I dropped a tired M off at school today. Mondays are the days the kids meet for a few minutes on the black top before starting school. A time when the principal talks about the values the kids should exhibit that week; a time to say the pledge with the whole school; a time when names are drawn for recognition of a kind gesture the week before.
M's name has never been called at one of these meetings. I doubt M's previous teacher ever submitted his name for one of the drawings, frankly, though in fairness I shouldn't say that affirmatively since I don't have proof.
M was in his classroom with his aide and I was walking back to my car as I heard the names and their room numbers called. And just as I was almost out of earshot I heard it. 'M, A-12!' And even better...all of the other names had elicited hand claps, but my boys' name elicited claps and a loud 'Woo!' from a boy in the crowd. I can think of one boy in particular who probably did that, and I'll be sure to pass along my own recognition to his Mommy to make her as proud as I felt for my little guy today. Yes, I am such a sentimental dork that it made me tear up with pride as I walked to my car. (and again when I repeated it to my other half--oy!)
Thanks, new teacher, for taking the time to recognize my little man and put his name in that drawing. The inclusiveness this woman has shown in just a few weeks of school are so huge and honestly took very little effort! I plan on sending her an email now to let her know how appreciative I am. Gotta keep the flow of appreciative recognition going!
