An Unforgettable Experience for Teacher’s Former Students
The students who comprised Washington Primary School teacher Debbie Quiles’ third grade class last year have now moved on to a new school. The group carried away many memories, some of which will probably last a lifetime, with one in particular sure to endure.
Miss Quiles allowed the students to participate in her adoption of Jonathan, her three year old foster child, including having them at Suffolk Family Court in Central Islip the day Judge David Freundlich made the adoption final.
Students learned about the legal steps involved in adoption and Miss Quiles shared with them her dream of motherhood. In court, Judge Freundlich explained to the youngsters the meaning of adoption before finalizing the process. The Washington School students carried gifts for Jonathan and found the experience “exciting” according to one.
Each of the students received a pencil shaped like a gavel, a court officer’s badge, a personalized certificate of recognition noting their participation at the adoption proceeding and a teddy bear, which is usually given to children who have been adopted. Huntington Coach Corp. donated bus service to bring the students to the courthouse and to a celebratory lunch following the legal process.
Jonathan came to Miss Quiles as a foster child on January 10, 2005 at three months of age. “We have been having a great summer, spending every day together,” she said. The pair traveled to Florida in July and went on several shorter trips. Jonathan participated in swimming lessons and is starting a half-day pre-school program this month.
Through the years, Miss Quiles has been a foster parent to several children and her students have been able to get to know these youngsters. Former students are known to return to Washington to visit Miss Quiles and will surely be back to check on how Jonathan is doing.
“At times, I often find myself thinking that someone will be knocking on the door to come pick him up,” Miss Quiles said. “It is still all very surreal. I feel so blessed that I was able to adopt him and fulfill my lifelong dream. I often find my eyes filling up with tears when I watch him experience things for the first time, when he is sleeping and every time he calls me mama.”
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