A Necktie For Mr Ramsey

By Susan Coney

Don Ramsey, technology education teacher at Newtown Middle School, took a project recommendation idea from one of his students, Bianca Crudo, and provided his eighth grade students with a fun assignment challenging them to design and construct a necktie.

“I am always looking for new and unique neckties so I decided to take Bianca’s idea and turn it into a class project,” Mr Ramsey said. He turned to the most curious and imaginative resources possible, his students.

Students had to adhere to specific criteria. The tie must be functional — able to be worn. It should be aesthetically pleasing with patterns, artistry, and imaginative design. The tie should be neat and resemble a manufactured product. The student presentation should include how the tie was made with a detailed explanation of the materials used. Students were allowed to work independently or in teams of up to three students.

Mr Ramsey emphasized to his students, “The sky is the limit; the more unique and creative the better.” He told the students that they may use any number of materials in the construction of their product. The necktie must be a standard length from the top of the knot to the tip (between 20 to 22 inches) when worn. He cautioned students not to spend money creating a tie. Mr Ramsey suggested that students should keep in mind whether the design would be attractive to the general population. He also reiterated the assignment: “Remember that form follows function and that practicality must not be sacrificed for mere exhibition. Can the tie actually be worn?”

The eighth graders accepted Mr Ramsey’s challenged and came up with a wide variety of unusual and creative ties. One tie was constructed from a deck of cards, another was made out of coins; others represented various seasonal type themes. The assortment of colorful ties is currently on display in the front lobby of the middle school.