Ducky

End of a Difficult Year

Morning Journal Page

Today will be the last day of kindergarten for the students and this one is a particularly sad one for me. It is an even sadder day for Joshua. 

I tried my best for Joshua and went through all the usual channels. I spent several sleepless nights worrying about him and several fruitless hours working to change his situation. But it all came to nothing. The school's administration is aware; the school psychologist is aware; the parents are aware that we are all aware of the abuse he has experienced. They have been threatened with a police case, and the school prevented the parents from coming into the kindergarten section after my teaching assistant saw his mom violently pushing him and I saw his father slapping him across the face. After that he was brought to and from class by Brenda, one of our security guards.

Still, even though he was safe during school hours, there was still evidence that he was being abused- bruises... 

I at least have the satisfaction that I tried my best and was able to earn Joshua's trust. At the beginning of the year, he was afraid of all the adults, didn't want to come to class, and mostly hid in the play area, clutching Ducky- our plush duck puppet, and sobbing. After I shouted at his father for slapping him (I never ever spoke to a parent like that before and I hope I never have to again), Joshua was willing to hug me back and started to grow more secure and less fearful.

Ashley (the school counselor) has talked with the teacher he's assigned to for 1st grade and they will have all the security precautions still in place, so I have to let it go.  I'm worried about what will happen to Joshua this summer though.

Evening Journal Page

Joshua arrived late, as usual, with Brenda bringing him to class. After lunchtime, Joshua went to get Ducky, and played with him while sitting with other children at his table. Much better than hiding and sobbing! 

After the bus students left, and before home-time, Joshua asked me if he could take Ducky home with him. I had never let any child take one of the class toys home before, but of course I said yes. Besides, I paid for it myself and Joshua needs the stability of something familiar from his "safe place." I just hope he will be safe and it will provide him some comfort. 

It was about ten minutes before time for us teachers to leave when I got a message from Joshua's mother.

"I found a toy in Joshua's bag. It isn't his. He says you gave it to him. So sorry he took it without permission." 

"I did give it to Joshua, as a reward for all the progress he's make this year. He told the truth and he did nothing wrong."

I should have put a note on Ducky. They did the same thing when I gave Joshua a pencil earlier in the year, making an even bigger drama and assuming he stole that too. 

God, I hope he'll be all right, and somehow grows up to be sound and whole. I pray he will be protected from his parents. 

{Photo by JESCHOOT.COM on Unsplash}