PSEA members share stories of students’ kindness
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PSEA members share stories of students’ kindness

In August, a post on PSEA’s Facebook page asked members a simple question: What’s the kindest thing a student has ever done for you?

Educators and support professionals from across the state shared powerful, heartwarming stories about former students. 

We want to hear your story

What’s the kindest thing a student has ever done for you? Comment on PSEA’s Facebook page, or email your story to communications@psea.org. 

Kristie Intravaia, Stroudsburg EA

During a Spirit Week, the students dressed up as their favorite superheroes. One of my third-graders dressed up as ME!!! It was adorable. She dressed in all black (my favorite color to wear), made a teacher ID with my name, parted her hair the same as mine...and even painted her water bottle to match mine. It was such an honor to be looked at as a superhero. She absolutely made my year. I will never forget it.

 

Maria Bennett, New Hope Solebury ESP

As an ESP and a paraprofessional, one of the kindest things a student did was to dedicate their "Bare Book" – a white book with blank pages that fifth-graders use to write and illustrate their own stories, and often they would dedicate the books to someone important to them. Two students who I worked closely with on their books dedicated them to me. It was so wonderful to see that I made that much of an impression on them.

Tina McMonagle, Allegheny County PSEA-Retired

One of my students ran a 10K race for breast cancer in my honor. During show and tell she shared her race number with my name on it!

Jimbo Lamb, Annville-Cleona EA

I had a student who wasn’t very social at first, but he was a hockey fan and seemed excited to have a teacher who he could talk hockey with. Connecting with him through hockey led to his trying out for the soccer team, and I had the opportunity to coach him. A few years later, he came back to school and told me that I was an inspiration to him, and my reassurance helped him to overcome his social anxiety. He said that because of what I did, he wanted to give back and become a coach himself to honor what I did for him.

Dorene Johnston, Wattsburg ESP

One of my students had a project for his social studies class where he had to pick someone, anyone in his life, who he considered his hero. He had to choose someone who he felt had all of the qualities of a recipient of the Medal of Honor, and he chose me. My heart melted, and there were no words to express how I felt! 

Sue Lemmo, Curwensville EA

I was having health issues. A student with Asperger Syndrome asked if we could have donuts. I told him that I was so sick I could not even look at a donut. I let him know ahead of time when I was going to be out of school for surgery, so that he could prepare for the change. The day I returned to school, he had his mom bring in donuts for me. He told me I was his favorite teacher and gave me a two-second hug. That was huge for him.

Christopher Cowan, Mechanicsburg EA

Years ago, a third-grade student of mine was an Irish dancer. She would always invite me to her performances, and when I attended, her parents welcomed me as part of the family. 

Denise Kennedy, Upper Darby ESP

A former student who I'd known for years stopped by my desk in August. He said, "Miss Denise, I couldn't leave for college without coming by to see you. I leave tomorrow." He brought me one of his graduation pictures so I wouldn't forget him. I gave him a hug and said I could never forget him. Before he left, I put the photo under the glass of my desk, which holds pictures of many former students and teachers. He said, "Yes...now I'm famous!" It had not been a great day for me, and his visit touched my heart. He is a great kid from a great family, and he hopes to be a teacher.

Nicole Monaco, Allentown EA

One of my students was going through a difficult situation while her mom was "away." I helped her through the year and went for walks with her around the playground at recess. At the end of the year she gave me the other half of her Best Friend necklace.

Christy Sweeney, Ferndale Area EA

Last year my father-in-law passed away, and while carrying a large platter of food before the viewing, I tripped and fell, fracturing my wrist and three fingers. Between those two events, I was absent from school for almost three weeks. Two students came to my house to check on me, worried that I was missing so much school. A third student and his mother cooked a meal for my family the next night and left it on my doorstep.

Maria Aldebol Garcia, Cheltenham ESP

A student invited me to a "Donut with Someone Special" event at our school. In 16 years, it was the only time I was invited. It meant a lot.

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