These Students ARE Included!

Often times, I think that our influence as public educators is subtle.  The influence seems gradual and expected.  It is difficult to pinpoint how important and impactful the educational team is because there are so many other influences in a child's life.

The following two stories are more than subtle as to the impact educators have on students' lives.  By including students and supporting them in their journey, lives are changed for the better.

The first is the story of a 7th grade student who was introduced to me by his principal, Martha Lacy.  Principal Lacy praised the student telling me how much he had grown academically.  She noted his fantastic attendance and how he comes to school ready to learn every day.  She proudly shared that this student would be participating in the Oregon college tour.  She acknowledged this student's hard work, growth, and effort.  After the student left, she said that up until this year, the student was many years behind in reading.  He missed over a third of his school year in the previous year.  His mother was incarcerated, and he was being raised by his great-grandfather.  She told me that what made the difference was his teacher and other staff members who believed in him, encouraged him, and supported him in building his confidence.  He was included  rather than excluded in school activities.  Rather than being punished or excluded for not completing assignments or turning in homework, he was supported academically so that he could be successful.  This student was not lost in the shuffle nor dismissed.  A life has been changed for the better.

The second story is of an inspirational young woman who has encountered many challenges.  She entered FSUSD in fourth grade not speaking English.  Despite physical challenges and not knowing the language, she was embraced at Anna Kyle Elementary School. The staff came together to ensure this child's success.  Our maintenance team went above and beyond to make certain that she had equal access to the entire facility.  When she was slated to go to a different middle school than her friends, we helped her family through the process of requesting open enrollment.  In middle school, she was embraced by the Grange Middle School staff and continued on the path of success.  While all of our Students of the Month are special, this young woman's story is extraordinary.  This recognition epitomized the impact that quality and caring educators have on students and their families.  Preparing for the recognition serves as an example of the fantastic team effort that happens in FSUSD.  Various departments worked together to ensure that this student could access the podium.  The special staircase was built by our outstanding maintenance department for this event.

Inspirational Student of the Month

Whenever I get discouraged with some of the issues we confront as public educators, I am provided with reminders like these two students. These serve as examples as to why we do what we do and how important the work is to everyone's future!