Category Archives for "school"

Ice Breaker – Back To School

Each week on The Stretched Blog, I ask an ice breaker question. The questions are designed to help us get to know each other here in The Stretched Community. I’ll provide my answer to the question here in the post, and then you can leave your response in the comments. While you’re in the comments section, see how others answered the ice breaker question.

(I’m always looking for Ice Breaker question ideas.  If you have an idea, send me an email at jon@jonstolpe.com.  If I use your question, I’ll give you credit and share your links.)

Last night was Back to School Night at the high school where my kids go to school.  We had a great time following their class schedule and meeting their teachers.  Today’s Ice Breaker question is inspired by our evening.

Question:  If you could go back to school, what class or degree would you pursue or retake and why?

My Answer:  If I was going back to high school, I would try to fit a wood shop class into my schedule.  I never took this class when I was in high school, but I think it would be so useful now.

If I was going back to college to pursue another degree, I would consider something in one of the three areas:

  • Communications – To help me become a better communicator.
  • Web Design/Programming – To improve my skill in designing things on the web.
  • Missions – To expand my thinking and effectiveness in ministering to others at home and overseas.

Answer this week’s ice breaker question by leaving a comment. I look forward to reading your response! (As always, feel free to share links.) And keep Stretching!

Ice Breaker – Back To School

Ice Breaker

Image by VerseVend (via Flickr – Creative Commons)

Each week on The Stretched Blog, I ask an ice breaker question. The questions are designed to help us get to know each other here in The Stretched Community. I’ll provide my answer to the question here in the post, and then you can leave your response in the comments. While you’re in the comments section, see how others answered the ice breaker question.

When I was a kid, I struggled to sleep the night before school started.  Don’t get me wrong.  I loved the summer, but there was something exhilarating about starting the new school year.  I was nervous about my classes.  I was probably a little concerned about what I would wear.  And I was excited about seeing my friends again after the summer break.  Our kids started back to school this week, so I thought it might be a good time for a back to school Ice Breaker question.

Question:  What was/is your favorite thing about going back to school?

My Answer:  When I was in school, I liked the opportunity to start fresh.  I especially liked the clean book covers that went on at the beginning of the year.  And I liked the new sneakers that typically came with the start of school.

Now, I appreciate the return to school for my kids as it signifies a return to routine.  While I love the summer times with my kids, our schedules tend to get out of whack when they are home all summer.  School means a tighter schedule.  It can sometimes mean a little more rushing around.  But the routine is great!

Answer this week’s ice breaker question by leaving a comment. I look forward to reading your response! (As always, feel free to share links.) And keep STRETCHING!

Also don’t forget to sign up for the weekly Stretched newsletter.  Check out this post to find out how to sign up.

Ice Breaker – Favorite High School Music Group

Ice Breaker

Image by VerseVend (via Flickr – Creative Commons)

Each week on The Stretched Blog, I ask an ice breaker question. The questions are designed to help us get to know each other here in The Stretched Community. I’ll provide my answer to the question here in the post, and then you can leave your response in the comments. While you’re in the comments section, see how others answered the ice breaker question.

Question:  What was your favorite music group when you were in high school?

My Answer:  I’m sure I had several favorite music groups at that time in my life.  My favorite was U2.  The Joshua Tree came out while I was in high school, and I remember several of my classmates going to the Joshua Tree Concert when it came through our area.  Sunday Bloody Sunday, 40, Where The Streets Have No Name, and Pride are just a few of the songs that were in my regular playlist back in the late 80s.

Here are a few music groups that would make my honorable mention list:  DJ Jazzy Jeff and The Fresh Prince, REM, and Billy Joel (not a group, but still makes my list).

Answer this week’s ice breaker question by leaving a comment. I look forward to reading your response! (As always, feel free to share links.) And keep STRETCHING!

Also don’t forget to sign up for the weekly Stretched newsletter.  Check out this post to find out how to sign up.

Ice Breaker – Back To School

Each week on The Stretched Blog, we ask an ice breaker question.  The questions are designed to help us get to know each other here in The Stretched Community.  I’ll provide my answer to the question here in the post, and then you can leave your response in the comments.  While you’re in the comments section, see how others answered the ice breaker question.

This week’s question is inspired by the return to school.

Ready for the first day of school!                              (Photo by Leanne Stolpe)

Question:  What was your favorite school subject?

My Answer:  Okay, I’ll be a bit of a geek here.  I loved math, and I still do.  From the time they taught us how to add to one digit numbers all the way up to learning differential equations during my engineering studies at Grove City College,  I have enjoyed math.  Now, most of my math involves punching numbers into spreadsheets, balancing the checkbook, and analyzing financial data for my department.  It’s still fun when there are numbers involved.  While I don’t perform integrations and derivations any longer, the skills I learned in my math courses especially through high school and college prepared me for where I am today.  (As for my second favorite subject, it’s probably gym or science.)

There you have it – my answer.  Now, it’s your turn.  Answer this week’s ice breaker question by leaving a comment.  I look forward to reading your response!