A former student gets in touch

I got a text the other day from one of my favorite students from the late 70's with a photo of her and her mom (also one of my favorite parents) at her daughter's graduation. Don't they both look gorgeous? I think she was in one of my looping classes (5th and 6th grades) and if she survived two years with me as her teacher she must be special.

I think the last time I saw her she was in high school. She must be over 40 now. We have been in touch over the last 5 years and this Monday we are having dinner. She has quite a tragic story to tell that is so indicative of what so many of our students go through. Her husband, also a former student of mine, was senselessly murdered 20 years ago, leaving her with 2 small children (she had 2 more later on). But she seems to have persevered. Oh how the ed deformers don't want to address these issues -- like how about Michelle Rhee using some of the millions she collects to assist students they claim they care so much about instead of lobbyists and consultants on how to undermine public schools and the support network so many of them provide in the neighborhood.

If we do get together next week I will take some pics.  The scary one on the right is the two of us at her graduation. I think I still have the leisure suit. It's got to come back one day. As for the afro --- I think not.

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The opinions expressed on EdNotesOnline are solely those of Norm Scott and are not to be taken as official positions (though Unity Caucus/New Action slugs will try to paint them that way) of any of the groups or organizations Norm works with: ICE, GEM, MORE, Change the Stakes, NYCORE, FIRST Lego League NYC, Rockaway Theatre Co., Active Aging, The Wave, Aliens on Earth, etc.