Johnathan's Real Superheroes

Today marks a month since schools have been in session due to the Coronavirus shelter at home order. It's been a difficult time for us as the boys try to adjust to at home/ e-learning instead of being in their classrooms. It has been extremely trying on Johnathan as he doesn't understand why mom is giving him work that he does at school. Coronavirus is certainly out of his understanding and this change of roles is to. He's been completing work little by little and that's all we can ask for at this time.

Taking on the role of at home teacher hasn't been the easiest for any of us. We are all tired of being stuck at home not being able to see the people that play important roles in our lives. I guess I'm blessed that my boys have such incredible role models as teachers. Their continued support for my boys through their teaching has helped them succeed in many areas. Let me tell you a little about these real life superheroes. 

Mrs. Kelly was Johnathan's kindergarten and 1st grade teacher. From my post the other day you probably could see we didn't have the greatest start with his schooling due to our incredible boy being under estimated by others Mrs. Kelly was incredible and truly made a difference in Johnathan's life. She allowed him to blossom and grow while he was in her classroom. He wasn't always the easily to deal with because he still tended to shut down when life overwhelmed him. Yet her love and support gave him a stable launching point for his education. She saw his strengths and helped him grow. When it came to his weaknesses she was patient and caring letting him be active in figuring out what his learning style was. It was so hard when we got to the end of those two years and had to say good-bye to her. I'm happy that Charles was able to have her a year also before she retired. She gave my boys an amazing beginnings to their learning journeys and for that I'm forever grateful.   

As Johnathan moved onto his new school I was thankful I knew his teacher he would have for 2nd-4th grade. Mrs. Buettner (Mrs. B as all the students call her) was a fellow classmate of mine who I had been lucky enough to observe her teaching several times before Johnathan entered her classroom. If there was ever a teacher that deserved superhero status she is it. Her skill and grace as a special education teacher is truly unmatched. Her ability to bring a calmness to her students and find their inner strengths with such ease is astounding. From that first day that Johnathan took her hand and walked into school I knew great things were ahead for him. In a world were so many want to underestimate Johnathan she saw his greatness. She helped him find his voice, made him believe in himself, and gave him so much love and support along the way. I could truly brag about her many wonderful traits but it wouldn't even touch how truly incredible she is. Johnathan loves her so much and he still gets so excited when he sees her. Once again we have been blessed that now Charles gets to have her as his teacher.   

When it comes to Johnathan's list of favorite people Mrs Johnson (Known as Mrs J to my boys and Mama Jean to me) is definitely on that list. How many people can say their child receives pure, unbridled love while at school? Well thanks to Mrs J Johnathan did every day. Once again like with Mrs B,  I was fortunate enough to have known Mrs. J long before my boys were even born. She has been a part of my life since I was a little girl. Having her be a part of Johanthan's life (and now Charles') is wonderful. No matter what the task Mrs J always brought a smile and encouragement to it. She knew how to bring the best out of him. He knew how to push her buttons and try her patience, yet she never let it show. That's why we love her so. Knowing I couldn't be there for Johnathan as he navigated through those 3 years could have been so hard if it wasn't for people like Mrs. J and all the other teachers/aides. The best thing was that Johnathan received so much love and support that he often felt ready to face anything. I'm so glad that Mrs. J can continue to be a part of Johnathan's life even now that he's gone from that school. He still lights up when he sees her and reserves some of his biggest smiles for her. I know years from now she'll still be a part of his life and I'll always be thankful for the role she played in his learning journey.      

 Mrs Hemphill (known as Mrs H to my boys) was one of Johntahan's morning buddies when I dropped him off at school. She'd be there waiting for him and he'd get the biggest smile and going running to her. In previous years I always had to walk Johnathan to his classroom and often there were tears as I left. This rarely happened when he started at his new school and had Mrs H waiting for him. He knew she would take him to class and they'd have a great day together. 

 Mrs Woods started at the school when Johnathan was in 4th grade. He would always light up when he'd see her and give her his best smile. (Ignore his look in the picture - that is his 'mom will you stop taking pictures and just go' look) This was the year that Johnathan had a huge growth spurt. He'd always laugh when Mrs Woods would tell him he needed to stop growing or he'd be taller than her. (I'm not sure but he may be taller than her now). 

As Johnathan goes into these awkward teen years I don't think he could have gotten a better teacher. Johnathan has always liked his teachers but there is something about the bond he has built with Mr Dalton. I think having a male teacher at this time is a great advantage to him. Mr Dalton didn't set out to be a special education teacher but wow is it the best job for him. He has built such a strong structure in the classroom and all the students love and respect him. That's not easy in the classroom that includes students who have a hard time making bonds. It's great that Johnathan will have the same teacher from 5th - 8th grade. Especially when it's a teacher that he likes and respects. The greatest thing about Mr Dalton was that the minute Johnathan became a part of his classroom Mr Dalton became an advocate for his education. As we faced some tough times the last two years that required a lot of adjusting and planning. We worked to find a schedule that was beneficial to Johnathan's educational and personal needs. Mr Dalton was side by side with us as we faced each decision and supported Johnathan and our choices. In this time with us facing 'sheltering at home' and e-learning it's been difficult for Johnathan not seeing Mr Dalton. Every day we go online to answer a daily question for Johnathan's attendance. On the page we go to there is a picture of Mr Dalton. We usually have to wait a few minutes for Johnathan is stop saying Mr Dalton's name and pointing before we can answer the question. How great is it that Johnathan has such a great bond with his teacher? How great is it that we don't have to worry each year about Johnathan having to build a bond with a new teacher?

We truly have been so fortunate to have had so many great influences in Johnathan's life. There are others that I have not named here that I count on that list to. No matter where he goes in life those who have been a part of his educational journey should hold their heads high. They have done a spectacular job with helping our boy find his voice and live the life he deserves. If you know these people you probably know how special they really are. If you have real superheroes in the life of your child don't be afraid to let them know what they mean to you and your child.