A Child who has my Heart!

                This is Ja'Nyre.  I first met Ja'Nyre at Open House in August this year and the second I saw him I felt a connection with him.  He seemed so young and innocent and I was completely unaware of how much this little soul had been through that week. He asked me if I wanted to play in the kitchen with me and of course I said Yes and in the process of introducing ourselves to each other he started telling me about his family.  He said that his Mom was really sad that day because they had just come from his cousin's funeral.  He went on in detail to explain to me that his cousin was in a gang and trying to get out because he recently had a child but that someone came to his house and shot him in the head.  I immediately felt this need to protect him and make school a safe place where he can forget all the drama and violence in his life.  I want him to see that there can be more to life than that and to have a successful future one day!

            Ja'Nyre has a lot of energy and is very easily distracted.  My focus this year has been finding ways to help him see the value in school and learning and self control.  When he applies himself  he is a very smart little boy and I see his self-confidence growing each day.  He is excited to tell his Mom all that he did at school each day she comes and he shows off all his work.  We still have a way to go, but I have hope that he will make it in school and in life!!