An M-Team Reunion

Back in the beginning of my teaching career, I had the privilege of teaching a group of students for two years in a row. They weren't just any students, but quickly became like family. They would come very early in the morning and wait for me by my door and then stay with me all afternoon until dinner time and walk me to my car in the evening. They didn't want to go home. :( Since they were one of the lowest performing classes in the lowest performing school in the entire district of 23 elementary schools...we had some work to do. They needed a family, a safe place to land ... and we became just that. The M-Team. I'll never forget these kids and how much my heart hurt for their struggles and their pain. They were such a good group of kids put right smack in the middle of some of life's greatest challenges. Together, as a team, we rose to be one of the highest performing classes and what's even more important...they came to truly believe in themselves and had the confidence to face the never-ending obstacles that kept coming their way. For every one of their victories, my heart swells with pride. They are my heroes, for sure.

Since then, I've kept in contact as much as I could. I took them ice-skating, out to restaurants, talked on the phone, wrote letters, etc. I went to everything they invited me to and recently watched them graduate from high school. I had promised them I'd be there and I had begged them to finish high school and be there, too. I recently just invited as many as I could find over for dinner and we enjoyed a repeat of what we had done so many years ago when I had invited them over when they were 10.

I rummaged for some pictures from way back and found these...

Though they look really bored, we were enjoying a movie of the book we had read in class. :)

And now, 8 years later ...

My precious chamacos are all grown up. I was so blessed to have them over and hear about where they are at and what they are doing. It was extremely special to hear their memories of our class and what they appreciated about their teacher. They went around the table, each sharing their appreciation and love. It was something else to see my boys at 18 years old, being mushy and sentimental. They proved one of the sayings I have posted on my wall at school... that people might not remember what you say or do, but they'll remember how you made them feel. I don't think there's any doubt in their minds how I feel about them. :) Their class has shaped me significantly and continues to be my inspiration.

For all the critics out there of the book/movie, Freedom Writers... the M-Team is proof that it surely can be done. :) If you haven't read the book, I'd recommend it. (I had taken my class to go see the movie years ago and just last week while the kids were over, one student said, "We are the Freedom Writers, Mrs. Martin." In spite of alllll the hurdles, it's so very inspiring!