RICKEN WRITES FOR PAPERS BY MAGGIE HAYES Bob Ricken is not only the North Shore Towers’ Board President – he is a writer and an educator, two traits that he continues to harvest. Ricken has authored a number of both articles and books, and frequently contributes to various publications including newspapers and professional journals, and most recently Newsday and the New York Times. “I do it when I want to ventilate or when I want people to know an opposing point of view,” said the former superintendent. In early November, Newsday ran a letter Ricken wrote regarding over-testing in school. “Kids are tested so much that the teachers are being forced to teach for the test. There’s no time for that teachable moment. There’s no room for creativity,” he said. In what he referred to as a “test-centric” school system, Ricken questioned how teachers are being evaluated, and said they should be graded upon things such as whether they are going above and beyond the lesson plan. Ricken switched gears for his New York Times letter, and addressed bullying and prejudice. He responded to an incident of anti- Semitism in a Pine Bush school, of which the superintendent said changing prejudice was unrealistic. “I’ve always believed that if you tolerate bullying, it’s only going to get worse,” Ricken said. “If you do nothing about it, that’s the norm and it can only get worse.” During his time as a school principal, Ricken effectively put a stop to an annual hazing tradition against incoming sixth graders. When he heard the youngsters would be hit with shaving cream on their first day of school, Ricken sent a letter to parents before the school year started, saying the act would not be tolerated. “One proactive move and it ended,” he said. Through his writing experience, however, the Board President has learned to be patient. “If I’ve had 300 articles published, I probably had about 1,000 rejected,” he said, laughing. North Shore Towers Courier n December 2013 17 Incredible Support That Will Never Be Forgotten Sinai Chapels respects all Jewish traditions and customs, has a compassionate staff that is second to none, and has three generations of experience serving New York’s Jewish families. Preplanning Sinai Preplanning protects your family from unexpected expenses and making complex choices at a most difficult time. Your wishes are reflected in a unique and personal service. Costs are reasonable, all budgets are accommodated, and your investment is FDIC insured. Our staff Rabbi is available to answer your questions. For a no obligation consultation at our office or in your home, please call us. Sinai Chapels 162-05 Horace Harding Expressway, Fresh Meadows, NY 11365 718.445.0300 or 800.446.0406 We are here 24 hours, to serve your family. We offer FDIC insured pre-planning. www.JewishFunerals.com
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