Kindness is not cancelled: stories of light in the midst of uncertainty.
Needless to say, there is a lot going on right now. From anxieties over your safety and that of loved ones to concerns about your child’s educational needs and more, I know that many of you are frustrated, overwhelmed, and stressed with the uncertainties of today and tomorrow.
Here is something that was sent to me a few days ago that I hope serves as a gentle reminder: sunshine is not cancelled, spring is not cancelled, love is not cancelled, reading is not cancelled, naps are not cancelled, devotion is not cancelled, music is not cancelled, relationships are not cancelled, imagination is not cancelled, conversations are not cancelled, hope is not cancelled, and, most importantly, kindness is not cancelled.
In the spirit of that, I wanted to share with you a few “stories of good” to offer you hope and encouragement during these trying times. Remember: we will get through this — together.
1. Florida principal lines high school’s driveway with 2020 class photos.
One principal, disappointed for her students that they are missing out on some memorable moments that many of us hold near and dear to our hearts, took it upon herself to honor her students in a big way. The principal contacted the photographer who took the students’ senior portraits and had the photos printed on large signs that she put out on either side of the high school’s driveway.
“People who don’t even have students here, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi… have driven over just to drive through and see and honor our students,” said Principal Farica West.
2. Charter school students donate plants to thank hospital staffer for their work during COVID-19 outbreak.
Special needs students at Commonwealth Charter Academy in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, donated 50 plants to healthcare workers at UPMC Pinnacle Harrisburg and the Hershey Medical Center.
The plants were grown as part of the school’s Goals, Relationships, Opportunities, and Workmanship (GROW) program, a program designed specifically to help students on the autism spectrum and with other intellectual disabilities work on social skills, independence, and transition and employability. After the 10-week program was put on hold when schools were closed, special education teachers worked remotely with the students to bring the program to completion.
Along with the plants, many students wrote notes to the healthcare workers, thanking them for their service. One student’s letter was particularly special: “Dear friend, my name is Sedh. I go to CCA. I get to help with the plants and fish in Aquaponics Lab. These are some of the plants we grow. Thank you for everything you do to help us.”
3. Math teacher shows up at student’s front porch to give her a one-on-one lesson while social distancing.
When 12-year-old student Rylee Anderson struggled with her algebra homework and her parents were unable to help her, she emailed her questions to her teacher. Instead of an email reply or phone call like she expected, her teacher, Chris Waba, showed up on her front porch, marker and whiteboard in hand.
In order to maintain appropriate social distancing, Waba helped her with the math equations through the screen door. At the end of the one-on-one lesson, Rylee understood the concept and thanked him for his help.
“I’m a better communicator face-to-face than (on) the telephone and I think students learn better that way,” said Waba. “Teachers all across the nation have been thrown into a situation like this. I think we’re all more comfortable being in front of our classes and that’s where we’d rather be.”
I am certain there are many more like this to share, and I hope these stories brighten your day as much as they do mine. As many of us enter another week of self-isolation and other restrictions, be well and empowered to seek the good and positive. Do you have a story of good to share? Please send it to me!
Dr. William Lane is a special education consultant, international speaker, and best-selling author who helps post-secondary institutions and businesses develop programs that create clear pathways to graduation and meaningful employment opportunities for neurodivergent individuals. For more information about Dr. Lane and his services, please visit his website.
