Teachers, too, develop relationships amongst themselves. Working closely with other adults to develop and practice the art of teaching affords us opportunities to get to know one another on a personal level as well as a professional level. Our paths cross often as we find ways to help, encourage, and teach the children that pass through our respective doors. Personal celebrations and discords are shared equally; and we support one another as a family might.
A teacher who has been a defining part of Lincoln School is travelling a road filled with challenges. She has travelled it before and has been pushed back onto this path. Mrs. Clancy, one of our 3rd Grade Teachers, once again battles breast cancer. Her Lincoln Family stands steadfast behind her as she boldly stands up to fight once more. Students have rallied around her calling for all to wear pink on this upcoming Tuesday to show our solidarity against breast cancer in honor of Mrs. Clancy. Whether they understand the implications of cancer or not, they do understand is that one of ours needs all of us…and so they stand behind her in the ways that they can…as a tight-knit community.
A young boy here at Lincoln, all of 9-years old, expertly moves about his environment in a power wheelchair. Growing up with a disease known as Duchene’s Muscular Dystrophy, he faces obstacles and challenges unknown to many, yet are very real to him. Students rally around him in ways that show the innocence and grace that children naturally possess; supporting him. His teacher, through a generous heart, has joined his family’s quest to provide him with a wheel chair better suited to his needs as well as a means of family transportation. There is now a website dedicated to him that accepts donations to this end (website address at the end of this document); a way for others in the Lincoln Community to help care for one of ours.
Colorado is a long ways away from Elmhurst. For a student of mine a trip there is fast approaching as his family is moving…a move that came upon them rather suddenly. The classroom atmosphere, made up of many facets, will be altered when he leaves. A void will remain. Although he was new to Lincoln this school year, he has found his way into the hearts and minds of us all. I received a note from another student asking that we do something special for him before he leaves. This student exemplifies the “tight-knit” community mentality…taking care of one of ours.
The untimely passing of Mrs. Turrise over this past summer has left the Lincoln Community with tears, questions, and open hearts. She left behind two young children. They now must go forward in life carrying the love & memories of their mother while forfeiting her physical presence. One of the first orders of business, as teachers returned to school this Fall, was to find ways to support her children. We are doing so in a myriad of ways. The Turrise children are one of ours now.
I too, have felt the touching grace of this tight-knit community. Students, teachers, and the families of Lincoln and Elmhurst have taken special care of my family as we have seen our share of hard times over the years. Through these difficult times the community as a whole has rallied around us, raising us up from the darkened depths we found ourselves, and in true loving fashion, taken care of one of their own.
It’s an amazing feeling to experience both the ‘giving to’ and ‘receiving from’ a community that gathers together in so many ways to take care of one of their own. As we all know, life has many twists and turns and navigating these alone can be overwhelming. Knowing that one is part of a community that cherishes the spirit of family provides comfort and solace.
Tuesday, Oct. 14th, 2014: In honor of Mrs. Clancy returning to school after receiving the diagnosis of breast cancer, we ask all to wear pink.
If so moved, please visit http://www.gofundme.com/muscles4marshall to help provide for Marshall Bell’s special needs.
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