Success!

As we wrap up the school year and my students finish their final exams, it forces me to reflect upon the year (and 2 years for some of them) and remember where they were when they first came to my school. Some of them felt broken, most of them had been given up on by other teachers and professionals (but not their parents!), and some had challenging behavioral and social issues. Their anxiety levels were high as the started the year at a new place, unsure if we would "get" them. Now, I see these children that have grown SO much that sometimes I can't believe how far they have come. Their anxiety levels have been greatly reduced or are almost non-existent, their conversational skill have made vast improvements, and their academic abilities continue to progress. Many of their behaviors have gone away or have improved so much. They are happy and feel good about who they are. Just watching them taking a final exam, being focused, trying hard, asking for help appropriately, makes me remember all of this growth and really makes me proud of them. It hasn't been as easy road, but we have worked hard together....never giving up. Fortunately for me, I will have these same students next year and I can't wait for the end of the next year so that I can reflect upon all of the amazing changes that they will make over the next year and to able to "see" their bright futures ahead of them. It is amazing how having the right school and/or the right teacher or professional, and/or just one right person that can change the life of a child.