Skip to the Loo...
Clever (and non-Chinese speaking/reading friendly) way to differentiate the ladies from the gents when it comes time to use the restroom! 
Depression is not a dirty word.
Fair warning, this is a long, serious, and intensely personal post.
Did you know that today, September 10th, is World Suicide Prevention Day?
Per the International Association for Suicide Prevention: Suicide is one of the leading causes of death in the world, especially among young people. Nearly one million people worldwide die by suicide each year. This corresponds to one death by suicide every 40 seconds. The number of lives lost each year through suicide exceeds the number of deaths due to homicide and war combined.
My life was affected by suicide from an early age. My fourth grade teacher at a private school in California's San Fernando Valley took her life during the school year. A close classmate from the public school I attended in 5th and 6th grade took her life in 7th grade after I had moved away. A boy I knew in middle school killed himself. A close friend in the 7th and 8th grade attempted suicide, and my mom took me to visit him at the hospital a few hours from our h…
Did you know that today, September 10th, is World Suicide Prevention Day?
Per the International Association for Suicide Prevention: Suicide is one of the leading causes of death in the world, especially among young people. Nearly one million people worldwide die by suicide each year. This corresponds to one death by suicide every 40 seconds. The number of lives lost each year through suicide exceeds the number of deaths due to homicide and war combined.
My life was affected by suicide from an early age. My fourth grade teacher at a private school in California's San Fernando Valley took her life during the school year. A close classmate from the public school I attended in 5th and 6th grade took her life in 7th grade after I had moved away. A boy I knew in middle school killed himself. A close friend in the 7th and 8th grade attempted suicide, and my mom took me to visit him at the hospital a few hours from our h…
Comments
oh, wow! Heather, I have not been keeping up.. i was not aware of your move.. I will be sure to let the students know!
Speaking of students.. we received your package! They were so excited. Each of them stood in front of the class and read what either Nathan or Benjamin wrote to them. They have been holding on to the notes like nothing else matters. And the red envelopes with the pennies. My plan for the other items - since each and every one of them would like one of them, especially the wooden box - is to have them write what they want, and why. And what they plan to do with it. Then I will choose from there. There was no question about the coffee mug.. they assumed it was for me - being the teacher, you know? And I really do like the apron.. but I figure these would be great items for those serious enough to cherish. Thanks so much for taking the time to correspond with the students.. they feel pretty honored, and pumped up about having penpals so far away... so, let the boys know they were happy to receive their responses.. and that yes, the students have seen your blog pictures of Lucy, and of all of you as well... take care. daphne