Warner Update
Making a difference, one person at a time
Each Day Is A Gift
The life of an educator is tough. For every ten thank you's we have a few critical skeptics that unfortunately damage our psyche.
But sometimes the unexpected becomes a gift we could never imagine. Earlier this year one of my former students passed away. The sadness and confusion I felt were, and still are nearly impossible to explain. He was the young man that I didn't worry about. He was well liked, a terrific athlete, a good student...an all-around great kid. He was the one that I didn't worry about.
What I couldn't have known is some of the health issues that crept up years later. This was likely the beginning of the decline. I went to his visitation and I hugged his mom. She looked me right in the eye and told me that he talked about me. They were sitting in the car and he brought me up. He told his mom about the last time we talked. She shared, "You told him you were proud of him." She told me how important that was to him. That during his dark days, he thought of those words.
That young man likely didn't remember many of the lessons I taught, however he remembered my words. I hadn't had him in class for years, but the impact lasted a lifetime. I'm sad that he's gone and I'll never forget him. That being said, the message his mom shared was a great reminder that our impact with kids truly matters. Each day is a gift and some days simply being a person that kids can trust and be with is what they need the most.
What you all do is far more than a job. You are all difference makers and you all make Warner special. Ask our visitors, Warner feels different than most schools. Just last week I received an email from one of our volunteers. Here's a quote..."I have several groups of 'lunch buddies' who, I'm sure, are tired of hearing that Warner is wonderful!"
This is because of all of you! Thank you for your dedication, passion and care. I'm proud to walk beside you each and every day.
Check out this article that brings everything into perspective - The Teddy Stoddard Story
NEXT WEEK AT A GLANCE:
Monday, May 7th: Mobile Dentist at Warner
Monday, May 7th: Boy Quest 4pm
Tuesday, May 8th: Lunch Provided (celebrating Staff Appreciation Week)
Tuesday, May 8th: Admin Meeting 9am
Tuesday, May 8th: VOTE Day
Tuesday, May 8th: MStep 4th grade
Tuesday, May 8th: Girl Quest 4pm
Tuesday, May 8th: Mobile Dentist at Warner
Wednesday, May 9th: Grades 3-5 Morning Assembly
Wednesday, May 9th: Breakfast in the Lounge (Staff Appreciation Week)
Wednesday, May 9th: PLC Wednesday (Alaina Sharp at Warner) (Grade level teams discuss Science Standards)
Thursday, May 10th: Lunch Provided (Staff Appreciation Week)
Thursday, May 10th: CP Federal Credit Union
Thursday, May 10th: Drama Club Performance at WCAC 7pm
Friday, May 11th: Fire Drill
* PLC Wednesday- Science Standards