Billy Jonas Visits

Billy came to school on Friday to teach the kids a few songs that they will perform on stage with him at the concert on Sunday, December 21st at the Thomas Wolfe Auditorium for the Hands of Hope concert. When he asked us how many kids he would be teaching and we said sixty, he was a bit taken aback. "Well as long as there is a wall of teachers in the back..." To keep the peace of course, but it was totally unnecessary. Our kids, age 5-15 were all engaged and perfectly behaved. Afterward, Billy commented on it and stayed to talk to us about our school and our educational philosophy. The genuine interaction between our teens and our little kids, and the level of interest and enthusiasm from all ages were surprising to him. We have come to expect it. When you give children choice, have high expectations, and challenge them often, they rise to the occasion.  And rise they did. Even the normally snarky middle school students let down their guard after a few minutes and let themselves be affected by Billy's brand of positivism and spirituality. It was a joy to see, and the line of children afterward who stayed to share with Billy made me so proud. They told him what instrument they play or what their favorite song of his is. But the sweetest comment came from 7 year old Grace, who just like a little adult simply said, "I just wanted to thank you for coming." I couldn't have said it better myself.