She made a difference

Last weekend I had the sad privilege of celebrating the life of my inspirational friend, Ms. Sandra Sessoms.

I met Ms. Sessoms during my first year at Price Middle School. She and Mrs. Kelsey were master teachers, and they took me under their wings – thank goodness.

After a few years of working closely together, we went to our administrative team -- Dr. Hall and Mrs. Allen, asking if we could try something new. Could we create a program where we follow the students through all three years? We shared our blueprint including the title for the project --“three-for-three.” Dr. Hall and Mrs. Allen gave us the go-ahead.

Ms. Sessoms would teach English, Mrs. Kelsey Science and Social Studies, and Mr. Erling math for all three years. But the focus was on interdisciplinary units for the middle-school students. We wanted their educational experiences to be meaningful and genuine.

An example of the “three for three” approach was our Outdoor Awareness Unit. We taught all subjects through the lens of the outdoors. In math, we collected rain data and drew scale maps of the fields. In science, we created casts of the tracks of the animals that ate the corn we put out. In English, we wrote essays and poems on the outdoors. In Social Studies, we learned about Native Americans and culminated the unit with a trip to Rock Eagle to see the ancient effigy.

Finally, we had lasagna night at the school. Sharing pictures, memories, and learnings with students, parents, and faculty.

“Three for three” totally worked! Test scores increased. Disciplinary issues decreased. A sense of belonging and connection was palpable. Personally, it was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.

As I celebrated Ms. Sessom’s life on Saturday, I was amazed by the impact this program had. Many of our students came to pay their respects. Thirty years later, they were still identifying themselves as being part of “three-for-three.”

I looked out at the sea of faces and was so touched by the impact Ms. Sessoms had on so many.

I sat next to my Assistant Principal – Ms. Allen. During the service, there was a time for us to share reflections. I had no intention of speaking. In part, I did not feel worthy of Ms. Sessom’s friendship – best of friends grown apart over the past decade.

But when your Assistant Principal tells you to go say some words on behalf of Price Middle School, you do as she says. My respect for her as a leader is deep. And so, I stood to share my thoughts.

I’m not exactly sure what I said, but it was something like this:

I don’t think I am worthy of speaking at this occasion. But I am honored to try to say words about how Ms. Sessoms inspired so many – including me. Besides, Ms. Allen told me I needed to say something and when Ms. Allen speaks, I still absolutely do as she says. [laughter].

Sandra Sessoms (Ms. Sessoms as I always called her) made a difference. When I came to Price Middle School, she and Mrs. Kelsey took me under their wing. They taught me how to “not smile until Christmas.” They taught me how to create meaningful lessons. How to love and respect children and parents. They taught me how to put children’s education first.

Under their guidance, and with the support of great leadership (Dr Hall and Ms. Allen) we created the “three for three” program. During their middle-school experience we became three-year family to a group of students. Working with the same group of students for sixth, seventh and eighth grade.

Oh, and my goodness, did this program work? Look at so many faces here today. Successful young people doing great things who remember that experience with such great reverence. Ms. Sessoms made a difference.

Ms. Sessoms was truly special because she put children first. She came to work every day with the goal of making a difference in the life of just one student. And on that path, she made a difference in the lives of so many.

I think of Ms. Sessoms every day. She is an inspiration. I want to be as tireless as she was in trying to make a difference. I fall short but Ms. Sessoms cheers me on.

Our beautiful friend is gone. But she can continue to cheer me on. Heck, maybe she can cheer us all on in being better people. Reminding us to care about each other. Reminding us to care about our community. And most of all, to care deeply about our children. Our future.

Thanks for letting me pay honor to our wonderful friend.?