Estimated read time: 1-2 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
I spent some time in my sixth-grader's school this week and developed an even greater appreciation for those we entrust with the care of our children every day. Do you have any idea what the energy level is like in an elementary school on the week before Christmas? Well....let me say it takes an incredible amount of love for kids, as well as, an abundance of patience to be a teacher, principal, custodian and even a secretary in the days before the kids get out for Winter Break.
I watched my son's teacher bring a very boisterous bunch of 11-year-olds under control simply by raising is arm in the air. I am amazed at the control he has of the classroom.
I watched the school secretary help a teacher drag an out-of-control youngster to the office and call his mom without any sign of anger. It was as if it was an every day occurrence and they handled it in a matter of fact manner. Even though I'm sure they were both frustrated with this child for disrupting the classroom, they treated him and his mom with kindness.
My son has told me about a number of scuffles on the playground in the past week as well. So I'm sure there's been a long list of such incidents.
I would just like to express my deep appreciation to those of you who work in the schools every day. Thank you for everything you do. I'm grateful that you have been given the patience to do something I'm sure I could not. I can barely handle my own two boys.
Merry Christmas and enjoy the break!
