“We maneuvered
along cliffs which bordered the rapids, played silly games, took pictures, made
plans to live in Washington, then headed back to Virginia in the full spring
tide of afternoon traffic.” This sentence stood out to me because I could
really understand and appreciate how much the students were enjoying their time
away from Yamacraw Island. It was a moment where I felt the students were able
to enjoy life just as normal kids.
The
chapter begins with Conroy finding a letter that was written to Mrs. Brown over
a year ago by a woman named Judy Hanst. In the letter, Mrs. Hanst explained
that she was willing to help the students on Yamacraw Island in any way she could.
Conroy immediately wrote Mrs. Hanst back explaining why it took so long to
write back, and how he was so happy that someone close to Washington had offered
to help. Mrs. Hanst wrote back a week later stating that “she would be
delighted to sponsor a trip.” Once again, Conroy had trouble persuading the
parents to allow him to take their children off the island, but he eventually influenced
them all to let their children go. Not only did Conroy have trouble with the
parents, Mrs. Brown also banned the students from leaving the island. Not allowing
Mrs. Brown to keep the students from such an important experience, Conroy asked
Mr. Piedmont for permission to take the students to Washington D.C. Mr.
Piedmont granted permission, and Conroy began preparing his students for their upcoming
trip.
For two weeks
Conroy shared with his student’s pictures, history, art, trivia, maps, and
brochures of Washington D.C. Once in Washington, Conroy and his students
visited many monuments, museums, and the zoo. I thought it was funny when one
of the students looked at the snake and said “rubber snake. I tell you that
right boy. Oh, Gawd, snake move. He ‘live.” I love that the students were able
to participate in another unforgettable learning experience all because of
Conroy’s determination and dedication to give his students the education they
deserve.
Kelsey, I think you picked a great sentence to reflect opon. I too feel that for that week in Washington the kids were able to be kids. We take for granted the simple things in life and for the kids who never experience those things it is really eye opening. I love the fact that Conroy is so devoted to these children and would stop at nothing to get them to see different things other than Yacacraw Island. He has inspired me to do all I can do as a teacher for my students. Taking those kids on that trip for most people would mean nothing, but for him and the kids of Yacacraw Island it meant the world. Those children would have never got to experience any of that without Conroy pushing for them. He is an adovcate for his students and that is exactly what teachers are supposed to be.
ReplyDeleteEvery teacher should provide the knowledge and skills necessary for students/children to be able to be successful individuals in the workforce. We are supposed to provide academic and personal growth. I loved how Conroy was very persistent in going to any distance to get the permission of his students to go on the trip. It just shows how deeply he cares for his students which is an example all teachers should follow.
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