JHS Students and Educator Receive Letters from Famed “Freedom Writers” Teacher and Author

Joplin High School Communication Arts teacher Kimberly Rhea and her students received a welcome surprise recently when letters arrived from famed teacher and author Erin Gruwell, whose story was depicted in the feature film Freedom Writers starring Hilary Swank.

Gruwell’s correspondence was sent in reply to letters written by the class after watching the Freedom Writers movie last school year. Following the film, Rhea had given her students a letter-writing assignment, challenging them to discuss what they had learned from the movie and share what it meant to them personally.

“Their letters were very transparent and poignant,” says Rhea. “That was supposed to be the end of the assignment, but the students had other plans.”

Following the students’ request that their teacher mail their letters, Rhea went online and located a mailing address for Gruwell’s Fredom Writers Foundation. The letters were mailed in early 2009, and Gruwell’s replies arrived September 30, 2009 – a personal letter for Rhea and a letter for the students.

“They were so thrilled to get their letters,” says Rhea.

She is delighted that such an inspiring figure took the time to write back to her students and hopes the letters from Gruwell will be a reminder to them of their accomplishments.

“Students who are at high risk for dropping out rarely if ever get positive accolades, but many of these students have turned themselves around and are now on the graduation track. I can’t take all the credit for this, but neither can I say that I did not have some part in changing their attitudes about self esteem.”

posted 10/14/09