Later that day, a few 6th grade girls came up to me and said they wanted to do something special for their teacher. I thought this was a sweet gesture coming from 6th graders and assumed they wanted to make a big card or something. I asked them what they had in mind. Their response blew me away.
Their idea was to put on a "Walk" in order to support their teacher's family. After working through some details they came up with "Walk In Your Socks", a day in which students can support their teacher by walking in their socks. At first, this was only to show support (think wearing ribbons) but they then decided to turn it into a fundraiser by asking students to donate $1 to be able to not wear shoes one day at school.
The next thing you know, this idea from a few 6th grade minds raised nearly $150 and more importantly, showed love and support for someone in need!
I contacted the Public Relations Director from my district to see if this is a story that the local news might be interested in. The news was interested and had planned on coming out but canceled at the last minute to cover a negative story in the district that popped up.
Although you weren't able to see it on the news, I want you to know that there is hope for the future. I have no doubt that stories like this are everywhere. Although the media usually focuses on the negative aspects of today's youth, we are educating the next Dr. King, Mandela, and Mother Teresa. Their hearts are just as big if not bigger than previous generations and they are as creative as they are courageous. If we can figure out how to get them to channel their hearts, creativity, and courage the sky truly is the limit for this generation.
What evidence of Hope do you see for the future? How can you tell people since the media doesn't?
Thanks for sharing! Two places keep me sane when I think about all the negativity in the media. http://www.good.is/ and http://ubersuper.com/
ReplyDeleteNeither are actually "positive news stories" but they both have a uniquely positive feel to them that makes me happy.
Good stuff, Brett. Thanks for sharing this story. I've really been struggling with my attitude about students and their motivation this week. This serves as a great reminder that they are still people with hearts and that they care about people just like we do.
ReplyDeleteThanks for commenting. I'll check out those sites Levi.
ReplyDeleteJody - It is so easy to focus on the ones we have trouble reaching when there are some really awesome kids out there that are just waiting for the opportunity to shine.