Jack Bell, Flex Teacher and Student Nominated Speaker

I am truly honored to have been asked to give this talk because you are my first class at Graland. I came to Graland last year as a substitute teacher.  A lady came into my room to check-in.  I looked at her name tag and saw Ms. Champion I mentioned I had worked with a Brett Champion at one of my previous schools where my role was as special education teacher. Ms. Champion asked if we could talk at lunch and I said yes. By the end of that day, I was asked if I wanted to stay as an SST teacher for 7th and 8th grade English and History. I immediately called my wife and said guess what I am not retiring. 

My journey started then and I’ve never looked back but only forward. Being  my first class, you accepted me  to be part of the Graland family. I worked with some of the students in FOL where we established a bond, learned ways of exploring different learning styles and skills. We seemed to celebrate all the time with Clara the Best Baker at Graland with her signature chocolate cake. 

This year my former FOL students had a celebration for a major birthday with treats supplied by all and Rielly making a great cake. Not sure who takes the best baker in 8th grade. Clara or Reilly.

I replaced Ms Simmons in her advisory role and that was a fun experience getting to know other students in  smaller setting. Sometimes we never knew what was going on and we went with the flow. I think everyone would agree. We did have many laughs in that class, didn’t we?

The Washington trip is something I will never forget We walked a lot, learned a lot, and became a closer group. It was during the trip where some of my group asked if they could call me Jackie B. I of course said yes but only during the trip, Of course it came back with us and some of last year's 8th grade group caught on and it stuck. I remember a day having lunch at the same table as Josh Cobb and one of the kiddos came up and said Jackie B. Josh, I’m really Mr. Bell.

The memory box assignment was an eye-opener for me. The insight and sharing by the students is something else. We go through life and don’t realize what a footprint we leave for our children. As a grandparent, I hope I am making an impression on my grandchildren as your students did by honoring grand parents, and some great-grandparents. One particular student honored her grandmother whom I happen to know and that was what I realized a memory is what it’s all about.

I love walking down the halls numerous times during the day and hearing good morning Mr. Bell are you subbing today or do you have a minute to talk? One student I have fun with making sure he has his glasses for class. I just touch my glasses and he immediately puts his on. 

Walking into Mr. Simmons' room, especially on Mondays when he has current events, and hearing Mr. Bell by numerous students makes me feel like a celebrity. 

Looking through the yearbook and seeing how many students have include me as one of adults they have said I am an inspirational in their lives is why I am so drawn to these students. How many of us can think back to a teacher that made a long lasting impression on them?

I’m not sure if all your parents, guardians, and families realize that you have raised polite, respectful caring young individuals. Where else can a  teacher walk into a class where everyone says good morning how are you today, and leave that class and say thank you? Yes, thank you for teaching me today.

I know as you all go on to high school and then to college, you will continue a path in life that you will excel in.

I looked for some quotes to end with and these are the ones I came up with and we know these to be true 

Thank you and good luck in high school and beyond.