When it’s quiet, and we close our eyes, we can picture some of the memories we have of 2nd grade. If you’re familiar with the Pixar movie “Inside Out,” then some of the memories I’m about to share are considered “core memories” or those that have brought great joy and have stuck with Duffy and me through the years.

In 2nd grade, my yearbook photo included me without my two front teeth, permed bangs and a twinkle in my eye. My teacher’s name was Mrs. Gesell. She wore running shoes every day, which I thought was odd because phy-ed was my least favorite class back then. I can remember watching her at the front of the class smiling as she taught us new concepts, but those running shoes… my 7-year-old self did not equate running with smiling; that didn’t come for another ten years. I can remember justifying the paradox by thinking, “her love for wearing running shoes and enjoying running must stem from her last name, as it’s the same as a speedy land animal.” This idea helped me move past the running shoe debacle early into the school year.

If you know Duffy, then you know his love for running is thick. It was common for him and his best friends: Kyle, Nate, Jamie and Matt, to have raced across the playground pavement over and over again. Each race filled with hope that this would be the time Duffy could flex his childhood masculinity and call himself “the fastest boy in the 2nd grade”. Some of these competitors are people Duffy calls friends still to this day. The fun on the playground sparked the friendships that have lasted the test of time.

My favorite subject in school was art, especially the clay unit. My art teacher, Mr. Peterson would take large chunks of clay and loft them in the student's direction. If we were lucky enough to catch that chunk, it was ours to start creating with. Pinch pot, here I come. Having dabbled in the profession of teaching straight out of college myself, I am confident that in today’s world, the lofting of clay at or near a student’s direction would surely be captured on someone's cell phone, immediately uploaded to TikTok and then **POOF**- no more clay lofting. But dang, the anticipation of the clay ball sailing my way was enough to lock in a core memory for the last 32 years.

If you’ve stuck with me this long, you’re a warrior in more senses than one. You might be thinking, “Did the Duffy’s set up a GoFundMe so they could reminisce about 2nd grade?” Nope. This GoFundMe is all for Reese. Besides, aren’t parents supposed to get sidetracked and share “the good old days” stories with their children and friends?

It’s almost been eight years since our daughter Reese died. If you’ve stuck with us for the last eight years, we want you to know that you are one of the many who have helped us stay upright as we live this life without our daughter. Reese’s legacy wouldn’t be what it is today without your support. This year Reese should be starting 2nd grade. Reese would surely lock in a few core memories of her own, but she can’t. So instead, with your help, she will create some core memories for her classmates as they can now move around the classroom, get comfortable and learn with options.

Education has come a long way since I was in 2nd grade; by now, we know that not every student learns best at a desk or table. The 3rd annual fundraiser’s goal is $7400 for flexible furniture in the (6) 2nd grade classrooms. This furniture may look like soft chairs that can be contorted and shifted to help the student settle in and read for a bit or eat snacks and giggle with their classmates. Other pieces of furniture may be padded circular mats that her classmates can take with them as they find the coziest places in the classroom to work on their daily journals or share inside jokes with friends they met on the playground. The possibilities are endless.

Let’s give Reese’s classmates options to learn in ways that feel good to them, options that reinforce learning and lasting friendships. Let’s help Reese’s legacy continue by supporting the 2nd grade teachers as they do some of the most impactful work imaginable; teach.