Monday, November 29, 2010

Might Cause Crying...

I was able to be a part of the most incredible experience earlier this year with my middle school. One of our special ed students who is completely non-verbal was a part of our 7th grade football team. He has the mental capacity of about a 4-5 year old, but he absolutely loves football. He can memorize plays like a pro!! He stood on the sideline all season and his job was to hand the ball to the ref when he needed it. He took this job so seriously and it was precious. There were many special ed teachers who gave up a lot of time for him to be able to do this. Since he is non-verbal, there had to be a special-ed teacher with him at all times for practice and games. Rhonda Miller took on a lot of the responsibility as his main teacher. At the last home game of the season, in the 2nd half, on the first play - Tyler Francis got to play in the game. The coaches worked it out with the other school and it was amazing. They had designated students to help him run all the way there (it was about 60 yards) and he had even been practicing a "victory dance." The news was going to cover this, but after seeing how much support the entire school gave him, they decided to come to our school and film for a day. Many of my students are featured in the segment that aired Sunday on Newy Scruggs "Out of Bounds" show.


It was an inspiring moment and I am very proud of my school and the people that work in it.


Enjoy. Tyler's Touchdown Story

1 comment:

  1. Mollie,
    I was just checking in on my usual rounds and found Tyler's story and the video. You were right "it may cause crying" tho not out of sadness but out of gratitude for dedicated teachers and a young man who will always be an inspiration to others. I hope he knows this. You are so fortunate to be a part of this great school. Granny

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