The Personal Facts Page =)

SO, you feel the need to know a little bit more about me? Okay.....here are some facts. The reason this page was created is due to the fact that my students write a great deal about their personal life. I feel it's only fair to share some facets of my life with those of you who have some sort of curiosity.

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My mother was employed at Westing House for a brief period. Her parents were full Italian.

My grandmother was born in Sicily, my grandfather was born in Naples and there are family ties to Assisi.

My father was a Fire Captain for a "real" fire department. His parents were of mixed ethnicity. My grandmother was Croatian, my grandfather was German & Austrian.

Needless to say, there was quite a mix of cultures; however, my mother's parents lived with us, and I was basically exposed to an "All-Italian" culture. It was how we were brought-up and raised.

We were raised in a very strict Roman Catholic household. There were definite answers to what was acceptable and what was wrong. My parents always made us understand what type of behavior was acceptable, and they never hit us either. They didn't have to hit us.....there was that LOOK!

My family ate every meal together....no exception to that rule. NONE. Television was a huge "no-no" until all school work was completed. Actually, television bored the heck out of me except for my three favorite television shows at the time: Lost in Space, The Wonderful World of Disney and Scooby-Do.

I found schoolwork easy to complete. In the 1st grade I was removed from my class and placed in an advanced class. I enjoyed that classroom because it was a lot of writing and science! It was challenging.

I had great and close friends. We all went to the same school belonged to the same church joined the same Scout Troup and all of our parents were good friends and neighbors.

I am BLESSED to have had the BEST AUNT IN THE WORLD

. My aunt was awesome. When I was a little kid, she took me into New York City several times a week. I saw scores of Broadway Shows, every museum in the city, ate in every ethnic restaurant there was, shopped in every conceivable store, frequented Coney Island, Little Italy, Chinatown and Fifth Avenue. By ten years old, I knew New York City like the back of my hand. She was a true inspiration when in 2001, at the age of 88, she fought a battle with breast cancer and won. In 2003, God decided it was time to take her Home. I know she is with me always.

Then, in 8th grade, my parents decided to move to the suburban "countryside" of Monmouth County. Our family: Dad, Mom, my brother, sister, grandparents, two dogs, two birds and me, left the city and moved where the parks were safe.

When we arrived in our new home, I was thrilled to have my own room....well, after a while. YES!!!! Anyone that has ever had to share a room with a sibling knows what I mean!

I began going to junior high school, and I hated it! YES, I hated it; they were so far behind the classes I was a part of in in my old school, BUT....I went. It was hard not to go. The school was RIGHT across the street from my new home. It was basically filled with teachers who were just waiting to retire, and I hated them and their lax teaching habits.

I became active in soccer and track. I was the fastest runner in the 100 and the 200 yard dash.

I quickly made new friends, enjoyed reading, and getting involved in stage production.

My oldest and dearest friend was met in junior high. Oddly enough, it was a female. We became best friends and the BEST advice givers to each other. To this day, we are still friends, and my wife and I see her several times a year for dinner . As a matter of fact, we still keep in contact with all of our closest friends from high school. We all meet several times a year as we continue our journey through life.

Then high school began........and life began to change (as it always does in high school).

I continued to be active in the production part of theater. I was the first sophomore to be a stage manager at for my school for "The Dark at the Top of the Stairs"...it was fun. We also produced "Fiddler on the Roof" and "Mame" among others. I remained very active in the theater world while in high school.

My grandfather died (he was 96). He was a veteran of both World War I and World War II. My mom went to work, and I met a certain young lady in Literature Class in high school , that I began dating immediately and later married. Yes, I met and began dating my wife when I was 16; she was 14. We've been together ever since then. It seems as though we were meant to be together. Yeah, Yeah, Yeah...the whole "

High School Sweetheart

Thing

." But Hey....It Worked out Well! =)

I got my very first job. I worked at McDonald's for 8 days. THEN I had to leave. The overwhelming aroma of french fries was too much. I decided right there and then I would NEVER work with Food again! Though I will say that working in a Fast Food Restaurant is ok WHILE you're going to school OR if that is REALLY what you want to be doing with your life! It just wasn't for me. But I have the utmost respect for anyone in that situation; dealing with the public is VERY difficult at times.

