We switched Kyle to Mrs. Murphy's class mid-semester. Mrs. Murphy immediately met with us, and listened to our concerns regarding Kyle's 504, and helped make a plan to ensure that his 504 needs would be met. As I also work at the school, we set a time where Kyle can have a hug (he is Autistic) and worked on a plan so that he could start working on becoming more independent in the classroom. Kyle gets very scared in the hallway by himself, and we were running into issues when it was time for him to take his meds. Mrs. Murphy immediately selected a student to be his buddy, to walk with him in the hallway. He was so relieved to see her and grabbed her hand. Taking medication after lunch was no longer an issue after that. One day while I was giving him a hug in the hallway, he told me he needed to use the restroom. I asked Mrs. Murphy what she wanted me to do, as she had a whole class waiting in line for lunch. Mrs. Murphy immediately went to the corner where she could view the class and Kyle. She encouraged him that he could do it, and she would be right there. It made me feel so relieved to know that Kyle had a safe teacher who allowed space for his emotional needs. I told him "you got this, Kyle! Mrs Murphy is right there" and then I was able to walk away because I trusted her. As a special needs Mom, that means a lot. Mrs. Murphy has encouraged him as he learned to put away his own things into the cupboard, encouraging him the whole way. When he told me after class that he was forgetting what things to help pack up, I messaged Mrs. Murphy and asked if either she or I could make him a check-list. She let me know what to put on the list and asked if I could make this one, as she was unable to at that moment. When Kyle told me that he was forgetting to ask for a snack or for bonus work (he is above grade level), I again asked Mrs. Murphy what she would like me to do. This time, she had the availability and said that she would work on this particular reminder for him. When I stopped by for something else in the classroom, I saw the reminders hanging up where he could see them and it meant SO much. One day, while waiting for Kyle after class, I saw a little girl walk over and push him. I saw Kyle's face and could tell he was upset. I talked to him about it and let him know that he needed to tell Mrs. Murphy. He asked me for help. I encouraged him that he could do and that he needs to tell Mrs. Murphy when he was upset. Mrs. Murphy could hear us and asked him to come to tell her what was wrong. (This was going on, by the way, while she had a huge line of students and was getting ready for dismissal). Despite how busy she was, she listened to everything, asked him questions, validated his feelings, and let him know that she would talk to the student who pushed him. We have only had Mrs. Murphy for a teacher for not even three weeks. But I knew she was the right fit the first few days he was spending a few hours here and there with the class. Immediately, through her actions, through her words, and the fact that she followed through with everything she said she would do, I knew that she cared about Kyle and was going to make sure he was okay. I could tell that she cared not just about his educational experience, but also his experience as a person. I could tell that she would allow space for his needs and feelings. When you have an Autistic and gifted child who is way above grade level but has huge emotions, there are no words to describe the feeling when someone truly makes your child feel seen. I am so very grateful for Mrs. Murphy. She is amazing.