Every day educators, parents and community members go above and beyond to support our children. It is with support from these wonderful people that our kids are able to shine. Coach Ashley Engeler, Playworks AmeriCorps member in Utah, recently shared this wonderful story of her school principal's kindness below:
While preparing for my first student leadership meeting with my freshly selected team of Junior Coaches (JCs), I happened upon one of my fifth grade JCs, Alexander*. Teachers and administrators alike described this particular child as being a sweet kid with a huge heart, but also as somewhat unengaged when it comes to school.
When I asked if Alexander was excited for our first meeting, he shrugged his shoulders and said indifferently, “I won't be able to come."
I inquired why. He said he had no way of getting home afterward. I had recently been told that this young man lives two school zones away, and has struggled to find ride to and from school. When I approached the principal about the roadblock, she immediately volunteered to make the arrangements to get him home.
When I let Alexander know, his eyes flickered ever so slightly as he coolly nodded, saying he’d see me after school.
The meeting began as most first meetings do; an awkward quiet of anticipation and initial displacement. As it progressed, however, I was surprised to see Alexander liven up — taking notes, answering questions, and uninhibitedly playing games. At the meeting’s end, he high-fived me and headed to the office with a smile.
The next day, I thanked the principal for helping make sure he could come to the training. She said that after the training all he had talked about was how enthusiastic he was, that being a Junior Coach was was so important and exciting for him and he was committed to doing his best.
“He knows his shifts. He showed me his attention getters,” she said. “He knows what games he wants to play, and he told me he’d be spending his weekend drawing his own map of the playground so he’s totally prepared.”
I couldn’t believe it. In just an hour as with the Junior Coaches, Alexander was able to feel like he was part of something, part of a team… all by just showing up. It’s clear in moments like this that for many, Playworks is an extension of belonging and hope… and I couldn’t be prouder to be a part of it.
*student’s name changed to protect his privacy
How do the adults in your school community go above and beyond to take care of students?
