This week's Student of the Week is Jordan M!!
Jordan gave me this lovely photo last year, after the grad ceremony. She was nice enough to get it framed and everything. I thought it was pretty great so I placed it in our TV / computer room, on the book case. What I hadn't thought of at the time, was how we also use this room as a spare guest room. So fast-forward a few months and my father-in-law arrives to stay for a week. He gets up after his first night and asks at breakfast "who is the lovely young lady in the photo with you, Patrick?".
Me: Uh... that's a student of mine
Father-in-law: Oh, that's nice. How long ago did you teach her?
Me: Uh... she's currently in my PreCalculus 12 class.
Father-in-law: you have a framed photo of a CURRENT student in your TV room?
Me: Uh......................
hahahaha. Now I like the picture even more. It makes me laugh to just look at it (and I still think it's an awesome photo).
I never taught Jordan in grade 8, but somehow she introduced herself to me very early in the year (or somehow I figured out what her name was). Anyway, from then on she used to say "hi" to me pretty well every time our paths crossed. It was something I came to really look forward to: the sweet, vivacious grade 8 kid who would always welcome me to school when I was walking to the staff room in the morning. I already knew then that I liked this kid.
Then in grade 9, Jordan was in Ms. Ford's Math class which met in my classroom (while I had my prep). Jordan used to sit right up front, near my desk, and she'd often ask me for help. We'd inevitably end up chatting while class was going on (I think Ms. Ford even asked us to stop one time!! Whoops!!). Once again, even though I didn't teach Jordan, I found myself joining in on conversations in the staff room about "what a nice kid she is", for example. I really wanted to teach this girl!
Grade ten and I finally got the chance! And, not surprisingly, I loved having her in my class. My biggest memory of Jordan from this year, however, was from the start of the year, at the grade 8 BBQ. Jordan was a Link Crew leader (or something) and it fell on her shoulders to announce in a cramped KG cafeteria - to over 50 grade 8's and their parents - that it was time for the grade 8 dance to start. I asked her "Hey, do you want me to do it. It might be tough with all the noise, etc". She looked at me like I was crazy and stepped forward: "EXCUSE ME EVERYBODY!!! It's now time for the grade 8 students to make their way to the gym for the dance... etc". I was SOOOOO impressed. She was incredibly poised and confident. Everyone listened attentively and did exactly as instructed. Masterfully done, JM!
Jordan wants to be an elementary teacher and I think it is a perfect fit for her. I have seen her interacting with younger students and she is completely at ease, clear, and (when need be) firm. She obviously loves kids and they love her. As I told her once before, from what I have seen, she is ALREADY one of the best teachers I know. I know that she will be very successful in her chosen profession (but no problem if you change your mind, Jordan!).
Grade 11 was the trip to France! What a great experience! It was so much fun to spend out-of-school time with Jordan. Jordan proved herself to be the MOM that everyone knows her as. Ultra-organized, aware of everyone and everything, always ready to help. Still embarrassed that you had that selfie-stick though... :)
One thing that I will always remember about Jordan is her incredible work ethic. I bet that she has spent more time in my classroom doing Math then almost any other person (Maximilian? Sophie?) over the past three years. She has an incredible desire to do well. She is always ready to participate in class, offering ideas and (potential) answers... and who cares if they aren't always right!! At times, she has been disappointed with her progress but you can't keep this girl down. She keeps working and working, time after time. I have so much respect for this. As most of you know, I am a HUGE believer in "hard work leads to success". For this reason, I have no doubt that all of Jordan's goals will be realized in the future.
It has been five great years, JMoo! You are truly a wonderful student and a special person. You have provided me with countless laughs. You have made me proud (of you!) on so many occasions. We have shared so many great chats (some fun, some sad, some serious). You have made a difference in my life and I will never forget you. I love ya and I can't believe that it is almost time to say "goodbye" (nooooooo!). Thanks for everything!
Jordan gave me this lovely photo last year, after the grad ceremony. She was nice enough to get it framed and everything. I thought it was pretty great so I placed it in our TV / computer room, on the book case. What I hadn't thought of at the time, was how we also use this room as a spare guest room. So fast-forward a few months and my father-in-law arrives to stay for a week. He gets up after his first night and asks at breakfast "who is the lovely young lady in the photo with you, Patrick?".
Me: Uh... that's a student of mine
Father-in-law: Oh, that's nice. How long ago did you teach her?
Me: Uh... she's currently in my PreCalculus 12 class.
Father-in-law: you have a framed photo of a CURRENT student in your TV room?
Me: Uh......................
hahahaha. Now I like the picture even more. It makes me laugh to just look at it (and I still think it's an awesome photo).
I never taught Jordan in grade 8, but somehow she introduced herself to me very early in the year (or somehow I figured out what her name was). Anyway, from then on she used to say "hi" to me pretty well every time our paths crossed. It was something I came to really look forward to: the sweet, vivacious grade 8 kid who would always welcome me to school when I was walking to the staff room in the morning. I already knew then that I liked this kid.
Then in grade 9, Jordan was in Ms. Ford's Math class which met in my classroom (while I had my prep). Jordan used to sit right up front, near my desk, and she'd often ask me for help. We'd inevitably end up chatting while class was going on (I think Ms. Ford even asked us to stop one time!! Whoops!!). Once again, even though I didn't teach Jordan, I found myself joining in on conversations in the staff room about "what a nice kid she is", for example. I really wanted to teach this girl!
Grade ten and I finally got the chance! And, not surprisingly, I loved having her in my class. My biggest memory of Jordan from this year, however, was from the start of the year, at the grade 8 BBQ. Jordan was a Link Crew leader (or something) and it fell on her shoulders to announce in a cramped KG cafeteria - to over 50 grade 8's and their parents - that it was time for the grade 8 dance to start. I asked her "Hey, do you want me to do it. It might be tough with all the noise, etc". She looked at me like I was crazy and stepped forward: "EXCUSE ME EVERYBODY!!! It's now time for the grade 8 students to make their way to the gym for the dance... etc". I was SOOOOO impressed. She was incredibly poised and confident. Everyone listened attentively and did exactly as instructed. Masterfully done, JM!
Jordan wants to be an elementary teacher and I think it is a perfect fit for her. I have seen her interacting with younger students and she is completely at ease, clear, and (when need be) firm. She obviously loves kids and they love her. As I told her once before, from what I have seen, she is ALREADY one of the best teachers I know. I know that she will be very successful in her chosen profession (but no problem if you change your mind, Jordan!).
Grade 11 was the trip to France! What a great experience! It was so much fun to spend out-of-school time with Jordan. Jordan proved herself to be the MOM that everyone knows her as. Ultra-organized, aware of everyone and everything, always ready to help. Still embarrassed that you had that selfie-stick though... :)
One thing that I will always remember about Jordan is her incredible work ethic. I bet that she has spent more time in my classroom doing Math then almost any other person (Maximilian? Sophie?) over the past three years. She has an incredible desire to do well. She is always ready to participate in class, offering ideas and (potential) answers... and who cares if they aren't always right!! At times, she has been disappointed with her progress but you can't keep this girl down. She keeps working and working, time after time. I have so much respect for this. As most of you know, I am a HUGE believer in "hard work leads to success". For this reason, I have no doubt that all of Jordan's goals will be realized in the future.
It has been five great years, JMoo! You are truly a wonderful student and a special person. You have provided me with countless laughs. You have made me proud (of you!) on so many occasions. We have shared so many great chats (some fun, some sad, some serious). You have made a difference in my life and I will never forget you. I love ya and I can't believe that it is almost time to say "goodbye" (nooooooo!). Thanks for everything!
RSS Feed