Arnie and I were both surprised that our seats were not on the floor but on the stage!

The graduates entered the room one by one. I watched the adults in the room snapping pictures and wiping away the tears as each graduate passed by them. The violinists played while each child approached all of us on the stage. Each face lifted to meet our eyes. Each child smiled and some had tears running down their cheeks. I looked over at Arnie and he was crying too.

Arnie approached the podium. I stood beside him. The audience was quiet. He took a deep breath and said, “I am so proud of you’s kids and your parents. I wonder what am I doing up here on this stage when you’s are the true heroes. You know, there is a path that each one of us takes through the bush. We walk through branches and darkness. We look ahead of us at those who have been there before and we reach out our hands. For me it was Janet. For you it is your teachers and mum’s and dad’s. We each help each other through the darkness. And when we come out at the other side we can look back and see that the path was have walked through is now wider because we have been there before. We reach out our hands to help the other students who follow us. Kids, you are helping me to walk through my darkness and find the light of education. Someday I might graduate from grade 8. But it will only be because you have been there before me. I love all of ya’s.”

Tears fell from his eyes. I placed my hand on his shoulder to give him strength. The entire audience without hesitation jumped to their feet in triumphant applause. John and Kerrie wiped away the tears and shook his hand. I was overwhelmed by the love pouring out to us from the exuberant audience. The graduates on their feet. The parent clapping their hands together. It was the perfect ending to our chapter.

Janet Lee

Arnie reads with Chris

Mon, 28 Jun 2010 10:31:23 -0400

Arnie and I visited Chris Jenkins (Reading Recovery Leader) for a reading lesson. Chris and Arnie read two books from level 17-20. I was fascinated by the way Arnie learned to navigate his way through the texts with the help of Chris. Chris wrote out several phrases to help Arnie to think about reading in a new way.

Listen to part of the lesson. More to come!

Special thanks to Chris.

You inspire me to be a better teacher!
Janet Lee

Fly Fly Fly

Sun, 29 Nov 2009 12:09:20 -0500

Please leave your comments about our new theme song below.

If you would like to purchase the full version of the song, please send an email to fenixliteracy@gmail.com

A Gradual Release

Thu, 26 Nov 2009 11:20:31 -0500

Today, I stood in my driveway watching Arnie and Dawne drive away. I never expected the tears to rise to my eyes and flow down my cheeks. I watched them turn the corner and I cried. Not because I was worried. I cried because I would miss out on the experience of making a difference with Arnie’s story. I have been there for 75 of Arnie’s presentations over the past 4 years. This day was different, this time I wouldn’t be there to take it all in.

I realized this week that this mission is bigger than me. This movement is going to take flight without me being there for every moment of happiness. I think that is the funny thing about leaving a legacy. You aren’t always there for the joy in the end.

That night, I flipped through the pictures taken at the event. I saw students and teachers I hadn’t met. But the thing that was familiar was the emotion behind the photos. The caring glances. The knowing smiles. Arnie stood with Dawne and had the smile of pride he always had with me. She protected him by getting him to the presentation safely and on time. Her beautiful spirit shined guiding him through the experience without a flaw.

Arnie and I are so fortunate to have Dawne on the team. Without her, this mission could have stalled and the children in these photographs would not have had the opportunity to hear Arnie’s story and benefit from his advice. Yes, today I gradually released Arnie into the hands of the future.

It is the Dawne of a new day!

Until next time,  Janet Lee

Manuscript in the mail

Fri, 2 Oct 2009 07:24:20 -0400

Hello everyone!

I wanted to blog about dreams, vision boards and taking positive action. This journey I have been on with Arnie has taken me to places in my heart I never knew I could travel. It has stretched me as a person and made me understand my own strengths and limitations.

Along the way, Arnie and I have had big dreams. We have long discussions about what could be in life and we have always supported each other when we try something new. Just recently, we gained a few new team members for Fenix and I’d like to highlight these members now.

First of all, Mac and his family have been very helpful with raising our levels of inspiration. Sean (Mac’s Dad) has chosen to go back to school to further his understanding and we are so proud of his efforts. Mac has been in contact with me this week as he works through a few new ideas about the Fenix Foundation and raising money for literacy awareness. Mac has created a new design for the Fenix logo and we are so proud of him for his creative nature and can do attitude! As a grade 10 student, Mac is an inspiration to us all!

Helaina Nash has devoted her time to us as an editor for the initial manuscript that left my hands on Monday of this week. Lainy and I worked tirelessly this past weekend to get the manuscript ready to go out to the world. Lainy also accompanied me to a book launch where I was able to feel the energy of a launch and be with an author as he accomplished his dream on Bay Street! I think I have always underestimated the powerfulness of friendship and a combined vision. Lainy is so supportive and talented...I couldn’t have had the courage I displayed this week without her unwavering support.

I have faced obstacles with touring Arnie to schools as of two weeks ago. My present administration no longer permits me to accompany Arnie during the day on his school visits. At first, this made me feel defeated but then I remembered that everything happens for a reason and that I should think outside the box. This is when we got a new member for our team in Dawne Stanley. Dawne will be accompanying Arnie to the many schools who are requesting him at this point. Dawne has the perfect background and personality for this job. I know it will be ok and that someday soon I will be able to accompany Arnie again...

A publisher gave me some great ideas for the book and for this website this week. She suggested I have Arnie blog to you as well. I love this idea and will help Arnie to do this in the near future. Stay tuned...

All of these things have made me excited and hopeful for the future. When I created my vision board, I included the things I envision for myself, my family, and Arnie. As I type these words, I gaze up at the board and see all of things we are striving for. I believe this helps us to take positive action everyday towards these dreams. And the golden retriever at my feet helps too.

Thanks to everyone for the support and love! Arnie and I are very grateful and know that the time is soon coming when we will have to change the vision board because we have accomplished everything on it!

Until next time!
Janet Lee

Reading Recovery Graduates

Sat, 27 Jun 2009 09:21:20 -0400

Arnie and I were very honoured to speak to the Reading Recovery teachers this Wednesday. Arnie was emotional during his story and so was the entire audience. Reading Recovery is an amazing program that helps students who struggle. Teachers go through an extensive training program to become a Reading Recovery teacher. Over 2,000 students have been helped in Simcoe County alone!

Arnie cried as he thanked the teachers for their dedication to students who struggle with reading. Leaders Kathleen Corrigan and Christine Jenkins presented Arnie with a special book to read to his grandchildren and handmade cards depicting the seasons. It was a reading and writing gift. What a special event!

After Arnie’s presentation, the teachers gathered around us with hugs all around and lots of tears. All of us work for the students others would have been cast aside. This day was a tribute to everyone’s hard work and dedication.

Congratulations to all the Reading Recovery teachers of Simcoe County! Arnie and I are so proud to wear our honourary Reading Recovery pins.

Sincerely,
Janet Lee

Carrying the Torch

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 08:48:48 -0400