Recently, I was asked to design some written expression to accompany a video montage being created about how the Frisco ISD SAGE PTA committee is empowering teachers and parents, and touching the lives of very unique children. SAGE=Special and Gifted Education. This PTA committee is made up of dedicated parents, teachers, administrators and support staff who are working to make sure that these two sub-populations of children receive recognition and representation through campus and district PTA committees!

While the video montage turned out wonderfully (very heartfelt and touching), the producer and I couldn’t seem to find a way to get the words to sync with the lovely photos and chosen music selections. So, the “poem” I wrote will now be used on the FISD SAGE website (instead of in the video), but I also wanted to share it here, with all of my dedicated readers. Hope you enjoy:

Others

By Leigh Attaway Wilcox

Some children come to learning and the experience of school with ease…others simply do not.

Some children effortlessly breeze through school days, extra-curricular activities and daily routines with no worries or concerns…others simply do not.

Some children need very little extra attention or specialized instruction…others need a great deal of added attention and individualized instruction in order to succeed.

Some children get exactly what they need in the general education classroom without modifications, accommodations or extensions and added challenges…others require altered curriculum and supportive supplemental staff to thrive.

Some children go entire school years without exhibiting challenging behaviors…others have challenging behaviors weekly, daily, or at times hourly; but only because they need us more than some children.

These others are