After high school, I began college. I originally declared psychology and stage production as my majors. Though to be honest, I wasn't sure what I really wanted to be yet.

I began working for Fayva Shoes and quickly became a manager with that company. MISTAKE #1 (RETAIL IS EVIL)

I eventually became a product merchandiser and buyer. I was in New York and Philadelphia several times a week. It was pretty exciting. MISTAKE #2

We got engaged; my father's mother died an agonizing death from throat cancer (she was 83 and a TRUE LADY; PLEASE don't smoke!), my family then moved again to the Jersey Shore.

I began working for a retail store and eventually became a junior executive with them. Though I met a few nice people there, the company itself was an awful place to be 12-19 hours a day. They treated people with little or no respect. MISTAKE #3

We were married at a Nuptial Mass. We had already been together for 9 years.

We moved to up north but stayed active at the church in which we were married. Now after many years of being married and being together, she is still my soul mate, my best friend and my advocate. A Marriage without friendship and trust will never work. In all our years together (since 1981), we have always remained open, faithful, truthful, respectful and dedicated to each other. Marriage is a continuous journey that takes the couple on many stages throughout the obstacles of life. Unless you you are willing to accept the true commitment to the other person, a marriage will never succeed. Everyone needs to take their vows seriously, because after the wedding, the marriage truly begins. And with marriage, comes a tremendous responsibly that should never be taken lightly. Each individual must bring 100% of themselves to the marriage table to accept the fact that they each then become only 50% of a work in progress.

My wife and I started teaching CCD classes at our local church as a favor to our parish priest, and I became very interested in working with kids.

I decided to take some "Education Courses" at a local community college. I was really enthused about becoming a teacher. I took a few other classes and then transferred to Seton Hall University (A GREAT PLACE!). The next few years would be tough to juggle the five major towns in my life: where I lived (Middletown), worked (Toms River/New York), went to school (Seton Hall-South Orange), did my student teaching(Elizabeth).

One of my favorite aunts died.... (she was a 94 & a trip!).She was the type of person who told it JUST like it was.....even if you DIDN'T want to hear it. She had a lot of charisma.

I became a double major at Seton Hall. Elementary Education & Communications with Minors in Religion, History, and Film.

My Grandmother Died (She was 93)

She had lived with us my entire life. She was a GREAT LADY to have grown-up with. She was THE BEST COOK I have ever seen. I still can smell her pignoli cookies baking! The aroma from her culinary skills filled the house. She was the epitome of the "Italian Grandmother" who cooked and was a tough cookie at 4'11"...She was AWESOME! She began making SUNDAY dinner on Saturday morning. The kitchen table was sacred to her. Her hand pasta machine sits in our kitchen today.

I was going to school full-time (5-6 Classes a semester), beginning student teaching (90 Hours a semester), and I was still working full time at Macy's. Needless to say, I was pooped! BUT...I had a goal to complete. No time for complaining. My wife was the epitome of the word supportive.

Finally, in 2008, I was able to complete my desired academic journey that had begun several years prior. I obtained a Master's Degree in Education despite some very crucial time constraints. Even though the journey was laborious and time-consuming, I felt the need to complete the task. Personally, I have always believed in the importance of continuing to educate yourself throughout your life. First of all, it keeps the mind challenged. Secondly, the education process allows for a person to continually broaden their horizons of the world at large. Most importantly, educational classes and situations allow for the spirit of a person to soar. I have never understood why there are people who do not see the value of a good book or a challenging class. Reading helps to develop a person's vocabulary and invokes a spirit of understanding to many eclectic situations. I do not condone laziness. If you want to become a better person, go through the process. There will be many obstacles and challenges as you make your journey, but that is what helps to develop the soul. AND, it must be a journey. There is no entitlement to good things. No one owes anyone anything. Just because you THINK you deserve something, doesn't mean you do. There are sacrifices that should be met. If you want to reap rewards, you must earn them. No one should EVER be able to obtain anything because of WHO they know. A person should enjoy fringe benefits in life because of what they have learned and by the sweat of their brow. If they don't, they have nothing....least of all, any self-respect.

I was offered my first teaching position before I graduated from Seton Hall, at a private Catholic School. I jumped at the chance! I was the first male teacher in that building's history. I was assigned the 5th Grade Class.

