Representing a Breakthrough

I have a girl in my class with some significant struggles going on in her life. She has broken down in tears a few times when talking to me, and I have been trying to help her as much as I can, although the issues are at home and all I can do is try to make the hours she is at school safe and secure ones, and hope that she feels loved and cared for while in my room.

She had a pretty tough break down last week, and she finally, finally let me give her a hug. That sort of opened the gates, and now she will allow me to hug her at the end of the day when she is leaving -  something she would not allow prior to that.

Today, she shyly approached my desk and gave a gift to me that she'd made over the weekend.

A horse with flowers (and maybe roller skates, too!!) and the letter "I" for my last name.

To say I was touched would be an understatement. And I am delighted for the breakthrough that it represents - I hope that she will continue to let me help her with her struggles while she is with me at school.

Linked In to Reconnect

This made me feel very old when I saw it in my inbox this morning:

I'm not sure if you remember me, but I was in your 5th  grade class at Yankee Ridge 12 years ago. I'd like to  add you to my professional network. - Alexander Mouschovias Accept View Profile

A former student, now an adult, connecting through a professional network. I think it's that fact that it's not Facebook or a casual site with which he has contacted me that makes me realize how much time has passed.

Old as it makes me feel, it is always a delight to hear from former kiddos. Although I guess Alexander is no longer a kid. (And of COURSE I remember him!!)

Good Feeling!

It's a wonderful feeling to see a former student succeed. This one, NG, who just graduated from Eastern illinois University, once called me while he was in high school to tell me that, not only had he lettered in athletics, but that he had lettered in academics as well. He's a really good guy.

Congratulation to NG and his family!