Hope Valley School Weekly Update
Superhero Miles - Forever in Our Hearts
Hawk Nation Remembers Superhero Miles - A True Inspiration who made an incredible impact at Hope Valley School!
A wonderful tribute to Miles from his Pre-K teacher Mrs. Mankoff
If you move the “s” in Miles to the front of his name you create the word SMILE. Super Miles had such a super smile. He brought us joy every day. He never missed a beat at school. He knew quickly which friend was absent, who needed milk, and memorized the entire job chart within minutes of arrival. He was also keenly aware that his teachers would often get side tracked and forget certain tasks- especially attendance! His reminders started gently but eventually turned to silly exasperation that we needed to do our jobs. He knew this would make us laugh so it became a fun little daily dance of Miles reminding us of all we had to do. I can hear his giggle as he said “c’mon” and he shook his hands with flair. He even carried a walkie-talkie around at all times to give reminders to the office.
It always amazed us that Miles did not complain-ever! He truly only commented on the good, the funny, or the out of the ordinary. He looked forward to simple pleasures, especially pizza. And every day, staff flocked to our classroom to eat lunch with Miles. Most days Mom or Dad showed up to our lunch parties with a hot, yummy lunch to bring our beautiful boy a smile. Some days we even shared pizzas. And when asked how he felt, even on the harder days, he always replied with 2 thumbs up and “I’m ok.” It is a remarkable lesson. If this amazing little boy could always see the good around him, through treatments, surgeries and pain, couldn’t we? Even when he was exhausted, he arrived each day with purpose and joy so don't we owe it to him to do the same?
The Miles perspective certainly inspired many, many lives. He became quite the celebrity at our school! On our district #gogreen4Miles day, the Hope Valley/Wyoming Fire Department showed up with a ladder truck to get an aerial picture of the entire school dressed in green in an "M" formation. The students and staff generously donated to The Tomorrow Fund. He inspired not just the people in his day-to-day life but people all around the world. The mail for Miles flooded the local post office and spread compassion across the globe. Seeing a picture of Miles’ smile and hearing about his super strength compelled complete strangers to send cards, notes, and even gifts.
Miles, we know you will keep smiling down on us! We promise to spread your inspiration and to find the good around us every day! We will proudly wear our green and always remember how much we love you! You will be so very missed!
About Hope Valley Elementary School
The mission of the Hope Valley Elementary School is to work in partnership with our colleagues, students and families. We are committed to creating a learning environment where children are expected to achieve their full potential.
Email: Giuseppe.Gencarelli@chariho.k12.ri.us
Website: hopevalley.chariho.k12.ri.us
Location: 15 Thelma Drive, Hope Valley, RI, USA
Phone: 4015392321
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Mr.Gencarelli/?ref=br_rs
Twitter: @JoeGencarelli1