Every now and then....

Every now and then I stop and think about the world from the view point of the students with whom I have the privilege of working. Every now and then I think that there are times when they come to school and it's an escape from the adult world.

Every now and then I think of how being at school, some have a chance to be a real kid, playing and laughing and joking with their friends.

Every now and then I think of how public school was for me as a kid and how I'd like to replicate some of those experiences.

Every now and then I think of how the teachers and staff represent the only caring figures in some of these children's lives.

Every now and then I think of the child that acts out, and though they cannot express it, is grateful that some adult has taken notice. Taking notice says to them, "I care about you."

Every now and then I think of the kid who found out that I, Mr. Flemming, will come to your house, knock on your door and ask about you. Every now and then I think of that kid who found that out and intentionally didn't do homework because he wanted me to come meet mom.

Every now and then I think of that kid who shared with me that there was no one in his life who understood him and that I was the last one in his life he had to look up to.

Every now and then I also think about those children who do having loving adults in their lives. I think about how some might not realize just how blessed they are. I think about those good fathers out there who stayed to love their child's mother and their children. Not all fathers are dead beat, just like not all mothers are there, present, and taking care of their children!

Every now and then, stop and think. Stop and think about where some of our children are coming from in the morning and where they are going to at three o' clock. Every now and then, drive by your students' neighborhoods at night or on the weekend. See for yourself what life is like. Every now and then ask your students how their weekend was, what movie they saw last night, or what they did for their birthday.

Every now and then, take off your "teacher" robe and put on your "listening ear" robe.

The words of a young kid a couple of years back still stings my ear today. He was crying because he was in trouble at school again. While crying buckets of tears, he said to me "THAT'S WHY I HATE THIS SCHOOL, NOBODY LISTENS TO ME!!!" I started to get something in my eye as I choked out, "Well, I'm listening. What do you want to say?"

Every now and then, listen!