Today, Emily was called into the principal's office. Uh oh, right? Nope, instead whe brought home this letter from the Principal:
HILLIARD STATION SIXTH GRADE SCHOOL
Hilliard City School District • Bruce P. Stephanic, PrincipalFebruary 27, 2009
Dear Parents,
I am writing this letter to thank your wonderful daughter, Emily, for being such a positive student role model at Hilliard Station Sixth Grade School. Each year, one of my main goals for our students is that they treat each other with equality and respect. Emily has demonstrated that she understands this simple act.
This morning, I received a phone call from a district bus driver. The driver explained to me that Emily, and two other Station students, have been performing a wonderful act of kindness each and every day. Each morning, these wonderful students have volunteered to escort two of our special needs students from the bus at Memorial Middle School to Station. After dismissal, their generosity continues, and they escort these students back to their waiting bus.
Imagine the joy and pride of these two young ladies to have their peers escort them! Emily's simple act of kindness, generosity, and respect has made me very proud of her! Emily's empathy is praise worthy and reflects the giving spirit, empathy, and generosity of you. Your excellent example has now surpassed Emily and afforded two young, ladies a wonderful experience and example of human kindness.
Have a wonderful day!
Educationally yours,
Bruce P. Stephanic Principal
BPS/ksm
I couldn't be more proud. Every parent hopes for good news from school, straight A's, making the varsity team, the lead in the school play or making honor role. To me, this trumps them all for she's acting like Jesus, caring for the least. Emily's compassion and care have always been one of her strengths and it was so encouraging to see her using it in this way.
For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me ... as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.'
Emily, I'm so proud of you and so encouraged to see you acting like Jesus and meeting the needs of those around you. Keep it up.
It is one thing to tell your child something and have them remember what you told them and act upon it. This usually is the "clean your room" or "finish your homework" kind of thing. This is something altogether different and much, much better. The content of her character shows through something she chose to do without prodding from parents and that character is good.
Well done, Douglas.
It touches my heart to read this about your little one. My grandmother taught special needs children many years ago when they were thought to be unteachable. Grandma told then to watch then learn. I worked with autistic children, one of the best jobs I ever had. I was asked the other day by a coworker how to handle a special child. I gave her some tips, my son was hired to play with a child with the same thing.
You and your wife are doing a great job at raising wonderful children.
Grandpa and I, too, are very proud of our precious Emily. It shows the sweetness of your spirit and your tenderness toward others. Great job, Emily.