Above and Beyond

There are many people that I get to work with that really amaze me. Teachers that spend countless hours preparing for, crying about (actually happens), and stressing over individual students as well as their classes as a whole, secretaries that go out of their way to talk to a student that has had a hard day. I hope I never become so accustom to these acts that I see them as just part of a regular day. However, it is a part of my everyday experiences. The staff here at Hurricane Elementary is truly stellar and has a deep concern for the education and well being of all of the students in the school. Never have I heard the comment, “he/she is not my student.” Rather, when a child is in need and I ask for assistance from someone I feel can help those who are asked jump at the opportunity to help. Never have I been asked, “Why doesn’t [the child’s teacher] take care of this?”

Recently though, I had an experience that goes even farther to help students. Someone had flattened some bike tires while they were in the bike rack. The tires had not been damaged the air was simply let out. The children were devastated and were seeking help. Mr. Lowe our school counselor was able to hook the students up with Mr. Humphries our custodian. Mr. Humphries was asked to help them get their tires inflated to which he happily agreed. While he was pumping up the tires he realized that the bikes were in need of a tune up. He asked the kids to bring their bikes to him the next morning and let them know he would fix the bikes for them. They did and so Mr. Humphries tightened loose bolts, greased bearings, and fixed brakes. All while cleaning up after sick kids, kids who “miss” in the bathroom, kids who throw things on the ground and respond when asked to pick it up, “that is what the janitor is for”, spills that end up all over the lunchroom, not to mention the sinks and drinking fountains that need constant attention. He did not think about any of the things he would have to get done, he did not think that he would have to spend additional hours at school to catch up on the day to day things. He never sought recognition for what he did in fact, he actually never even told me. Mr. Lowe asked me if I was aware because it was such a tremendous act of kindness.

I am grateful that I get to have the opportunity to work here. The teachers and staff are truly awesome, the students are great, the parents are supportive, and there is a real feeling of belonging here.