The last Vinson kiddo is finishing eighth grade at McMillan Junior High and will be moving on to high school next year. While she will miss many things about junior high, she will have an especially hard time saying goodbye to the coaches and teachers she considers her favorites. Of all of the staff members in the school, is it strange that one of the people she will miss the most is the school custodian? Not in Wylie ISD.
Mrs. Norma Zuniga is McMillan’s school custodian and is the favorite employee of practically everyone (including kids) on the campus. Norma knows every kid by name. She braids hair in the morning, assists life skills students with lunches, runs a crew of volunteers from the Wylie Way class who perform chores for teachers around the building, and gives plenty of wise advice to those who will listen. Norma buys gifts for staff, brings students snacks, and even serves as an interpreter for staff and Spanish speaking families (in addition to her regular duties).
Counselor Karen Locklear said, “It is hard to describe, but there is not any specific act that can easily explain what Norma means to McMillan. It is her presence. It is her positive energy. She is grateful to be here every day.” Norma’s acts of kindness and caring are like ripples from a pebble tossed in a pond that spread from bank to bank. Norma is a ripple of hope.
Is there a Norma in your life? Do they know they are making a big splash of hope in your pond? NOW IS YOUR CHANCE TO TELL THEM!!! Wednesday, April 5, is Ripple of Hope Day in Wylie ISD. On this day (and throughout the entire month of April), we ask you to let folks know if their actions, words of kindness, or simple smiles give you hope.
How does this work? It’s easy! Simply click on the link below, print off a “ripple of hope” nomination, fill it out, and give it to the person who makes a difference in your life.
https://www.wylieisd.net/ripplecard
This is a REALLY stressful time for teachers and principals; I know they would LOVE hearing that they are making a difference. Think about all of the people who go out of their way to make a difference each day. Have you noticed people performing random acts of kindness? What about the PTA volunteer who selflessly gives his/her time? They are ripples of hope!
I know of at least three students to whom I plan to send a card. I cannot wait to let them know what they mean to me.
Want to know more about the recipients of my nominations? Check back soon, or follow my blog, and celebrate the joy of gratitude and hope with me.
Spreading hope—it’s the WYLIE WAY!
