Remembering a Principal

This blog entry will be a bit different, because though the TB Blog voice is usually representative of the gestalt of Teacher's Discovery, this entry is decidedly personal.

Today the Teacher's Brunch blog pauses to thank Mr. Carkenord, long-time L'Anse Creuse Public Schools principal, who passed away this week after struggling with cancer and Alzheimer's disease.


My principal at Tenniswood Elementary School, Mr. Carkenord was maybe the friendliest guy on the planet, often not too much taller than the students he looked after. He was the kind of guy who remembered students' names long after the students moved on.

When I saw him at school events as I progressed through middle school, then high school, he always said hello, and remembered my younger sister's name, too.

He was invited to my high school graduation party, and when he appeared, I felt honored. I remember my parents calling him "Joe," and I said "That's not Joe. That's my principal."

Mr. Carkenord was at the beginning of a career in education that has led me from tutoring, to teaching, to creating tools and typing this blog for teachers across the world.

Two years ago, when my kids attended preschool at Joseph M. Carkenord Elementary School, I got to tell them about the kind, dedicated man whose name is on the side of the building, and he touched another generation of learners.

We should all be so lucky to leave such a legacy.

Thanks, Mr. Carkenord.

More In Memoriam: J. D. Salinger Dies at 91

News sources are now reporting that author J. D. Salinger has died at his home.

Salinger, seen above on one of our mini-posters, was notoriously out-of-the-spotlight. The fame, and infamy, of his only novel reportedly haunted him.

We hope that Salinger and Mark Twain arguing over who would win in a fight: Holden or Huck?

Two Luminaries, Rest In Peace

The flags at Teacher's Brunch HQ in snow swept Auburn Hills, MI fly at half staff today for two people who passed away within the last 24 hours.



Howard Zinn suffered a fatal heart attack yesterday at the age of 87.

An activist, historian, and author, Zinn is probably best-known for his book A People's History of the United States. Depending when and where you attended university, it's a good bet his book was on a reading list somewhere along your educational path.




We also mourn the loss today of Zelda Rubinstein, who died yesterday after a string of illnesses.

Rubinstein is best-known for her role in the "Poltergeist" movies. In addition to roles in other films, including a stint as a Munchkin, Rubinstein was, as EW.com puts it, and AIDS activist before being an AIDS activist was fashionable.

Below is a clip of Rubinstein making her first appearance as psychic avenger Tangina Barrons.