When I moved my son to Irving Park Elementary School in November, his test scores were in the 30s for reading and math. Brenda Gaffney was his assigned teacher and without her, I feel my son would have remained behind or become so frustrated he would just have given up.
Mrs. Gaffney saw his potential and has continued to go the extra mile for him. Many times she has called me in the evening to discuss his progress and to give me ideas on how to help him at home. Her positive reinforcement has made the difference. A few weeks ago he was given another assessment test and this time his scores were in the high 80s for reading and math.
Mrs. Gaffney has made a difference in my son's life at a time in which he could have gone one way or the other.
She believed in him and he knew this. Mrs. Gaffney has been investing in children's lives for many years. My son is privileged to be one of those children.
Thanks to Irving Park and Mrs. Gaffney for your investment in our children.
Paula Wilder
Greensboro
Comments (6)
Thank you, Paula, for writing this letter. Thank you, Brenda, for doing such a great job. Our schools are blessed with many caring teachers, and it is wonderful to see them recognized.
Thanks also for being a parent who is involved in her child's education.
Posted by Carol Dunn![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://blog.news-record.com/staff/letters/nav-commenters.gif)
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May 10, 2006 7:01 AM
That's the way to build morale! Recognize the teacher who's going above and beyond. Congratulations, Ms. Gaffney!
Posted by phillipa![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://blog.news-record.com/staff/letters/nav-commenters.gif)
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May 10, 2006 10:09 AM
Now that Irving Park Elementary has been indentified as having excellent teachers and is desirable I anticipate Terry Grier to work the School Board to re-districting it to include enough forced busing to lower and standards to mediocre.
Posted by hugh![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://blog.news-record.com/staff/letters/nav-commenters.gif)
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May 10, 2006 12:42 PM
What a great letter. Just goes to show what an individual who cares can do.
Thanks Paula for writing this letter. I have a dear friend who has been out of teaching for almost 40 years. Yet he still has the letters his students wrote him thanking him for his efforts. They mean so much to him as I'm sure your letter will mean to Mrs. Gaffney.
Posted by yellowdog![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://blog.news-record.com/staff/letters/nav-commenters.gif)
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May 10, 2006 1:59 PM
Great letter! Glad this happened and glad it was editorialized!
Hugh, Irving Park is not what the name sounds like. The "Elite" class does not send their children there. They are like Dan, in that they choose "Safe" schools for their children, over trying to make a difference like Mrs. Gaffney does. Irving Park School is a "working class" school with a smattering of middle class families.
Posted by DemonDeacon![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://blog.news-record.com/staff/letters/nav-commenters.gif)
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May 10, 2006 3:19 PM
I would agree with DemonDeacon's assessment of Irving Park. Most of the kids there are not rich by any means. Like DD pointed out, most of the folks with money in Irving Park send their kids to private schools. I don't, however, fault Dan for sending his kids to whatever school he has the means to send them to. They are his children and I'm sure he has their best interest at heart. And quite frankly, if I was in his shoes, I'd put my kids welfare over the welfare of a stranger's
Posted by yellowdog![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://blog.news-record.com/staff/letters/nav-commenters.gif)
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May 10, 2006 4:06 PM