Hello

I have been on hiatus for a while for a variety of reason that are not so important IMHO. I sorta ran out of things to say and there was some indication that this blog had been compromised. Also few comments.

Anyway, I am taking a "sabbatical" year. In public high school that means no pay, keep insurance, job waiting in a year.

So I am thinking about reviving this blog.

Laters,

steevo
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Ask as Sex Ed teacher...

I an an out 30ish gay high school teacher and one subject I teach is health/ sex ed. Not to boast, but my class is very popular. In a recent teacher evaluation they said I am very good at this and seem to handle any questions accurately and appropriately in terms students can understand. I have presented at district in-service workshops about how to teach about "gayness" and how to handle questions.

I used to get questions from readers quite often.

So ask away here or in email. You can be anonymous if it helps.

How Pink Shirt Day started two years ago

CBC News - Canada - Bullied student tickled pink by schoolmates' T-shirt campaign

Shared via AddThis

September 2007

Two Nova Scotia students are being praised across North America for the way they turned the tide against the bullies who picked on a fellow student for wearing pink.

The victim — a Grade 9 boy at Central Kings Rural High School in the small community of Cambridge — wore a pink polo shirt on his first day of school.

David Shepherd, left, and Travis Price decided to spread word of their 'sea of pink' campaign on the internet.
(CBC)

Bullies harassed the boy, called him a homosexual for wearing pink and threatened to beat him up, students said.

Two Grade 12 students — David Shepherd and Travis Price — heard the news and decided to take action.

"I just figured enough was enough," said Shepherd.

read more

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Remembering Razz --- and a new friend for him

Torchy did a post about Razz.

http://inmemoryofrazz.blogspot.com/2009/09/fallen.html

Below is a copy of a comment I made in response to someone who calls himself "closet" who stumbled on the razz tribute blog above. Interesting his impressions.



Blogger Steevo said...

@closet: It's ok however you feel or whatever the demons try. You can beat them back.

There are many of us here who will listen and console or w/e u need as a tribute to razz and cuz its what we do here.

Yes, closet, you missed a gem of a guy in razz.

I and many others i'm sure would like to hear more from you. If you dont want to do a blog I would post something from you for all us to read to get to know you better...if u want that. Be as vague as you want.

If you want to correspond by email thats fine too. My email in on my blog.

I dont know how old u r or where from, but that does not matter at all. If you need an ear lots of us are here.

Or you can do comments here and we'll have a group discussion.

***flash*** Oh, yeah! I am an author HERE. Maybe I'll do a post: How "'closet' met 'Razz'". Now that would please Razz no end I bet. Edgy like him, push the envelope... LOL damn i miss him...

Pilgrim.. when u see ste ask how everyone is doing and is it ok to share a general update with razz/chris' pals.

A pic of his final resting place would be super. You can take it so we dont see his last name as his fam deserves privacy. If ste thinks it is Ok. I esp. hope jake is OK and how r the housemates?

Here's to Razz!! Hip Hip...

A nice memorial to razz would be a companion blog to his where people who meet him for the first time can chime in. This could be it!

Whatchu think guys?

steevo
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September 29, 2009 5:00 PM

Goodbye Childhood Touchstone

Mary Travers
of
Peter Paul & Mary

Mary Travers died yesterday. My parents were huge fans of her and the group. It was the 60s and Mary and the other two were icons in an era that had many, but few as authentic and inspiring. They sang of peace and justice and inspired their audiences to get involved. I'm sure I heard Mary's music when I was in diapers. Sometime in the 80s I learned more about her and what PP&M music meant to my parents.

Mary's clear pure voice is part of my memory forever. I went to one or two reunion concerts with my parents in 80s I guess. And I was surprised to see many people my age there. Some thought it wasn't too cool in my high schooldays to admit being a fan. But I was. And my best friends were too. PP&M and Mister Rogers were part of my early childhood and beyond.

Dan and I went to a concert a few years ago as guests of all 4 rents. It was remarkable to see at least 4 generations represented. From snow white hair and stooped shoulders to infants in baby carriers, we all enjoyed a common musical heritage from the 60s.

Dan texted me that Mary had died and I shared some memories with my classes. Many students said who? But I sang a few bars of several songs (Puff the Magic Dragon, Lemon Tree, If I had a Hammer) and they said, "Oh them! Yeah, I remember now!" A fitting legacy!

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edit: brief curtain call!!! Bye Bye History Nerd

Josh has ended his blog.

Though I will miss his excellent writing and reading about his life, I think it must be what is best for him.

Indeed, I hope we meet again.

Minnesota Teachers Who Mocked Student for Being Gay Are On Leave

09/02/2009

Minnesota Teachers Who Mocked Student for Being Gay Are On Leave

A Minnesota school district which recently paid a family $25,000 after a high school junior was harassed by two teachers over his perceived sexual orientation, has announced that the teachers involved are on leave.

The Star Tribune reported in August, "The boy's 'fence swings both ways,' teacher Diane Cleveland commented during a class in the 2007-2008 school year, according to an investigation by the Minnesota Department of Human Rights. When the boy wrote a report on Ben Franklin, Cleveland allegedly said before the entire class that the boy had a 'thing for older men.' Another teacher, Walter Filson, said in front of other students that the boy 'enjoys wearing women's clothes.' When the boy decided to report on Abraham Lincoln, Filson allegedly said, 'Since you like your men older ...' the Human Rights report said."

Now, the paper reports: "Diane Cleveland, a 39-year-old social studies teacher, and Walter Filson, a 56-year-old law enforcement teacher, went on leave within the past week, said Ginny Karbowski, director of career and technical education for the Secondary Technical Education Program (STEP) in Anoka, where the two taught. Cleveland's attorney, Phil Villaume, said: 'Our position is that she is taking an unpaid, voluntary leave of absence at her request. ... This was done in the last week, and it was her decision and her decision alone.' Villaume doesn't represent Filson and couldn't comment on his status. Filson couldn't be reached for comment."

The teachers should be fired.

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