“Darlington scholars truly impact my life as a Darlington teacher daily because I am blessed to be the spark that ignites the burning desire in scholars. I am able to make a difference by encouraging scholars to perform to their maximum capacity. I am able to celebrate because every milestone is an accomplishment. My Darlington scholars keep me young and vibrant.”
Thursday, Feb. 10, is our second annual Giving Day! Providing support to our students and teachers, on what would have been J.J. Darlington's 173rd birthday, is the best way to honor our namesake. Joseph James Darlington was a teacher who had such an impact on the lives of John Paul Cooper that when he and his wife, Alice, founded this school in 1905 they named it after him.
We hope you will support our students and teachers by giving a gift of $19.05, in honor of the year Darlington was founded, at www.darlingtonschool.org/givingday today!
The teachers at Darlington help shape our students to be well-rounded individuals ready to continue learning and growing even after they leave the Lakeside. Just as our teachers impact our students, so, too, do our students impact our teachers. When you support The Darlington Fund, you are supporting these relationships and making the Darlington experience possible.
Across campus we asked students and teachers to tell us about each other. Read what they said below.
What our teachers say about our students:
“I learn something from our students every day. Whether it’s about another culture or a different way of looking at something in our own community. They give me hope and joy.”
“Darlington students want to learn and they value education. Our students are motivated to excel and are willing to put in the elbow grease necessary to reach their goals. Even though Darlington is the beginning of their journey, they understand that a foundation of service, integrity, and love of learning is crucial for a successful and joyful life.”
“Their impact on me has been the sense of satisfaction that I feel when they tell me that they have made good choices – and when they come back years later and say that they appreciate what Darlington has done for them.”
“I have wanted nothing more than to be a teacher for my entire life, and the students at Darlington make teaching a rewarding experience. They are eager to learn, intellectual, and respectful. I consider it a blessing to have the opportunity to teach in a school with our students.”
“My students remind me each day to be grateful for the resources and opportunities that we have here. My family is engaged in many aspects of school life from the littles in Pre-K to the athletes and artists at the high school. I feel very fortunate to play a small role in the development of our well rounded students at Darlington and for this, I am grateful.”
So many of our students shared similar things. From feeling comfortable on campus, excited to learn, to pushing them to do their best – our teachers make our students feel cared for and motivated. Many of our students who live away from home shared how much the teachers and heads of house make them feel like part of a family.
Some students had more personal moments and teacher stories to share:
“She makes all of her students and athletes feel safe and supported. She makes sure to provide a safe and comfortable classroom environment and goes the extra mile to help you whether she coaches you, teaches you, or just sees you in the hallway…”
“I am grateful for him because he has never failed to make a dull moment in the classroom! I do not think I ever walked out of that class without a smile on my face. He also made the environment fun to where I was never worried about how much time I had remaining in the class! The most outgoing and positive man I know!”
“She makes me feel wanted at school. A teacher that is excited to teach changes your outlook on school. It makes you more willing to put in the work.”
“My birthday was on the first week of this school year and I was really awkward and nervous since I was new to Darlington. He brought my favorite doughnut, which I mentioned the first time I met him, and doughnuts for the entire class on my birthday. Although I have heard a few teachers do the same, it really meant a lot to me. He really made me happy and that gave me the confidence to become more open towards our school community. He has constantly given me encouraging words that give me confidence in my abilities.”
“He makes me feel at home in a place far from my actual home.”
Click here to make your Giving Day contribution in support of our students and teachers on or before Feb. 10.
