With their little bodies buzzing with excitement, our
students filed into the cafeteria this morning for January's Mighty Mariner
Assembly. Parents sat eagerly at the
back of the room waiting for their child's name to be called for whatever award
would be handed their way. I took my
usual post...edge of the stage letting songs from the "Mariner
Assemblies" playlist stream from my phone.
Feeling the need to change things up, I recently added "Lean on
Me" (the Club Nouveau version)...
Lean on me
When you're not strong,
And I'll be your friend.
I'll help you carry on.
For it won't be long
'Til I'm gonna need
Somebody to lean on.
This has been a month of leaning on one another...of helping
someone else carry on because, chances are, they have helped you to carry
on. And if you are a lucky one that has
been strong, your turn is coming soon.
You are going to need someone to lean on.
Some of us lean because we are struggling with our
students.
Some of us lean because we are struggling with our team.
Some of us lean because we are struggling with our classroom
resources.
Some of us lean because we are afraid of PARCC.
Some of us lean because we are afraid of ITBS...especially
that horrible vocabulary section.
Some of us lean because we have students who didn't meet
their winter growth goal.
Some of us lean because our students need winter clothes.
Some of us lean because our students are hungry.
Some of us lean because our students need to feel loved and
appreciated and valued for the beautiful people they are.
Some of us lean because we are struggling outside of school.
Some of us lean because we have stood straight for too
long...and it's our turn to lean.
Whatever the reason (or reasons) we all need someone to lean
on from time to time. I am no different. To those who have let me lean...thank
you.
I leaned on you
When I wasn't strong.
And you were my friend.
You helped me carry on.
If the time comes along
I'll be right there
For you to lean on.
