Monday, May 6, 2024
My first Introduction to Ms. Briscoe was in 1983 I was in the 3rd. grade, I was one of her students, at Mt. Royal School #66, it seems like yesterday when I look back,
I can still see her at the chalk board, saying Leon Franklin Bean, hush, (stop talking) I was a bit of a chatterbox, you see, when Ms.. Briscoe wound leave the classroom for a few moments, The students would start talking amongst themselves,
I can still hear those heels coming up the hallway, I was usually the one who got caught, when she came back to the classroom, Leon Bean I heard you all the way down the hall,
Ms. Briscoe was very passionate about all of her students and their progress & success, I am forever grateful,
I was what most students would call the teachers pet,
and I was absolutely ok, with that title,
I always seemed to keep Ms. Briscoe laughing & amused, I always had interesting stories to share, with her, one story In particular was, (when I was held back after school for disruption)
Ms. Briscoe said she was going to contact my mother, and I so calmly stated you can't, hold me, after school,
she said "now" why is that?? I said because someone won't get their Teeth Ms. Briscoe, looked at me in awe,
of my response, and said Leon, why won't someone get their Teeth,
my mom makes Teeth, (clearly) I decided to use my moms occupation as a dental Technician to get out of after school detention,
Ms. Briscoe laughed,
and said you still have to stay. Ms. Briscoe was the only teacher who ever called me by my first middle and last name, LEON FRANKLIN BEAN
I knew whenever she did, I was in trouble, I smile now when I reflect on those times, we had lots of laughs, even though I was a kid, Ms. Briscoe never made me feel insignificant or uncomfortable or unheard,
Ms. Briscoe saw the potential within me, and allowed me to see it in myself. I was so moved by Ms. Briscoe I decided to write about her in my first published memior Titled "Earning My Wings" when she had heard about my accomplishment she was so pleased and honored I was the one who felt so honored, the chapter was titled (A Teachers Reward) where I mention my Ms. Briscoe was my Lena Horne, she was an outstanding teacher so creative and imaginative and Innovative she always encouraged the students to push through their obstacles with courage and perseverance, through Stormy Weather on things I went through as a child in my home life, Ms. Briscoe was always was of great support and compassion and encouragement just like (Glenda The Good) from the famous movie (The WIZ) I never felt like there wasn't anything I couldn't accomplish with Ms. Briscoe at my side, Thank you Ms. Briscoe love you always, your student from Mt. Royal School #66. I send my deepest condolences to the family and friends her Sorority Sisters and colleagues throughout the years.
