At this Wichita elementary school, she makes hundreds of kids’ lives a little nicer

Even when it seems like they’re not even trying, some people just make your day better.

Jacqui Bellew is one of those people. If you don’t believe me ask any student at Jefferson Elementary. Watching her in action as she checked kids off her list as they went through the lunch line, I am always fascinated. She doesn’t just glance up. She looks at everyone, calls them by name and has a comment for most.

“Ohh, look at those shoes.” “Love that hair!” “Whoa where’s the fruit on that tray?” “Look at our trophy, it has a turkey on it.”

On the tiny table where she sits is a large trophy the school received for collecting the most turkeys and canned goods for those in need. “There’s our name right there.”

“Glad you’re back and feeling better,” she told one little guy. To me she said, “He was so sick last week I had to carry him to the car.”

She’s been doing this lunch duty and many other jobs at Jefferson for the past eight years. Although I’m there for fifth grade Girl Power members, I like to go early enough to see the kindergarteners.

On Valentine ’s Day Miss Jacqui had on a red net skirt, some would call it a tutu. But the ballerina look stopped there as it was worn with black tights, socks with hearts, athletic shoes and a spiffy heart covered T-shirt. A red mask and Valentine earrings topped off the festive ensemble.

Holidays and special dress days, such as Pajama Day or Kansas City Chiefs Day brings out her creativity. The students love it and expect it.

I told her I was amazed that she could remember more than 350 names. “It’s my goal the first month of school every year to learn all their names, what grade they’re in and who their teacher is,” Jacqui said. “And I get to know as many parents as I can, as soon as I can,” she said.

It’s obvious, but she wants to make it clear she loves her job. “Yes, I love it. I want to teach them compassion, kindness and how to be friendly,” she said, adding “And that adults have feelings too.”

The staff is another reason Jacqui likes where she is. “The staff is great. We are a well-oiled machine,” she said.

Jefferson principal Kamiel Evans uses the word “great” when she describes Jacqui. “Jacqui is a great listener, a great community person, really an amazing person,” she said.

One tiny kindergartner wearing a T-shirt with a unicorn on the front said to her friend. “Isn’t Miss Jacqui’s skirt pretty?” Her little buddy replied, “Yes and I like her socks.”

This proves what I’ve always believed, you’re never too young to be a fashionista. Or to learn fashion fun from Miss Jacqui.

Written on the hearts on Jacqui’s T-shirt were words such as “listen,” “inspire,” “connect,” “lead,” and of course “love.”

And that’s what she demonstrates every day, even when it’s not Valentine’s Day.