Ragland’s Relics

Ten years ago, physics teacher Justin Ragland found Paul in a milkcrate while cleaning out his grandfather’s shed. Paul, named for the custom engraving above its finger holes, is a vintage Amflite bowling ball.

“It’s a bit of an enigma, how [Paul] came to reside in a milkcrate in my grandpa’s shed,” Ragland said. “Zero people in my family are named Paul.”

From then on, Ragland has kept Paul.

“I had him with me when I was in grad school, New Orleans and St. Louis,” Ragland said. “He’s lived a well traveled life.”

Today, Paul is well-known in Ragland’s classroom and sometimes used in labs.

“Nobody knows where he came from,” Ragland said. “He just showed up one day, and now he’s the physics class mascot.”

Saxtonian Souvenirs

In history  teacher Christopher Saxton’s classroom, every surface counts. His shelves are lined with monographs and mementos, and his walls are covered by maps. Although these belongings reside in Saxton’s room, many were not purchased by the teacher; they were found, gifted or homemade. Two such belongings are the miniature Native American shelters.

“The houses were a first grade project for my kids,” Saxton said. “I made them. There’s an Eastern Woodlands house and an adobe.”

One of Saxton’s most pricey possessions is a collection of vintage Nystrom pull-down maps covering U.S. and world history.

“Every one of these maps is [about] $210,” Saxton said. “They’re really expensive; they just don’t make them anymore. I found [the maps] in a closet while the school was being renovated. [They] add amazing stuff to the classroom.”