They were awesome! I got to quit retail! YEAH! It was one of the most happy days in my life. They had called me up to the office to promote me to another position, and I told them that I was quitting. It was a beautiful thing.

My Father Passed Away in 1995. It was without warning (He was 57 Years Old), and he had just retired. He was a great guy. A true Hero. He had saved many lives while he was a fireman.

No one can prepare you for an event like that. One moment he was celebrating New Year's Day with all of his family, the next moment was a terrible phone call at 5:37 in the morning from my sister. He was the type of man anyone would want to have as their father. It's a shame.....he never saw me graduate a second time, he never walked his daughter down the aisle of the church on her wedding day, he never held his grandchildren. What a waste! DON'T SMOKE. However, my father lives on in many of the things that I do and say with my own kids. He was a person that others looked to for truth. He gave the most practical and honest advice. I am fortunate that I had become old enough where my father and I became friends. He is still with me; when my own daughter or son smiles, when I hear a fire engine, when I say something that he said...he is here.

Even though I was working full time, I was happy with the grades I maintained. I graduated Magna Cum Laude from Seton Hall University in 1995. It was tough, but it was worth it!

I was fortunate enough to send an application to the school system that presently employs me after my second year at the Bender Memorial Academy. Within a week of sending in my application, I had an interview with two principals at the same time, Mr. Handschuch, and Mr. Fudali. The interview lasted a long time; by time I drove home, I had received a message to interview with the Superintendent of Schools for Brick, Dr. Normandia.

That meeting went well, and I was hired for teaching at LRMS. They originally hired me for 6th Grade Math/Science.....LUCKILY (THANK GOD), another position opened up, and I was placed in 7th Grade for Language Arts in a THREE PERSON PARTNERSHIP that would happily last for six years with Mrs. Barnfield & Ms. Magnotti. I was very fortunate to get two great partners! Our First Class was phenomenal.

The desks in my classroom have been "graced" with a variety of students with a variety of abilities, personalities, and gifts. The Class of 1998 was a lot of fun.

Equally rewarding was the class of 1999; they were a lot of fun to have in class ,and they were NICE to each other. We did a lot of new and different things with them

There was the class of 1999-2000 ; they brought some unique challenges. Though in that school year, the teachers were taught some lessons about remaining optimistic despite great adversities;some of which exist outside of the classroom walls.

Then in the 2000-2001 school year...God smiled on the three of us. We were given an outstanding group of students who made coming to work each day a pleasure. They were kind, considerate and eager to learn. It was the nicest gift to end our six years of teaching together. Ms Magnotti retired on June 19, 2001. Sadly, that group of students didn't stay as close to each other once they entered the 8th Grade. At the end of that school year, I was honored by my peers by being selected "Teacher of the Year." I never expected the honor.

In the 2001-2002 school year, the new team of Mrs. Barnfield, Mrs. Camburn and myself was formed to create a new partnership. The teaching philosophies were similar and the new team greeted the new students that year. I was again honored by the community by receiving Walmart's New Jersey State Teacher of the Year. I will NEVER forget the morning of the award presentation. Ms. McNamara, the school principal, accompanied me to Walmart to receive the award. Upon our immediate return to the school, we had learned that the world had been turned upside-down. It was September 11, 2001. Getting back to class and watching the terrorist attacks with my students was an unbelievable nightmare. I shared great concern with my kids as they worried about loved ones in New York City as my wife was working in Manhattan, too. May God Bless the victims, their families and our country.

In the 2002-2003 school year, a tremendous change came to the teaching team. We became a two person team. This eliminates an additional 30-35 students from the academic setting. Mrs. Barnfield decides to challenge students with Math and Social Studies. I decide to stay with Language Arts and Science. This new arrangement will dramatically affect the learning environment for the better

Now, after 18 years, I have seen many students go through my classroom. Truth be told, each one has affected me in some way. Their aura remains part of the teaching environment at all times. The vast majority of students that have been in my care have left good memories in their place. There has always been an exchange and sharing ideas within my classroom. To me, that is an important component of the educational process. Though there have been a small percentage of students and parents that have caused stress or aggravation, they too have enabled growth within me as a person. It is a wonderful life skill to be able to look at people who are not the easiest to work with and find a redeeming quality about them. That can not only be said about a VERY small percentage of students (maybe 5 in my entire teaching career) or parents (more than five), but it can also be said of fellow teachers. I know it is shocking! But it is true. In all facets of my life, I believe that respect is earned. My own personal belief is that my good fortune was having a very dedicated and caring principal (Ms McNamara) that wanted the best for her staff and students. She truly had vision and changed a great school into a National School of Character. As a matter of fact, I can say that I have usually had very high regard for the administration in my school and the district at large. The people of Brick are more fortunate than they know to have such a caring group of people as the educational guardians of their children.

