Classroom Conversations: Mr. McNamara & Da’Naiyah
Fifth-grade student Da’Naiyah is a new face at United Elementary 17th Street, now halfway through her first school year with United Schools. A passionate and hardworking student, she arrived with palpable enthusiasm and friendliness for her Classroom Conversation.
Long-time United educator and fifth-grade teacher Brendan “Mr. Mac” McNamara quickly recognized upon meeting her that Da’Naiyah radiates the very kind of joy and work ethic that we strive to cultivate at United. As such, Mr. Mac could be confident in selecting Da’Naiyah to speak with for this interview with The Huddle.
The student-teacher duo set up in the campus library to discuss Da’Naiyah’s warm welcome to 17th St., after-school life, and how much there is to love about our United community.
The Huddle: Can you introduce yourselves?
Mr. Mac: Sure! My name is Mr. Mac. I teach fifth-grade reading, social studies, science, and math. I have been working at this school — United Elementary 17th Street — for five years now. Though this is my seventh school year in the network, with two years over at United Elementary State Street as well.
The Huddle: And, Mr. Mac, why did you select Da’Naiyah to chat with today?
Mr. Mac: I chose Da’Naiyah because she is so personable. She was new to us this year and has come and fit in like a glove. Everyone loves to be around her. She just has a really magnetic personality.
The Huddle: All right, so I already know your name is Da’Naiyah, and you're in fifth grade. Anything else that someone should know about you?
Da’Niyah: I would say that I'm pretty funny! I feel like I am. And I talk a lot!
Mr. Mac: Well, Da’Naiyah, I guess my first question for you is, how have you liked our school so far this year?
Da’Naiyah: I like it. It's honestly really, really good. I never experienced something like this in elementary school. It's way, way better than my old school. I really do like it, and I like that we get an award for doing things that we need to do. I like that we get something out of it.
Mr. Mac: Awesome.
Da’Naiyah: If you were not a teacher, what would you do?
Mr. Mac: Ooo, good question. Now, for as long as I can remember, I have wanted to be a teacher, so it’s a tough question. Whatever it is, it would involve helping people; helping people reach their full potential, helping people be exactly what they want to be, and giving them choices in what they want to be. So, hard to think of a job better than that that does all that than a teacher! Maybe something in medicine…I don't know, but just something that helps people do what they want to do.
Mr. Mac: What is something you're proud of this year? Something you've achieved or you've learned how to do?
Da’Naiyah: I am proud of being a Paw Place employee, and also getting my grades back in place.
Mr. Mac: What’s your responsibility at the Paw Place?
Da’Naiyah: My responsibility is to keep kids in the right order and to make sure that they're getting what they need and what they want.
Mr. Mac: Okay, so you help the younger kids decide what they want from the Polar Bear Store.
Da’Naiyah: And make sure they get back to their class safely!
Mr. Mac: Great!
Mr. Mac: What is your favorite subject? Because I can't really tell. I can tell you're really “locked in” for all of them. So, which one do you consider your favorite?
Da’Naiyah: Okay, so, I have been saying ELA, because I really don't like math, but I've been seeing that I'm doing well at math. But I'm still going to have to choose ELA.
Mr. Mac: Okay, cool. Reading!
Da’Naiyah: What do you like to do outside of school?
Mr. Mac: Outside of school? Outside of school, I am playing with my two cats at home, Pickle and Barley.
Da’Naiyah: Those are such cute names!
Mr. Mac: They're darling. They're a handful! So playing with the cats and hanging out with friends. Just yesterday, we went over to a friend's house for dinner. So, those are two! Playing with cats, hanging out with friends, and watching movies. Name a movie, I want to see it!
Da’Naiyah, laughing: Lorax!
Mr. Mac: Yes, we've talked about The Lorax, as an example! So, yeah, those are my big ones. Watching movies, especially.
What do you like to do outside of school?
Da’Naiyah: I like to learn math with my mom! That's really what I'm trying to focus on because math is her favorite thing, her favorite subject, and I want to get to know it too. It's hard, but I want to know it. So, that's what I do when I come home, and I wash the dishes, play with my brother, just chill, and have fun.
Mr. Mac: Awesome.
Mr. Mac: Do you have a goal for the rest of the year?
Da’Naiyah: To get good grades!
Mr. Mac, nodding supportively: Okay!
Da’Naiyah: And to stay focused and to show responsibility.
Mr. Mac: Love it. Great one.
Da’Naiyah: What's your favorite book?
