Halley Rossler

Today was the last day of school before summer officially starts for both of my boys. It’s hard for me to believe that Jackson will be in 1st grade and Lincoln will be in 5th grade. 😭 I want to take a minute to talk about Lincoln’s teachers, Mrs. Williams and Mrs, Taylor.

Mrs. Williams has been Lincoln’s teacher for two years in a row. I have never met a more loving teacher in my entire life. She champions our Lincoln and we have watched him grow tremendously in her classroom the past two years.

This year Mrs. Taylor joined Carnegie and she also took our Lincoln under her wing and helped him grow and blossom. Both of Lincoln’s teachers love him, hold him accountable, and have a genuine connection and relationship with him.

Lincoln talks about his teachers and his school with so much pride. He feels loved and he feels safe at Carnegie and those are two of the most important things for a child who has been through trauma. I spoke with Lincoln’s teachers today and the way they talk about our Lincoln fills me with so much emotion. They both said he has the kindest heart and they see his heart shining more and more each day. Mrs. Taylor told us that Lincoln has taught her so much as a teacher this year and she is proud of him for how much he has grown in his heart. I could tell at the start of the year she was not sure about Lincoln but it has been amazing to see their relationship grow.

When a child feels safe at school and when a child knows they have a teacher and a principal who loves and supports them even on the not so great days, the sky is the limit. Lincoln sat down and wrote both of his teachers notes last night thanking them for helping him through hard times. I don’t know if anyone will ever understand the depth of those words and that heart coming from my Lincoln.

If you are a teacher or an administrator and you have been navigating a tough road with a child who has walked or is walking through a difficult road in life, please don’t give up on them. I promise with the right approaches and the right support, those kids will one day blossom and I have no doubt set the world on fire. Lincoln’s story is being written daily and I can’t wait to see what he does in his life to help others who have also walked through hard places in life. I know God has big plans for our Lincoln.

Thank you to Mrs. Williams and Mrs. Taylor for loving our Lincoln and for helping him grow leaps and bounds this year. We are forever grateful for both of you. You are both going to be greatly missed next year. I have no doubt that you forever have a place in Lincoln’s heart. Thank you!