During the 1997-1998 school year, I became the advisor for the school's NEW newspaper. The very first formation meeting with new students brought 158 students to Room 134. There were a lot of new ideas to explore and the group of students decided upon the name of the paper. Since the birth of "THE LAKER" took place in December of 1997, over 3,251 issues have been sold. It gets better each year. NOW...EVERY student gets a copy of The Laker (2002)

In the spring of 1999, I was very happy to be a part of the very first Lake Riviera Track Team coaching staff. As a former track team member, it was a great opportunity to get into coaching. I was fortunate to work with Mr. Hellwig, Ms. Karatz, and Mr. Nase. We had a great time working with several hundred athletes who pushed themselves to succeed. The very first year was a success, and I was extremely proud of the performance of the team!

Year Two of the Track Team allowed Mr. Hellwig and I to be head coaches with Mr. Bleim and Miss Meeker assisting. We had a GREAT YEAR with the girls' team finishing in second place in the county. Overall, we were very proud of the whole team. We broke MANY records in 2000.

Year Three of Track brought the Boys Team to the second place division. The Girls had enjoyed that spot the year prior. The Gym Wall Records came tumbling down thanks to the Track Team of 2001.

Year Four of Track brought a new addition to the Coaching Staff. Mr. Panuska replaces Miss Meeker (Mrs. McDevitt) during this year.

Now, I work alongside with Mr. Hill as my partner coach. We have a great time working with the kids!

Life at LRMS is good. I'm surrounded mostly by people who are pleasant to work with on a daily basis. The school is very supportive of the needs of the students. That makes a big difference.

My wife and I have been very fortunate to travel. We have been to Maine, Vermont, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Ohio, West Virginia, Indiana, Kentucky, Washington D.C., North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Georgia, Hawaii, Florida, Walt Disney World (41 Times and counting) California (3 times), Canada, Italy (14 times), France (6 times), Spain (2 times), Portugal, Greece, Monaco, Switzerland (2 times), Ireland, England (3 times) , Germany(2 times), Austria (2 times) and good old Hershey Park.

We are now sharing some of our traveling experiences with some former students with a program called "The Ultimate Field Trip" which began in the SUMMER of 2001. This was actually an offshoot of a program I began with my youth group at church in 1997, taking members to various famous and world-known shrines and locations. I believe in the power of educational trips. This is why I push as many field trips on my students during the academic year as I possibly can offer within district parameters. BUT, the Trips to Europe Program really is a golden opportunity of a teaching lesson. Students learn a great amount of new knowledge about their world, their own country and most importantly, themselves , as they travel around the world and see other cultures. Since I began this program in 2001 within the Brick Community, the idea of traveling abroad with students has now been copied by a few other teachers. I find it a meaningful expression to be able to proudly say that through the Brick Community and my Youth Group students, that I have taken almost 1000 young people to Europe, Canada and more. The experience of doing that can not be outweighed by imitation. I applaud the Brick High School teachers who have taken the opportunity for taking foreign language or art students to the place where art means the most. =)

We're both very active at our church. Both my wife and I are Eucharistic Ministers .

In my Outside Church Life...I'm a Youth Ministry Leader for 7th, through 12th graders.

As stated previously, we LOVE to travel. But equally rewarding, is reading, relaxing and just spending time with our family and friends.

In 2008, a new hobby came my way. I became an adjunct professor at my local community college. This experience has been a highlight of my teaching career. Working with college level students has been a true blessing.

I personally believe that every individual is in desperate need of some religious formation in their life. God plays an important role in our lives. When you have faith in something, that is your conscience, moral structure and family building block. Whether Catholic, Protestant, Orthodox, Jewish, Muslim or any other, when God is in your life, you have unlimited strength to battle anything that comes your way.

