I am almost certain that most of us have heard the phrase “It takes a village.” This may mean something different to everyone. When I hear this phrase, I often think of my children, Jordan (’12) and Katie (’15), and their time at Darlington.
When my older daughter, Jordan, first began Darlington, it was overwhelming. My husband and I asked ourselves, “Will she like Darlington?” “Will our family be happy here?” “Will she make friends?” I cannot remember the exact moment we knew the answer to these questions, but I do know the moment we realized how deeply her teachers cared about her.
Darlington has helped James and me raise two independent, well-rounded, decent ladies who care deeply for others.
As a learning specialist, I work with pre-K, kindergarten, first-grade and second-grade students. I also have the pleasure of working with the teachers and teaching assistants who profoundly impact the lives of many children in our Darlington Community. Every day, I get to witness, firsthand, their valuable role in “the village.” They are nurses, counselors, encouragers, referees, and yes… sometimes mommies!
When I think about our teachers and the level of care they have for students, these are some of the things that come to mind:
- Wiping tears and giving hugs when someone gets hurt
- Celebrating birthdays, the birth of a sibling, and more
- Going to games and recitals
- Providing encouragement when the students' team doesn't win
- Teaching them how to be a friend
- Working with them until they understand
- Sharing their life stories with their students
- Making them laugh
- Providing them with a safe and happy classroom (a home away from home!)
Our precious students are our No. 1 priority, and I am blessed that I have had the opportunity to see the value of “the village” as a mom and as a teacher.
