Not every child walks back into school after Christmas break feeling rested, celebrated, or safe. For some kids, the holidays are loud. Or lonely. Or heavy. Or something they’re just relieved is over. So as they come through our doors this week, love on your kids a little extra. A smile. A gentle word. Sitting down at their level. Letting them talk—or just letting them be quiet. You may be the first genuine affection they’ve felt in two weeks. The first adult who sees them. The first place that feels steady again. School isn’t just academics. Sometimes it’s refuge. Sometimes it’s regulation. Sometimes it’s love. Lead with grace this week.

Chances are, a kid in your class is battling the effects of trauma. Today, they might come to class dysregulated. Today, they might come to class without a pencil. Today, they might start their day seeking negative attention. Today, they might seem like they don’t care about you. The reality? They are longing for someone to care enough to break down their walls, extend endless grace, and love them enough to redirect their pathway. Kids don’t know how to work through the effects of trauma. Most probably don’t even know they’ve experienced trauma because it’s the only life they’ve known. Today, extend grace. Extend kindness. Communicate expectations. And most importantly, extend love. This is how and when you will begin to change a life. #multiplyexcellence

It’s easy to get discouraged by *that kid* and say, “I didn’t sign up for this.” The reality? Yes. We did. We did sign up for this. We signed up to teach KIDS. 🔸*That kid* who is crying every morning when they get to school? We signed up for it. 🔻*That kid* who is in the 8th grade and still can’t read? We signed up for it. 🔸*That kid* who is soiling their pants every day? We signed up for it. 🔻*That kid* who destroyed your classroom? We signed up for it. 🔸*That kid* who cussed you out last week? We signed up for it. 🔻*That kid* who ________________? We signed up for it. If what we are doing isn’t working, try something different. *That kid* is going to need a different pathway toward success - filled with more patience, more compassion, and a lot more love. Think about *that kid* in your class right now. Is your heart and mind in the right place? Don’t allow them to become a spectacle in your school - among the kids, teachers, or parents. Don’t allow them to become the topic of conversation at the lunch table. Protect them from that. Love them enough to change their story! #multiplyexcellence