Good Citizen

Good Citizen 2014

Each year at my kids' elementary school one student from each classroom is awarded the "Good Citizen" Award.  This year it went to our daughter.  She had to prove herself throughout the entire school year.  Not only being a good classroom citizen, but modeling that citizenship for other students.

Last week I received the following, very touching, email from her teacher:

          "I wanted to let you that just prior to our last IEP meeting for Audrey last month, I had told the other therapist that Audrey was doing so well, that she was at the top of the list for receiving the citizenship award because of her accomplishments. 

          Although I usually struggle with this award, Audrey stands out as the best receiver of it.  This year, Audrey will be receiving my class' citizenship award.  Again, she has come so far in many areas this year, is academically gifted, and has soared on the social side as well. There is no doubt that every single student has respect for Audrey, and it is very clear that she had to earn their respect on her own. In addition, she is a good citizen despite her personal challenges and NEVER breaks the rules.  She has learned to help others, respect them, and encourages good behavior as well.  Thank you so much for the opportunity to allow me to have Audrey this year.  She is amazing and I have no doubt that she will continue to succeed.

          She is also so very lucky to have parents like you and your husband.  Please accept this award for yourselves as well because she could not be a good citizen without your support. THANK YOU for all you have done for your child."

While we knew upon attending the awards ceremony, Audrey did not know she'd be receiving this award. We were beaming and when her name was called I watched her head pop up in surprise.  I wish I could have seen the surprise on her face as well.  

We are so proud of you, Boo.  You have come so far this year and we have no doubt you're going farther than we can imagine.  Remember, you have it in you to continue this success.  Always be proud of your accomplishments and know it's your hard work and good character that got you there!  We love you!

Teacher of a Lifetime

Audrey is only in 4th grade so it may be too early to say this, but I'm pretty sure her current teacher is her "Teacher of a Lifetime", that ONE teacher who changed our lives, the BEST thing to ever happen to our family.

Audrey has had MANY wonderful teachers no doubt.  We've developed a close relationship with each one in her short school career none of whom we'd trade for the world.  This year, however, marked a turning point and it all started with Mrs. K.

Recently our special education department asked parents to nominate a group or teacher who had made a difference in our child's life.  While our daughter has an incredible team molding public education to her needs, we felt it was Mrs. K. who had the greatest impact to date.   I am beaming with pride to announce that she was accepted for the 2014 Rise Up Award.   Here is our nomination:

Mrs. K and Audrey 2014 4th Grade

A short nomination letter cannot come close to acknowledging the inspiration provided by M.K.  She would be worthy of a novel, as it would take pages to express how important this woman is in our lives. Mrs. K's contribution to Audrey's success and triumph over her special needs could be compared to teaching a child to defy gravity. She taught Audrey to fly again, to find her wings.

At the beginning of 4th grade Mrs. K recognized Audrey's challenges right away, and worked with her rather than against her. She appreciated both Audrey's abilities and limitations - rather than attempting to mold Audrey to the classroom, she molded herself to Audrey's needs, while not singling her out or excluding the other children. In an early conference Mrs. K told us that we influenced her to be a better parent. What a shock - how could we have influenced one of the greatest teachers we had ever known? Mrs. K drew from her personal experiences when working with Audrey, and this only enhanced the teacher student relationship.

Before Mrs. K., Audrey hated school. She cried every morning and every afternoon. Because of Mrs. K., Audrey has started to look forward to school, and there are no more tears. Audrey has even acknowledged the future of her education. She is beginning to soar again - as a child should.

If you have a special teacher in your child's life, special needs or not, take the time to thank them.  Your child may be 1 of 30 in a teacher's day, but your child's teacher could be the ONE making their day!  

Mrs. K. receiving her "Rise Up" Award

We love you, Mrs. K!