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This outstanding story of service was written by Nicki Wiley, who is currently serving her 4th term as a WSC tutor at Brinnon Elementary. Thank you, Nicki!
‘Twas the week before testing, when all through the school,
Not a student was studying, or following rules.
The teachers were struggling to keep their composure
While the students used class time to their leisure.
They’re loud, they laugh, and gossip to each other,
And whine at the worksheets, “Oh, not another!”
They insist on running -not walking- down the hall.
What’s that on the roof? A playground ball…
Sandy put craft paint in Suzy’s hair,
While Bobby goofed off and fell out of his chair.
Timmy made a mess, Johnny’s not being nice;
Oh, merciful heavens, is that head lice?!
Spit wads on the ceiling, paper planes flew by,
And gum under the desks… Why don’t they try?
Poor teacher was finally at her wits end;
Isn’t there someone whose help they can lend?
That night, the teacher, unwinding at home,
Wondered who could help, and her thoughts started to roam.
So, to AmeriCorps she wrote a desperate letter,
Hoping that tomorrow would be better.
As she settled down into her cozy bed,
Thoughts of easier days filled her head.
She dreamt of wonderful classroom support,
Who knew and practiced ‘Help for Billy’ in short.
The next morning, she arrived with a shudder,
But a surprise would have her heart aflutter.
For lo and behold, a service member was there!
The friendly smile and look in her eyes told her she cared.
Donning official attire and badges of Reading Corps,
She went straight to work with tutoring galore.
The teacher’s spirits were suddenly lifted
By this endearing person she’d been gifted.
She brought with her a magic called Reading Power,
That got kids to read when they otherwise would cower.
As time went on, and throughout the school year,
Students improved and caught up with their peers.
Feeling like champions when assembly day came,
The principal announced and called them by name:
"Now, Madi! Now, Michael! Now, Ashton and Hailey!
On, Lily! On, Victor! On, Dylan and Izzy!
To the front of the stage please, to get your rewards!
Show them all the goals you’ve worked so hard toward!”
Sandy won in Science Fair, Suzy won the Spelling Bee,
And Bobby nearly doubled his reading fluency!
Timmy won a great improvement award,
All thanks to help from the staff they adored.
The teacher and her teammate stood together with pride,
While parents cheered, their smiles beaming wide.
Alas, you can keep the tutor for only four years,
Then she must find another way to stay near.
This tutor decided to go even further,
And is now a certified classroom teacher!
Recruiting new members, passing the magic along,
More students improving before too long.
All now are joyful and elated at school,
As Anything is possible with the right tools.
As the teacher went home, school fading out of sight,
She wished everyone well, and knew all would be alright.
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