TAKS Field Day Runyan Elementary

Deja invited me to attend her Field Day today. What a blessing it was to be able to support one of my girls! As it turned out there were about 40 children there that has visited of late. I am thankful my favorite driver and husband decided to go along for the fun and games. He manned the purse and candy for me while I walked both sides of the field and visited with teachers about the children. Later he helped thirsty students get a cool drink of water.

We received a very warm welcome from the entire faculty and staff with the exception of one kindergarten teacher. She endeavored to explain to me that today was not a day that I should be there. Parents were invited but not other guests. She said the purpose of the day was to encourage good TAKS scores next week and encourage parents to get involved. Humm not one of my parents was there. In fact there were not too many parents there. As she talked several of my little buddies came and began to hang and swing on me. She asked them how they knew me. I was fondly labeled the church lady, the lady that gives me a ride to church, my friend that comes to my house to play ball with me, and a nice lady! After all these statements she softened and wished me a good day. I thanked her for being concerned with an outsider there but told her I did have permission from the school administration.

After searching for one of my little buddies I was introduced to his teacher. I explained my role in his life. She said he was not able to attend the function due to anger issues this morning. She was most thankful for my help but feels he is possibly already beyond help. She said he will hurt someone bad one day. I smiled thru my tears and said not if I can help it! The teacher thought it might help if I went inside and spent a few minutes with him. She also suggested I come to the school often. He told both the teacher and me he will not get a birthday present since his dad is in jail for being bad and his momma has a hard time making it. We planned him a class birthday party for Monday. I will take cupcakes and juice.

We waited until all the classes went inside before we left so we could give good bye hugs. The biggest boy yelled across the field “I love you”. Talk about a melt down for me. Immediately after this the counselor and principal chatted with us. They asked if rather than just going in on an occasion in the role of a “parent” if I would go thru the process of background investigation and become an onsite mentor as well. The counselor had heard about us previously and the efforts of our church. I believe this will be an open door to reach some of the faculty and staff as well.

Check out the pictures. I didn’t get one of all the kids and some love the camera and are in more than one. Many of the pictures were taken by the children. They wanted to take pictures of their teachers and me.