Mr. Mac: So, I'll give you my favorite book from when I was in fifth grade. My favorite book when I was in fifth grade was Holes by Louis Sachar. It is a story about a boy who is sent to a camp, and at the camp, they are tasked with digging a huge hole in the ground every day out in the hot sun. It is not a fun time. And, eventually, as he spends more time there, he learns that there are a lot of secrets involved at this camp. Really, it's one of my all-time favorites. So I'm going to recommend Holes.
Da’Naiyah: Do you want to know what that sounds like to me?
Mr. Mac: Yeah, what?
Da’Naiyah: It's a movie, and it's about a boy who is in jail, though, with other kids, and they have to dig until they find a treasure.
Mr. Mac: We might be talking about the same story, which is awesome! Yeah, it's a really good book. I suggest checking out the book. It's really good.
Mr. Mac: Do you have a favorite memory from this year? Something that's happened that really stands out?
Da’Naiyah: Coming here and watching how teachers show me that they care about my education, and also seeing kids show me so much empathy!
Mr. Mac: Good! How would you say — because I know you're new this year — your classmates have welcomed you this year?
Da’Naiyah: Very, very, very excitedly, and like, since I am Miss Gege's daughter, they were crazy about it!
Mr. Mac: Yeah, I bet!
Da’Naiyah: So they were like, "Oh my gosh, are you Miss Gege's daughter?" I'm like, "Yeah."
Mr. Mac: Probably a little awkward.
Da’Naiyah: They gave me a lot of hugs!
Mr. Mac: I believe that. No, they love Miss Gege, so they're going to love you, I'm sure.
Mr. Mac: How can I be the best possible teacher for you?
Da’Naiyah: Never giving up on me.
Mr. Mac: Got it. Done. 100%.
Da’Naiyah: What do you want students to learn from you?
Mr. Mac: Good question. I want students to learn that they're capable of doing anything they want to do and achieving any goal that they set for themselves. I want them to know that it will not be easy. It takes hard work, but if you're willing to put in the hard work, you can achieve absolutely anything you want.
What do you want to be when you grow up?
Da’Naiyah: I want to be a successful, independent, wealthy woman!
Mr. Mac, approvingly: There we go!
Mr. Mac: What’s one thing you’re excited about for middle school and one thing you might be nervous about?
Da’Naiyah: Oh, wow! What I'm nervous about is the math and the things I'm going to be learning, but, at the same time, I'm going to be excited because it's a different level of what I am going to be learning, so like I'm kind of scared but at the same time happy and excited.
Mr. Mac: It kind of covers both.
Da’Naiyah: Yeah!
Mr. Mac: Excited about the new things you're going to learn, but also a little nervous because it's not going to be easy. Cool. I love it.
Da’Naiyah: What is your favorite thing we’ve done this year?
Mr. Mac: Let's see. I very much enjoyed reading some of the poems you guys wrote during our poetry unit. There are just some really beautiful ones. I'm really enjoying our Don Quixote book, too. It's really funny.
Da’Naiyah: It is, it's really funny! He's doing all this crazy stuff.
Mr. Mac: He's crazy!
The Huddle: What is something that you both appreciate about one another?
Mr. Mac: I can start. I appreciate that Da’Naiyah comes in every day with the most beautiful attitude. She is a ray of sunshine in the classroom. She is going to come in friendly and happy. I appreciate that the days are brighter when she is there — that she brightens everyone's day.
Da’Naiyah: I appreciate that you don't give up on any of your kids that you have. No matter what, like if they come in grouchy or something, you still show them that you care about them and still give them the help that they need. No matter what.
Mr. Mac: Thanks, Da’Naiyah!
The Huddle: What would you say to the community that supports United?
Da’Naiyah: I would say thank you so much for basically giving the stuff that you gave to us and donating, and we thank you, and we appreciate you so much for giving!
Mr. Mac: I would say the same. I would say thank you for the generosity and for using your dollars to show that you believe in the kids we have here and that they can achieve whatever it is they want to achieve. I’d say thanks for showing they believe!
During the above interview, Associate Dean of Students, Ms. Spigner, stopped by to take some photos of our interview and cheer on the interviewees, only further reflecting the strong bonds of community that are so rich at the 17th St. campus and across United.
Following the interview, one could hear Mr. Mac commending Da’Naiyah for a job well done, both in posing and answering thoughtful questions for The Huddle. Thank you to Mr. Mac and Da’Naiyah for sitting down with us!
Connection is a hallmark of United culture, and this is a glimpse into the dialogues that define our campuses.
