5/9/06
How a school saved a student
by Joe Nathan
Sometimes you encounter something so moving, you want to share it. That happened this week, as the Center for School Change, where I work, reviewed essays that Minnesota students submitted as part of a writing contest.
While many fine essays were submitted, one stood out. Itís a tribute, and reminder of the enormous influence caring, sensitive, skilled educators have. Here it is:
My name is Nicole. I am 14, and go to a charter public school called Community of Peace Academy (CPA). My school has changed my life by
saving my life.
In fifth grade, my parents divorced, my beloved dog was killed, and I was forced to deal with other things at home. I was so stressed out about friends, grades and the situation at home that I was contemplating suicide.
My teacher at the time, Ms. DeMunck, was the only thing that saved me. One afternoon, she noticed a book I was reading. All I can remember is it was about suicide and death. Ms DeMunck took me into the hallway and talked to me. I can still remember what she said.
Ms. DeMunck made me realize that I actually had many friends, all who cared and were worried for me. She told me that I was a beautiful, smart girl who has so much to look forward to. After that day, I put away the pills I had been planning on taking.
My school has changed me. Since then, my parents have tried to get me to change schools. I refuse. CPA is less like a school, and more like a
family. A second home. The teachers actually care about us. We are not a student number; we are people.
CPA changed my life by saving my life. If it was not for Ms. Demunck and a few other teachers like her, I know I would be dead. Every day I
am thankful that I choose to go to my school. I would not change this for anything.
- - - - -
Nicole now is the student government president at her school. She and her family agreed that this could be shared, so long as I left out her last name.
Nicole attends a Minnesota charter public school. All kinds of kids attend these schools, as attend district run public schools.
Regardless of the school, this essay reminds us how much impact excellent educators have on our youngsters.
Joe Nathan, a former public school teacher and administrator, directs the Center for School Change, Humphrey Institute, University of Minnesota jnathan@hhh.umn.edu
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