Landmark Stories

A First for EMS Students

At the same time, two elementary classes waited in the wings for their debut at the event. Katie Parker and Kristine Stark’s classes would be the first Elementary•Middle School students to perform at the Making Waves event. The hard work and hours of memorization and practice would pay off with the stellar recitation of the poem “I’ve Learned” by Maya Angelou. Cheers filled the air at the end of the students’ performance—an incredible experience for all involved!

In keeping with the poem’s theme, I interviewed fifth graders Daniel Colella and Zack Long, two students who recited the poem. I wondered what they had learned in their first year as Landmark students.

Lessons Learned at Landmark

“I’ve learned to face my fears about reading and writing, and that is important to me. I need to keep trying. Landmark provides me with the tools that I need to learn at my level,” Zack recounted. “I feel challenged here and now know that having a language-based learning disability is not something to be ashamed of. I’m learning more because the work is designed for me, and I’m experiencing success in school for the first time.” Zack continued, “It was hard for me to adjust when I first came to Landmark, but once I figured out that the school helps you learn, I started to have a great time.” 

Daniel also recited the poem at the Making Waves event. When I asked what he had learned during his first year here, he spoke eloquently and with praise for Landmark’s programming.

“When I found out I had dyslexia, my parents searched for the right program for me and they chose Landmark. I am making progress for the first time. The teachers present lessons at a level that I can understand and where I can be successful. Everything is broken down into parts. The pace is slower, and I can follow the directions. I’m learning cursive and although I’m slow at it, I am getting better,” Daniel said. “I appreciate what I can do in my tutorial class. I like to read and I am starting to love books. Landmark includes the students in the learning process. It was kind of hard for me to come here at first. I understood that I needed to be at a special school for my learning needs. I’ve become a better person now that I feel better about myself and school. I was shy when I first came to Landmark but my speaking skills are getting better. These new skills help me not only at school, but in my everyday life. And I get to take visual art and practical arts classes too. I enjoy these electives because I create things and use my imagination.”

“I was nervous about performing the poem at Making Waves, but I was also very excited,” Daniel added. “When I saw my parents waving at me from the audience I told myself, ‘I am ready to do this!’ The poem says that whatever you do now can impact you in the future. I enjoyed performing it for everyone to hear. It has a great message.” 

Maya Angelou’s poem does indeed have a great message about learning life’s lessons, and these students definitely have learned not only academic lessons, but also personal life lessons too.

I’ve Learned

by Maya Angelou 

I’ve learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today,
life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow.
I’ve learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles these three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights.
I’ve learned that regardless of your relationship with your parents,
you’ll miss them when they’re gone from your life.
I’ve learned that making a ‘living’ is not the same thing as ‘making a life’.
I’ve learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance.
I’ve learned that you shouldn’t go through life with a catcher’s mitt on both hands; you need to be able to throw some things back.
I’ve learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart,
I usually make the right decision.
I’ve learned that even when I have pains,
I don’t have to be one.
I’ve learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone.
People love a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back.
I’ve learned that I still have a lot to learn.
I’ve learned that people will forget what you said,
people will forget what you did,
but people will never forget how you made them feel.

< BACK TO STUDENT STORIES