Wrapping Our Students in Support

 Continuing another session from our Moving Beyond for Multilingual Learners book study tomorrow... and this is something that I mention - again, it hits a little harder right now. This is something that I will NEVER forget and will NEVER regret. Those awful moments when we have to strip the walls of instructional posters leaves the learning space feeling empty and sad. Even without those moments of state testing... sometimes, we just need to see that our community is still in our corner...

I had asked folks in my students' communities to take a photo with an uplifting message. Something like YOU GOT THIS, or I BELIEVE IN YOU, or WE ARE CHEERING YOU ON. These folks included current and former teachers, principals, local firefighters, the village president, friends from local youth organizations and social service agencies, local engineering firms, all the "friends" we made over the course of the school year. I even tweeted celebrities to see what we might be able to come up with.
I can't imagine a time where any student wouldn't benefit from looking up to see how many folks are in their corner, rooting for them.
I'll never forget the looks on their faces and the excitement and joy of them entering the classroom and excitedly running from picture to picture to see who sent them love. I can't imagine how many kids right now might be able to lean on some love...
To everyone who has ever provided love and support to my students over the years - I will never be able to fully capture my most sincere gratitude. I will never, ever forget your kindness. I am beyond thankful. These are the reminders I know that I need that the world still has so many good human beings in it.


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