I truthfully feel sorry for couples that do not have children. I pity those that do not want children. A child allows a person to become their full potential. Parenting has no manual, no rule book. My wife and I were a bit older when we had our first child. A few years later, our son was born. They are the light of our lives, and that's what children should be. Young people need to travel, get jobs and experience life a bit before having children. It is after doing all of those things that having a child will put everything in its proper perspective. Seeing all of the things you enjoy, vacations, movies, songs, the ocean, colors mean something deeper when you watch your own child see them for the first time. Most Importantly, everyone should make sure that they are READY to have a child. Likewise, in my own opinion, they should wait until they are married and financially stable.

My own two children are growing up into people I respect. There is a distinction between loving them, and respecting them. The respect is earned by the way they react to various situations that surround them. Our daughter is very involved in community projects. She reads several books a week. Then there is ballet, karate and chorus which enable her to be more well-rounded. The straight A's on her report card would not be as meaningful if she did not have extra curricular activities that kept her grounded and open to more around her world. She is a fortunate little girl who has also garnered information by traveling to Europe several times, visiting many museums and attending Broadway or other theatrical events. The wonderful outcome of that is her appreciation of the experiences and she doesn't take them for granted. Our son has a vast imagination and entertains himself more with his playtime than with television time. It is inspiring to sit back and watch his world explode in a variety of situations. He too now loves to travel, try new foods and appreciates many things given to them. Oh, they are not perfect. =) they may have an occasional spat over a DS Game or the amount of time spent playing a Wii challenge, but they are both good kids who get along and make us proud. And trust me, they know what responsibility and accountability are.

Favorite Authors- William Shakespeare, Agatha Christie, Jules Verne, Michael Brown, Stephen King, Mark Twain, Robert Frost, Dante, Elizabeth Barrett Browning, J.K. Rowling

Favorite Novels- Of Mice and Men, And Then There Were None, Inferno, The Scarlet Letter, The Final Hour, Animal Farm, Carrie, It, The War of the Worlds, Macbeth, The Catcher in the Rye, The Great Gatsby, The Five People You Meet in Heaven, The DaVinci Code, Harry Potter Series

Favorite Television Shows- I don't watch much television, but I enjoy HOUSE, and I Love Lucy reruns and FOX NEWS. Guilty Pleasures: Family Guy, Survivor, Big Brother, Hell's Kitchen

Favorite All-Time Entertainers- Lucille Ball, Gene Kelly, Jimmy Stewart, Bette Davis, Walt Disney, Olivia Newton-John

The Agony and the Ecstasy, North by Northwest, Dark Victory, History of the World Part I , Gone with the Wind, Psycho

Favorite MEAL: Ravioli with : artichoke hearts, romano cheese, tomato and garlic sauce

Favorite Vacation Getaways- Italy, Walt Disney World, Hawaii, Austria, Switzerland

All the world 's a stage, and all the men and women merely players. They have their exits and their entrances; and one man in his time plays many parts.

All in All, not the most "fascinating" life story that there is to tell; however, it's mine .....so far.

You never know what life has waiting for you; that is why it's best to be prepared for anything. Just try to be happy. If you can be happy while making others happy.....wow, that's a charmed life. You've made it!

Art Source	Catholic Page	Day on Mount Olympus	DEBATING STARS	Disasters!
Disney	Entertainment	Essay of the Week	Health	History
Holidays	Holocaust	"The Laker"	Language	Little Brother
MATH	THE MOLE	Name That Film	Novels	Personal
Phenomenon	Putting on the Hits!	Recovery	Religions Page	Research Paper Guide
Science/Technology	September 11th	SITE TO SEE	Sports	Students
SURVIVOR	TITANIC	TRACK	The Trial	ULTIMATE FIELD TRIPS
THE WAR!	Wedding	WDSTF	World Tour	Zoo/Animals

These pages and all of their content is under the ownership and responsibility of Mr. Heitmann. Neither Lake Riviera Middle School nor the Brick Board of Education has any ownership, responsibility, or input upon the content of these pages. In addition, though there may be over 30,000 resource links on these pages, Mr. Heitmann claims no responsibility to individual or company links produced by other web masters. Though checked periodically for errors and inconsistencies, other resource pages may change their addresses, design, theme, or content.

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