My north star student in Chicago.
The child who convinced me to loop with my first set of students from one year to the next. The student whose commitment to Class Two helped me commit to staying with the same 20 kiddos for their two years of universal preschool.
Fast forward three years.
I’m teaching at KIPP Ignite in Los Angeles. I am having a rough day at school and get a Facebook call from my north star student’s mom. She says:
- Kaleb misses you, Ms. Mika! You were his favorite teacher. (sobs)
- Kaleb is on A honor roll two terms in a row. (YES!)
Photo updates from 1st grade…
to 2nd grade…
Kaleb’s mom gave me hope. She gave me a sense of calm and confidence. She reminded me of the personal relationship teachers can build with students and their families.
^^Engagement congratulations? Amazing.
Now, as of yesterday, this connection to this family has been shattered. Kaleb’s mom passed away, and with it goes the memories of time together in Chicago as teacher, parent, and student. My heart grieves for Kaleb and his siblings.
What’s next?
As any teacher would, I tried to get in touch with Kaleb as soon as I could. His grandmother called me and told me she’ll have him call me when she sees him next. I miss him. I miss the kiddos from my first school.
To my educator friends: this is your reminder to check in on former students. Text that parent whose number you have saved in your phone as “Kaleb’s Mom 2” because they want to hear from you.
Love,
Ms. Mika, former preK teacher at Ada S McKinley Ersula Howard Child Care Center and KIPP Ignite Academy
