Happy New Years!

I have a student that I have really gone through the ringer with. Today our Instructional Coach came up to me and said that she knows that I have really made a lot of progress with him but she had no clue how much until I was gone. While I was gone for an appointment this last week she saw him outside of class sitting on the stairs. She said that she tried to help him find his way back to class and was completely unsuccessful. I can only imagine what happened. She said that she was amazed at what I have been able to do with him and how effortless I make it look. It was nice to hear from someone not directly involved in the equation. This particular picture is tender to my heart. I had been through an extremely rough week with him back in February and was unbelievably worried about him. He was completely shut down and demonstrating what emotions he could make of the situation. Then, one morning amidst the chaos he brought me this New Year's Eve crown and said that it was for me. It was the first time I had seen him smile in over a week. No anger, no yelling, no tears. It made me almost start crying. I grabbed him and gave him the biggest hug ever and then asked him if we could take a picture of it. I still have the crown on my desk. I am pretty sure that he does not even know what it says. He just knows that it is sparkly and pretty. I love this kid to death and will really miss him next year.