Quiet Moments Can Make The Loudest Difference
Sometimes, the most powerful stories in education don’t take place in front of a crowd or under bright lights. They unfold quietly — between caring adults, determined students, and families doing their best to give their children a better future.
At Ruffner Elementary, two students once struggled with attendance and falling behind in class. However, because of the compassion and dedication of a classroom aide — and her husband, who also works for Kanawha County Schools — those challenges became a story of growth, connection, and hope.
"They are part of my family now."
Success Starts With Compassion
When the aide learned that the girls’ absences were becoming frequent, she reached out to their family, simply wanting to help. What started as a few rides to school soon became something much deeper. The aide checked in regularly, offered tutoring support, and found ways to make school feel like a place of belonging and joy. With each visit and every encouraging word, the girls’ attendance began to rise — and so did their confidence.
Today, attendance rates for both students are soaring, and they are thriving academically. But the story doesn’t end there. Over time, a genuine bond formed between the two families. The aide and her husband began including the girls in family outings, birthday celebrations, and even holidays — ensuring they felt surrounded by care and encouragement. What began as a simple act soon grew into a genuine friendship and a foundation of trust between the families.
"They have my heart. They are wonderful girls who are growing each day."
Working Together With A Common Goal
The girls’ parents, who have always been involved and loving in their daughters’ lives, embraced the partnership with gratitude and respect. They saw the aide’s kindness not as judgment, but as a helping hand during a difficult season — and together, they built a team focused on one shared goal: helping the girls succeed.
This story doesn’t have names or titles, but it has something even greater — proof that when educators, families, and students work together with open hearts, remarkable things happen. In Kanawha County Schools, compassion isn’t just a quality — it’s a quiet force that fuels student success every single day.