Response to a Sandy Hook Parent's Letter

Though several months have passed since 18 children and six educators were slain in Connecticut, there are almost daily reminders of the tragedy. Without a doubt this incident hit home more deeply and permanently because of the loss of such young lives. One of our administrators shared this letter with us this week via e-mail, and I wanted to spread it further. For one it is incredibly well-written and moving, for another it hits home for me personally.

A Sandy Hook Parent's Letter to Teachers

By Nelba Marquez-Greene

This letter was published in Education Week and was promoted by a local radio station, 95.7. 

I want to thank this mother for her recognition of what all school employees can, and often, do. We do have a real power, a real opportunity. In fact, yesterday my husband said something about how he wouldn't mind teaching all day, and I responded with "I wish!" But I didn't mean it as negatively as it may sound. Yesterday I was a businesswoman for at least two hours, and many, many days I spend time feeling like a social worker. Other days I feel like a cat-herder, but there will always be those days. 

I also want to thank this mother for her strength and her ability to put her emotions into words. I am in awe of her faith of the school system, especially in terms of her putting her son back into school just a few weeks after his sister's untimely death.

This is the kind of woman who was a mom and a wife before her words were published. Now she is a hero. 

Two Classes = Twice the Fun (and Work!)

When the 2013-2014 school year rolled around I was pleased to see that the 21st Century Communication course enrollment had increased significantly. Though I am sad to have lost a section of English I, I am thrilled that the importance of this elective is being recognized by the student body. It's interesting, however to have the conversations I have with these students twice a day instead of once, and I'm really enjoying the different dynamics of each class period. I'm amazed at how two conversations guided similarly can end up in such different directions. Regardless, both groups have attacked the curriculum and projects with gusto, and I think blogs this year are going to be even more successful. Today they actually begin work on the Social Networking project and I was able to place a lot more emphasis on affecting a positive change via social networking this semester. I think their final products are going to be by-and-large outstanding.