I live in Portland, Oregon.
It was a tough weekend.
Bad news Friday night about racist comments and death on the Max.
Sunday, I woke up to the neighborhood next to me cordoned off because of police activity. Residents were to shelter in place and had to be escorted to and from their homes most of the day.
Monday dawned grey and gloomy, but, by late afternoon, the clouds had burned off and the sun was shining giving us perfect Memorial Day weather.
It is as though we hit bottom and were on the way up again.
Over the last few weeks, my team and I have had a series of meeting with a couple of families. One kid in particular had me very worried. He hit bottom about two weeks ago. Fortunately, school and family noticed and we have put some things in place to help him and he has seemed happier.
We’ve been having some troubles at school too, and each grade has had a presentation about empathy. As a follow-up, instead of doing what I’m supposed to do in my Enrichment class, I am teaching lessons from The Educator Collaborative’s Global Kind Project.
I will be honest and say that Enrichment is not my favorite part of my week. I teach it every other day and it is a mix of 6th graders from all halls and teams. And yet, doing the activities and reflective practices the project talks about has made it so that I am enjoying this class far more than I have over the last two years. I am now planning how I will use these activities to start Enrichment next year.
Both the student and my city have some work to do, but I think we are up to the challenge.
booksandbassets 
I hadn’t heard of the troubles in Portland. I am so sorry. I am so troubled by the mood of our country and the move away from kindness in this administration. Its effects are huge. I’m glad you are doing your part in teaching kids about kindness and empathy. If not you, then who?
I’m in Beaverton, and am really struggling with how to process what happened, and what/how much to tell my children. I know my middle schoolers will be a mix of kids who know all about it and those who don’t know a thing.
Yes, our job is as important as ever, and includes teaching empathy. I’m glad your school has a program that you think is effective!
Do you teach in Beaverton? I am at Stoller.
I saw the news and thought of you, hoping it did not touch your life. So glad you were able to reach that one child. That’s what it takes, one person at a time. Slowly you will make a difference.
It seems like there is bad news almost everywhere. Even baby steps will help I believe – don’t stop now.
Sorry to hear about the troubles your city and your student have had. Glad you were able to reach the student and help. As was said, one step at a time.
It really has been shocking news this week! I just don’t understand people sometimes. What are you supposed to do during Enrichment? I’m thinking that what you described sounds pretty important.
In short, Adrienne, I like the way you work: See a need and try creative ways to meet it.
Yes, it has been such a tough couple of days in your dear city, which I was lucky enough to spend time in two years ago (for a wedding). We are resilient! I am hopeful for Portland, for our country. Your work with empathy is so important. I love this conclusion: Both the student and my city have some work to do, but I think we are up to the challenge.