This week at Scribble Picnic we have a Fill in the Blank - a "stumpy" rectangle. So if we were looking at envelopes for example:
we would not be looking at a #9 or #10 but rather an A-2, A-6, or A-7. At least that's the way I've interpreted it. And I chose something on the line of A-7 - my new Marquee Lightbox Sign that I have on my counter at work. It was an impulse purchase from Zulily - very inexpensive and fun. I put it out for the first time last week and have gotten a lot of positive feedback from it. Even the superintendent liked it.
This was the message today "Kindness Matters". The letters slide into the rails and it has a USB cable that when plugged into my computer (behind it on my desk) lights it up. I've been changing the message daily and I'm keeping a list of what I've done and ideas for more. I did wind up ordering more letters (which actually cost more than the original box and letters!) so that I can have more freedom with the messages. Of course, working in a school, they would have to be age-appropriate and they also have to fit in the space provided.
It's been a rough week, at least for me, learning about and thinking about the recent school shooting in Florida. There are all kinds of emotions that get stirred up each time this happens and each time I seem to get angrier and angrier that more isn't being done to stop these senseless killings. I'm not looking to debate the Second Amendment - I don't think anyone's Second Amendment rights should supersede the safety of our children - I want to see people working together to find ways to help this from happening again and again. President Roosevelt said "In any moment of decision, the best thing you can do is the right thing, the next best thing is the wrong thing, and the worst thing you can do is nothing". We have to decide to do something.
So I guess maybe I should have filled in my blank with a stumpy rectangle soap box, but I'll get off it now and head on over to the picnic to see what the other Picnickers have been up to this week. You can join me by clicking here, and should you wish to join in next week the theme is One of a Kind.
What President Roosevelt said makes a lot of sense.
ReplyDeleteIn this case I am sure it will be the right decision.
....... so many innocent lives lost .....
One can only hope.
DeleteNice take with the envelopes and the different sizes. I will stand with you on your soap box. I agree and my heart breaks for those families. Something has to be done. Letting the students and parents talk personally with the President was a good beginning for healing. Letting them tell their stories in a safe place.
ReplyDeleteThanks Wanda. It is heartbreaking. I don't know how anyone cannot feel for them.
DeleteI don’t think I’ve seen Lightbox signs like that...cool illustration of the one you bought!
ReplyDeleteMy heart feels so very sad for those poor school kids. :(
Thanks Serena. I think the lightboxes are geared more towards the pre-teen kids. We have to keep it light and positive.
DeleteHi Lorraine, your lightbox message is wonderful! I really love it! The tragedy in Florida is saddening for sure, I'm sure it makes more of an impact for you because you work in that same environment. :(
ReplyDeleteThanks Rain. Yes, the impact on schools is deeply felt, but we have to keep things light and positive so as not to make the students anxious about being here. Almost like we have to numb ourselves to what's going on outside while we're here.
DeleteScoot over, Lorraine, I want to get on that soap box with you. I too have been angry and in awe of the wonderful kids who do get it. It is time to stand up and be counted ... guns in the hands of the wrong people do kill people and we need to put a stop to it. The writers of the second amendment never dreamed it would be abused in this way. So, on to more fun things ... love your light box and your words. You must be an awesome teacher :)
ReplyDeleteAndrea @ From The Sol
I'm right there on that soapbox with you even though I don't live in the US. It's all so totally senseless and so hard to see happening over and over again. What is it going to take before the people take a stand against guns.
ReplyDeleteI keep asking myself the same question.
DeleteLorraine, this is adorable. I love the happy sign and it's perfect for the stumpy rectangle challenge! Isn;t it funny how they get you with the initial cheaper cost but then adding more letter costs you? Great job and thank you so much!
ReplyDeleteIt must be particularly jarring for you being in school and the same state no less. I can't imagine. I remember when Columbine happened and how much it affected everyone here, an hour away. I cried for years over that and still think of the victims' families. It is very sad indeed.
Whilst I personally hate guns, hope no one I know ever buys one, I do understand the legit argument about balance of power between the people and the government and see what has happened to countries where there is no potential for resistance, should a gov get out of hand. So, it's tricky for sure! Absolutely, for starters, we need to ensure the existing laws are upheld (such as that is actually illegal to own a semi automatic already) and mentally unstable kids on medications DEF need to not be able to have access to guns in any way!! I think we should start with holding all these doctors accountable for prescribing such dangerous drugs and, just like so many of the schools in UK, we need armed guards at the main entrance at least. I mean, we do it at banks and libraries and aren;t our kids even more important?. Clearly too it's not coincidental that these shooters always choose schools as they know they are "gun free" zones so no potential to be fired back upon. Anyway, regardless of what measures are taken, it is heartbreaking and was totally avoidable if law enforcement had been allowed to do their job and respond to one of the 39 complaints in a meaningful way too.
thinking of you and all those poor families during this horrible time. Your sign rings even more true in the midst of all this.
Thanks Michael. I think I have enough letters now. The trick will be finding messages that fit in those spaces! You're right that it is jarring working in a school (I'm in NJ). The truth is, after Sandy Hook shook everyone up so badly because it was an elementary school and the victims were so young, we were basically told that no matter what security procedures you put in place, if someone wants to get in to do harm, they will find a way. Schools aren't fortresses. Installing security doors and panic alarms, or even guards in the future may slow a perpetrator down, but usually they don't care about their own lives so they'll go to the extreme.
DeleteI thought of envelopes too, but went with something else. Great idea to have those encouraging notes on the desk. What a fun way to share them.
ReplyDeleteThank you Trina. That's my goal - to keep it fun.
DeleteGreat choice for a rectangle drawing! It looks like you're in a very organized and welcoming office, all the more so with your new sign. You may see increased foot traffic as students want to see the new messages as they appear!
ReplyDeleteThanks Jolene. I hope they find it fun.
DeleteThe envelopes were such a good idea for the theme Lorraine.
ReplyDeleteYes, sadness for such horrific happenings regarding our school children never really leaves, coming back to haunt us in so many ways in the years following these terrible shootings.
I will remember that KINDNESS MATTERS every day -
Mary -
Thanks Mary. It's almost too sad to note that we need to be reminded that Kindness Matters, isn't it?
ReplyDelete