A Tree for Jon Jon

This week, our Student Council did something amazing.

All year, they sell Boo Grams and Santa Grams and Candy Grams and Aloha Grams and Who Knows What Else Grams. I never had a clue why they sold these grams. Ever. And they’ve been doing this FOR YEARS.

It turns out that they use the proceeds for community service. Last year, their focus was on the military. They have also worked with the elderly, food banks, etc. HOW COOL IS THAT?

This year, they decided that they wanted to use the money to plant a tree in memory of Jon Jon.

I know. I asked my teaching partner why I didn’t think of that. Why didn’t I think of that? I said. I mean, why? I can’t really remember all of the specifics of what she said, but she did make me feel better, and I’ve decided I can’t think of everything. At least not all the time.

Student Council bought an oak tree and it was planted with a stone plaque cemented into the ground right in front of it. The next day, they held a small ceremony after school. Jon’s family came.

The student council secretary said a few words and concluded by saying that the tree, the oak tree, would be a permanent reminder of Jon Jon’s courage and strength. A few girls sang a song, and our principal read a poem.

It was sweet, and sad, and hard, and good.

I am blessed and honored to have Jon’s tree right outside my classroom.

When I’m sitting in my “director’s chair” teaching, I can see his tree right outside my window.

When I’m standing in the front of the room, or walking around my classroom, or pretty much just doing anything, I can see Jon Jon’s tree.

I have always loved having these windows . . . but now I know I can’t live without them.

That’s Jon’s tree. And that’s my classroom.

When I told the fifth grade teacher “in charge” of student council (we’ll call him Mr. C.) how happy I was to have the tree by my room, he said they had originally chosen a different spot. Student Council thought that maybe Jon’s tree should be on the playground where all the students could see it. Mr. C. said he was on his way up to the office to tell our principal that a spot had been decided upon when he walked past my room and stopped.

My room is directly across from the library. And it’s on the path that students, parents, and staff members pass on their way to and from the office, to and from the computer lab, to and from dismissal, etc. Mr. C. thought it would be the perfect spot for Jon’s tree.

Then he said he knew it was by my classroom and that was also part of his reasoning.

Jon’s mom told me he would love the spot. That Jon would be happy the tree was by my room.

This week, I’ve watched students walk by, stop, read the plaque, and stand there for a bit before moving on.

I’ve watched adults do it, too.

It’s powerful. It’s permanent.

I will watch Jon’s tree grow and I will be reminded daily of his courage and strength. And I will pray for comfort for his family. For all of us.

And I will never forget this boy who changed all of us.

Comments

Amber O. says

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Oh, Kristin, how I cried reading this post! What an amazing story. So glad for you to have a reminder of Jon Jon with you each day in your classroom:) Thank you so much for sharing this!
Deb Thomas says

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What a beautiful story Kristin, and I am touched by Jon Jon's impact on everyone's lives. Thank you very much for sharing such a beautiful story!
Deb at Fabulously First
Kerry says

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That is so sweet and what a great reminder of Jon Jon.
Carol Polston says

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I am so happy you'll have his tree outside where you can see it an remember. Thanks for being such a caring person!
~Christina says

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I love everything about this post. I am positive Jon Jon and his family are so happy that you are still able to watch him grow. Big hugs my friend!
Ellen Coan says

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I'm teary eyed, very touching!
Jen R says

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awww – I love this post!
Meredith-Teaching with a Twist says

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This is awesome and yep, I'm tearing up.

Teaching with a Twist
sspeller says

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Yeah, tears here too. But good gosh what an amazing reminder for you each and every day of school to be able to see that! A permanent reminder of exactly WHY we do this fantastic and amazing and truly difficult job!!
Emily says

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Thank you for sharing. It is a wonderful tribute, and a great idea to use those grams for the better good. I just shared the link with my leadership teacher, maybe we can start something like that as well!
Sylvia Parker says

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Shed tears the entire time I read this. But, I couldn't help but think this is also a great reason why they could never make you change rooms. You and Jon Jon belong together.
Carolyn Kisloski says

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That is so beautiful. The tree is exactly where Jon Jon would want it. You know he had a big part in that decision! Thank you for your post, as always. <3
Carolyn
MissCoffey says

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Thanks for sharing. This was beautiful to read.
Becca Adams says

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I love this. The perfect tribute and the perfect spot.
Erika says

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What a beautiful way for the whole school to remember Jon Jon. So perfect that it's right out your windows. We did something similar when we lost a student.
Kim says

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Crying and typing, but mostly crying. And then smiling. Because this is just another way to know Jon Jon is always with you… And I know that he's smiling too!

Finding JOY in 6th Grade

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