Taking Gloria home for a weekend is a big deal for children. Taking her home for the holidays is an even bigger deal. Gloria spent Christmas and New Years with Landon and Savannah. She returned today, to be greeted by many hugs. This is her journal, and latest entry with photos:
Dear Aqua Room,
Happy New Year 2020!
We had the pleasure of celebrating Christmas and New Year’s with Gloria. Landon and Savannah brought her everywhere, including the hockey rink to skate. Gloria rung in the new year at Grandma Spar’s house and even wore a pair of her famous mittens. We introduced Gloria to all our friends and family. Thank you for letting us enjoy her for the holidays.
Love, The Spar Family.
Don’t you love the hats? Check out the treehouse in Landon’s bed.
Gloria, we love your Happy New Year glasses!
Accepting differences is one thing. Defending those differences that you accept is another. I often think about the children when they take Gloria out. Yes, people ask them questions and don’t understand. It takes courage to stick up for others, like Gloria. She brings more than just kindness to the children. She helps them to develop a moral compass and take a stand.
Happy New Year, Gloria!
Jennie
A Teacher's Reflections 
such a wonderful thing to do for so many reasons
Thank you, Beth. Yes, so many reasons.
Gloria is such a valuable asset!! Happy New Year Gloria!!
She is indeed, Opher. I’ll tell her you said happy New Year. 🙂
The stories involving Gloria and the kids are a constant delight to see, Jennie.
Looks like she had a wonderful new year celebration!
Best wishes, Pete.
Thank you, Pete. I’m glad you enjoy her stories. She really had a wonderful celebration.
Just brilliant Jennie… Such a delight to read just how Gloria makes such a difference..
Have a beautiful New Year Jennie, both at home and at school.. May your brightness and love forever illuminate the minds of your young students.. So they too can pass on your wisdom as they learn and grow…
Happy 2020 Jennie.. ❤
I’m so glad you enjoyed this, and understand all that Gloria does, Sue. She is brilliant! Thanks for your kind words and wishes. They are much appreciated! I hope my children can pass along all they have learned from Gloria. ❤️
❤ they will remember these years so well dear Jennie.. because YOU have made them memorable.. ❤
Thank you for your kind words, Sue!
Happy new year Gloria!
I will tell her, Ritu! 😍
I wish there had been a “Gloria’ in my childhood. She makes me smile.
Awww… thanks so nice, Pam. She makes everyone smile. 😍
I bet any child who gets to have Gloria with them at home for a while is just thrilled! I’m sure they’ll never forget it.
They are thrilled, Anneli. 🙂
A wonderful learning opportunity, Jennie. Gloria looks like she had fun.
Gloria is a great teacher. I’m glad children can take her home and have experiences they won’t forget. Gloria definitely had fun!
Such an uplifting read. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you, Maggie!
Gloria is the bestest…so says me and Zelda.
😉
I have to agree with you and Zelda, Laura. 😀
The Spar family was lucky to have Gloria spend the holidays with them. It looks like she had a great time too. Happy New Year to Gloria and the class.
I think they were lucky, too. What a treat as well as a learning experience. I think Gloria had a blast. Love her glasses! Thank you, Darlene!
Oh Gloria’s adventures are soooo soo special.
Wishing you and Gloria a happy new year.
She has the best adventures! Thank you, and a Happy New Year to you!
Super post, Jennie. What a thrill to have Gloria for the holidays
Thank you, John. It is definitely a thrill for these families.
You are a master when it comes to understanding what children need, Jennie. I wish my future grandchildren could have you as their teacher.
That is so wonderful, Pete. Thank you! My heart is full. ❤️
What a special way to share the love… Oh so wonderful! ❤
Thank you, Bette! 😍
My pleasure, Jennie. ❤
🙂
How very special, Jennie.
Thank you, Norah.
I’m glad to see that Gloria had a good holiday with a loving family! I’m imaging what Landon’s children might say years hence when they see the pictures with Gloria in the family album.
I would love to be a fly on the wall when he explains the photo to his children. I hope he gets a bit choked up…
🙂
Those children are so lucky to have the kind of parents to include Gloria in the family celebrations and let their kids believe in whimsy. She is a good way to share how wonderful diversity is for all of us. You are a really good teacher. Wish you had been mine.
They are lucky, Marlene. When Gloria becomes a big part of the class, and children know they can take her home for a weekend, they beg their parents. But, that’s only where it starts. Once she is at their home, and the children treat her like a special guest, the parents begin to understand. And that’s where the real acceptance begins, and then snowballs. The very first time she went trick-or-treating, the parent was annoyed that so many people asked about “the witch.” That’s when I knew Gloria was making a difference in the best of ways. She is the poster child for sharing diversity. Thank you for your kind words, Marlene.
This looks like such fun!
Thank you! It is. 🙂
Sounds very funny! Gloria is really the gem. I apologize for the late revisit, Jennie! Best wishes and blessings for the New Year. Michael
She is a gem! Thank you, Michael.