Jesusluvsall's Blog

Each month the moms in my Family Literacy Class make a new wall calendar and of course since this is February, it has a Valentine’s Day theme to it.

Each year the days before Valentine’s Day, the moms make Valentine’s cards to give to teachers in the school. First they make one for their child’s teacher where the mom goes for  PACT Time, Parent and Child Together. During PACT Time, the mom watches her child in the classroom to better understand her child’s education. The classroom teachers are so gracious and the moms take extra care making the cards.

Then the moms make cards for other teachers in the school, the two school nurses, and office personnel. It takes a few days during our large group time, but it is great way to build a sense of community and include the moms in the process.

Our awesome volunteer Kathleen came yesterday. She patiently helped our newest student to make a card and also sat in group work with her. The students made a Valentine’s card for her and at the end of class I gave it to her. The moms each gave Kathleen a hug and wished her a Happy Valentine’s Day because she is one of their favorite people. One thing refugees and immigrants appreciate is someone who genuinely cares and they know Kathleen does.

One of the moms is a young widow. She is in her thirties. Her husband died one year ago from a stroke. She works evenings and comes to class in the morning. We had a small world moment when the President of the School Board came to visit our class. Her family owns the company where my student works in the evenings cleaning. My student recognized our visitor. Being the sometimes sneaky person I am, I will find a way to make sure the School Board President knows my student’s story.

This morning I might surprise the moms with a little candy. They were excited yesterday when I told them we would go to the Computer Lab with Kelly the Technology Coach for the school. The moms love time with Kelly. They have learned a lot from her. It will be a good Valentine’s Day class for the moms with candy, computers with Kelly, and maybe some hot chocolate.

Those are my only plans for Valentine’s Day because if it wasn’t for my students, I wouldn’t care about it. But Happy Valentine’s Day to you. Thank you for reading. God Bless.