Pam Paschall, Murray Independent School District nurse, and her daughter, Jade Oakley, Murray High School sophomore student, shared a special moment during the Murray Elementary School first grade parade. The parade included a drive by from MES teachers and staff to each home of their first grade students. Paschall said they were both excited to step outside and take part in viewing the parade as Murray Tigers. The mother and daughter knew the caravan of Murray Tigers would travel their street because an MES first grade student lived a few houses down. “We waited over two hours and at one point I said, “Let’s just go in”, but Jade said “No way. We have waited this long I want to see them!”
Paschall said there are numerous parents who are very thankful for the awesome MISD teachers and staff. “The parade was worth the wait! Great job MES for putting smiles on mine and Jade’s faces,” Paschall said. During the two-hour wait, Paschall learned quickly her daughter was not only waiting and wanting to see the Tiger caravan; she missed her high school teachers, as well. Their two-hour conversation was an open door of communication, Paschall welcomed. “You know it sounds cool to not have school, but I miss it, I miss my teachers, my friends,” Jade said. Pam said conversations are being experienced between she and her high school daughter, that haven’t occurred because of life’s daily demands. This mandated pause in our country has opened a door of one-on-one communication between families. Jade continued to discuss each class period of her day and described her teachers, not their instruction, but provided descriptions of how her teachers make her feel.
A snapshot of the conversation Paschall experienced with her daughter, Jade.
1st period Coach Franklin: “You know mom I miss him! He is cool and aggravates me but he makes me laugh and do my workouts!”
Pam added: (BTW…She is doing her workouts with Dawn using ZOOM and we have been getting a lot of walks in!).
2nd period Mr. Krug…. “He knows when I get frustrated at others in my class by the looks on my face, because he will look at me and give me a big smile when someone asks a question that he has already answered.”
3rd period Mr. Scott—“He is a really good teacher and I like the way he teaches. Sometimes he will tell us how this will be on our ACT and why we need to know how to do this.” (Math is probably one of her favorite subjects.)
4th period Mr. Bolin—“I don’t even like history but he makes it fun and interesting and, he told us before we left, that we were going to be a part of a major historical event.”
5th period Mr. Gardner---“Monsieur “Monster” “Well you know I miss him! I think our 5th period is his favorite.” (You don’t have to tell her any different, Pam said.)
6th period Mr. Chipman-As she was shaking her head back and forth she said, “ You know mom he has a different sense of humor, but I get it! He likes to aggravate me and I miss him and that class!”
7th period Mr. Pitman—“Well mom you know English is not my favorite subject, but poor Mr. Pittman. Our class is huge and has a bunch of best friends as groups, and I am sure we talk too much, and get on his nerves, but I miss him and our rowdy class! “
She also had a few other shout outs…
Mr. Karanja –“Mom do you know that he says Hi to me in the hallways nearly every day? She said I miss him and I love saying Hi back! “
Coach Morris (Moach)… she said she saw “Moach” in the hall the last day and told you (somehow I could see her screaming it!) she was going to miss you! She said she asked you if you were going to miss her and WELL she said you were a little hesitant but finally said YES, Jade I am going to miss you! She was smiling telling me this!
She also had a HUGE smile on her face when I told her the front office staff at MHS told me to tell her they missed her and to tell her HI!
THANKS TO ALL OF OUR TEACHERS/STAFF. THANKS for being more than teachers/staff!! THANKS for making school feel safe and like family.
Pam Paschall, 10th Grade Parent