Some moments in a school day seem small at first, but stay with us long after they’re over. I’m sharing this one because it reminded me that so much of what we hope to nurture in our students can show up in unexpected places and otherwise “ordinary” moments.

On this particular morning, it happened in front of our red lockers in Martin Hall.

As I walked through the halls that morning before the second bell, I passed a group of sixth graders getting ready to start their day. I remember thinking how quickly the years had gone; was it not just yesterday that they were starting preschool?

Then came the screaming.

There was jumping, stomping. Clearly, something was happening.

I hurried over, prepared to help (or at least remind everyone that classes were about to begin), when they told me the emergency: a very large spider.

A few voices quickly offered solutions: “Just kill it!” “Step on it!”

But one student stood quietly, looking genuinely alarmed. I’ve known him since preschool and remember him as a strong, creative, thoughtful person. He looked right at me, and I could tell he had something he needed to say.

So I asked, “What do you think we should do?”

“We need to save it.”

And just like that, the plan changed.

The others sprang into action. Someone found an index card. Someone suggested a glue-stick cap… although we quickly realized this wolf spider was much too big for that. Eventually my can of sparkling water became the perfect spider-rescue vessel. Together we carefully caught it, carried it outside, and said goodbye. All eight legs attached!

What stayed with me wasn’t really the spider. It was watching one student speak up for something that mattered to him, even when the voices around said something different. Then I watched those same classmates listen and enthusiastically help.

So much of what we hope to nurture in our students was evident right there in that hallway. They considered another perspective. They collaborated to solve a problem. They showed kindness toward something vulnerable and were even open to doing things differently.

Our mission speaks of “igniting limitless potential,” and I think it’s important to remember that this potential doesn’t always reveal itself in the ways we expect. It can look like academic achievement, creativity, or even discovering something new. But sometimes it shows up in quieter, less obvious ways.

On this particular morning, it looked like a child finding the courage to say, “I think we should do this differently,” and a group of his peers willing to listen.

Stay strong, Tigers!

About the Author

Sarah Lotter

Art Teacher: Preschool - Grade 4