I vividly remember first responders charging into the twin towers on September 11, 2001 and thinking, “is that a good idea?” The buildings were literally towering infernos and my question came from my fear for these brave souls and their desire to serve and protect. Hundreds of public servants died that day in service to others. It was horrific.
As I reflect on this, I put myself in their shoes and ask, “Would I put myself in harms way for people I do not know?” My response was simple and quick, if your kids were in the building, folks would be racing me to the top. I am not alone, my fellow teachers and most everyone I know in Wylie ISD would be with me up the stairwell shoulder to shoulder to get your baby and keep them from harm. When I see a football game about to happen, my first instinct is to have a quick prayer for safety. When I see a shoe untied, I am on a knee tying it. (It gets a little awkward with high school kids.) Bottom line, we love our kids and want to keep them safe.
This month, every student in Wylie ISD is focusing on the core ethical value of Responsibility. We use the Hawaiian word, Kuleana because Hawaiians take responsibility a step further, it’s not only their responsibility but honor to serve or do something on behalf of another. It’s our Kuleana to keep kids safe. I want you to know that we would charge a burning building to save your baby.
I know many of the first responders that serve our kids and community. I believe that they would do the same. In fact, they are the first to bring an issue to us that is happening outside of school to help a student and or family in need. A wise man once said that “I cannot hear what you are saying because your actions speak so loudly.” I ABSOLUTELY believe that when kids experience the kind of love and care we show them they will grow to be the kind of adult that will do the same. Our WISD first responders show and live the kind of example that we want our kids to see.
A special thanks to our first responders today that would charge in a burning building for us. Please make time today to thank your teacher, a policeman, firefighter or any other person serving our kids and making a difference. If age appropriate, it would be great if you could talk to your kids why remembering those who died on this day is so important and why their sacrifice was special. Being responsible for others and showing respect for those who serve us, it’s the Wylie Way.
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