Second Saturday Shout Out: Hickerson Elementary School
Elementary school environments are very important settings when it comes to how children learn to treat others. There is something so precious about kindness and love when shown by young children. What’s more, teachers are strong role models for the way young students understand the importance of their actions, and they deserve a lot more praise than I think they currently receive. Here is a great example of teaching students how to love…
This month’s shout out goes to the students and teachers at Hickerson Elementary School in Tullahoma, Tennessee. In 2018, a kindergarten class, with the help of their teachers, Allyssa Hartsfield and Amy Hershman, used American Sign Language to sing Happy Birthday to Mr. James Anthony for his 60th birthday. Mr. James has worked as a custodian in the district for 3 decades and has been at Hickerson Elementary for over 15 years! He was born deaf and is known to delight students with high fives and teach them sign language in the hall every now and then. He also “teaches them good manners and how to treat other people”, said Principal Jimmy Anderson.
Since the students and teachers felt like Mr. James was leaving a lasting impression, they wanted to do something nice to reciprocate. The event was a surprise, and Mr. James was clearly moved by the class’ effort and gesture. As you can see in the video, Mr. James was shocked as he put his hands on his head and shrieked in delight. He even teared up a bit at then end. It was a perfect way for the students to express their appreciation for Mr. James, who is a favorite among the students and has a real connection with them.
The students and teachers noted afterward that they want to encourage everyone to do similar simple acts of kindness.
Kudos to Hickerson Elementary. And remember to show school employees just how much you appreciate their efforts to help children learn and grow into be kind human beings!
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