Memorable experience

One of my most memorable experiences happened about three years ago here in Texas. I was teaching a fourth grade bilingual class. I had a student who was a model student - eager to learn, very respectful, clean, neat, organized and always early. About two days into the second semester this student started arriving to school late, wearing the same clothing, started to become mean to everyone, and had become annoying (complete opposite). After about a week of this behavior I pulled this student aside and asked what's going on? The student started with "am I going to get in trouble for telling you?" I assured them that they wouldn't be. The student began to tell me that they were living in their car because the man that rents them the house kicked them out. Dad didn't have enough money to pay him. They sleep in their parked car until someone tells them to move it and then they just ride around until it's time for school. They go to the gas station to wash up before coming to school Some gas stations don't let you use the bathroom unless you buy something they continue to tell me. We don't want to change schools again was the last thing the student told me before I excused them back into the classroom. I was in complete shock and humbled at the same time. I always set high expectation's for all of my students and I expect their best efforts. I learned that there are certain variables that I cannot control but I can assure them that our classroom will be a safe, secure and respectable environment for all involved.