Heart and soul

I talked to a friend in our ward (my co-activity day leader--we already met; we are not going to let any grass grow between us and getting started!).   She is the music teacher at the local neighborhood school.

I told her we didn't have music at my school.

She was surprised and I said, "Maybe the PTA pays for the extra specialty teacher at your school."

She said, "I don't know about that, but I know there are 13 pianos at the school and the PTA purchased 12 of them."

It staggered me.  The PTA at our school is this small but mighty group of women who are amazing and most of the dues come from teachers (and their husbands).  Adam is a member because I signed him up.

We have one ancient and generally out of tune piano at Bonneville.

There aren't many pianos, but we still have heart.  And soul.

Yesterday was picture day.  Even though I told them multiple times that it was optional and they didn't have to buy pictures and even though I texted their parents it was optional and they didn't have to buy pictures, some of the students were worried because they didn't bring any money.

My little guy, who is new to the country and speaks wobbly English, had come running up to me before school started and said, in his adorable accent, "Good morning, Teacher! It is cold, Teacher!  So cold!"

It was in the 60s and I don't want to tell him about January.

He came up to me and said, "For photos," and handed me two wrinkled five dollar bills.  I looked at the order form and the cheapest package was $12, plus tax.  

When Matt came to tell us it was our turn, I explained and said, "Can I just pay the difference?"

He said, "Tell the lady taking money," so I took my credit card down to the gym.

I explained the story to the lady whom I had never met and who knows nothing about this earnest and charming and maddeningly chatty little guy.  She said, "Just give me the $10.  That's enough."

It was so kind.

He wondered for the rest of the day where his photos were.  I kept trying to explain and then I gave up and asked two Spanish speakers to explain.  (Why I didn't do that hours earlier is beyond me.)

Shortly before the end of the day, Matt wrecked read aloud by announcing that it was Chick-fil-A night.  (The PTA has monthly restaurant nights and some of the proceeds go to the school.). This time, the Chick-fil-A cow was there to greet the kids after school.  He said, "Be gentle with the cow."

The kids lost their ever loving minds.  I couldn't read another word.  They were so excited!  One little girl said breathlessly, "I've never seen a mascot!"

Another girl wondered why it was a cow if it was Chick-fil-A and I said, "The cow is to convince you to eat chicken instead of burgers."

She said, "Ohhhhhhh," like it was the most clever thing she'd ever heard.

We didn't get into the fact that the Chick-fil-A cow is a Holstein, which always bugs me.  Shouldn't it be a Hereford or Angus?  

Many of my students wondered if it would cost money to go to Chick-fil-A.  I was so sad to tell them yes.  I wish I could just buy some chicken for every kid.  Put it on my tab!

They have never cleared out so fast from school.  I followed them and snapped a picture.

I love this school and those kids. 

Who needs 13 pianos anyway?