Odgen Family Remembers Our Very Own Lioness "Carmen Canales" by Maggs

I’m so thankful that my neighbor captured this picture. This is Carmen.. All In.. full of energy and life. Such an adventurous and fun spirit. I’m not sure what we were even talking about. Probably just recapping the day or brainstorming for some kids but it she brightened the room when she came in! So thankful I got to know her 💗

2020-07-24 20:55:59 UTC

She was always so helpful to me. She would come by everyday to make sure I was alright and to see if I needed any help with some of my scholars. She was someone who really cared and showed it everyday. Miss you Carmen!!❤️

2020-07-24 21:10:16 UTC

She was that woman

2020-07-24 21:32:05 UTC

Carmen was that woman. The one that commands respect, has you in awe of her tenacity and leaves you feeling like you just experienced realness. It looked like it came so easy for her. The love, the joy & owning her truth. I was so intimidated by her and whenever that happens, I know it’s a woman I want to know. I’m so glad I had the little time I did with her. I pray for all of you that had more with her and the pain you must be feeling. -Chacra

Carmen

2020-07-24 21:44:26 UTC

This is her, in the middle of a pandemic at school with so many of us at tech distribution. Y’all should’ve seen her that day. Going to every kid she had a relationship with to check on them and give her personal number to call her if they need her. She was magical, the way she was able to truly meet a kid where they were. There is no one like her, I know the first day back at school we are going to feel her presence there, everything we do from here on out is for Carmen.

Carmen definition of “a teacher’s ❤️”

2020-07-24 21:55:26 UTC

Carmen was an unmatched educator - loving and teaching both students and other educators. Carmen was the first teacher I met on my first day as a Relay Resident at Pearl during Relay’s famous deliberated practices. I got placed with Carmen - and of course being the youngest I had to go first. I vividly recall stumbling over my words several times before she finally said, “Spit-it-out girl! You got this! It’s easy”... The shock on my face must’ve have tickled her because she began to laugh, then smile. The confidence in my voice and actions definitely increased at that moment. Because of her pure honesty and love — I watched her over the last two years as the educator I wanted to become. In this time, I was lucky enough to work with her and learn and when to show tough love to our kiddos. She taught me that no matter the student they should never be excluded from anything nor excused for their behavior. I was excited to learn more from her this year, but God had other plans. Carmen was always bold, caring and funny. I will truly miss her❤️ -Bri

2020-07-24 22:04:15 UTC

It always brought a smile to my face when i saw her with all her babies and how she treated them. I loved our conversations we had every morning while she waited for one of them. I will always be grateful for our friendship. Im going to miss you Carmen!❤

2020-07-24 22:07:10 UTC

Carmen was the definition of "putting students first." She was always thinking about what EACH of her students needed- both academically and social-emotionally- to be successful. She didn't think twice about volunteering her time and energy (inside and outside of school) if it's what was needed to serve her kids. She was and will always be a model for me.

A Student Centered Teacher

2020-07-24 22:26:31 UTC

I’ve had the pleasure of supporting Carmen for three years. She always wanted to to right by her students and would often refer to them as her babies.
I would visit Carmen almost on a weekly basis. She really developed her craft. She would always tell me her students’ successes and showed me their work to show their progress. She was so proud of them.
I will miss her smile and energy. She was passionate in what she did and sought to help others. I am glad to have known her.

Amazing teacher and friend

2020-07-24 22:37:39 UTC

Ogden family, as I, will miss her dearly..I remembered my first day at Ogden, Carmen and Ms. Marvic welcomed me with open arms and immediately I knew that Carmen and Ms. Marvic were there for me, the students and staff. Teamwork!!
She was a friend and co-worker that always cared about her family, students and friends.
She will also will be remembered to be a remarkable and hilarious person..I enjoyed our laughs together. I am sure she will teaching from heaven. You will be missed but NOT forgotten my friend. Love you my friend!!

Paul Gonzales
formerly of Ogden GEC Asst 2017
Graebner ES

2020-07-24 22:55:51 UTC

Carmen was not only beautiful on the outside but also on the inside. Her smile would brighten up the room, and her love and passion for her students was strong! She always stood up for what was right and always did what was best for her students ❤️

Carmen. One of my fav people From Ogden

2020-07-24 23:26:45 UTC

I didn’t get to know Carmen as much, but the times we chatted our conversations were fun; from about Texano show playing in town or about Planning a motorcycle road trip with our loves. I was amazed to know she rode her own motorcycle!
I loved she spoke fluently in Spanish, so our conversations where In Spanish or in Spanglish! I will remember Carmen for her unique personality, character, and for her boldness that Characterize her in all what she did. Q.E.P.D.

2020-07-25 01:00:37 UTC

I only worked with Carmen briefly, but she was so kind and helpful as it was my first year at Ogden. She always cared so much about the students and put them first! I wish I had gotten a chance to get to know her better, but I know that she will be greatly missed! ❤️

What a friend <3

2020-07-25 03:27:17 UTC

When I think about Carmen the word that comes to mind is friend. A real, consistent, loyal, no b.s type of friend. Yes she was a co-worker but she’s missed because she was more than that. She looked at you and immediately saw how your day was going and then asked about it. I can’t tell you how many times she asked me “what’s wrong!!?” just so she could be a friend. She walked into classrooms and not only supported students but without thinking encouraged teachers. She was strong yet gentle. Honest yet humble. You could always count on Carmen to advocate for anyone that wasn’t being thought of. Ogden won’t be the same without you my chula friend.
<3 Grace

2020-07-25 13:58:39 UTC

Ms. Canales will truly be missed. She was such a kind and dedicated teacher. My prayers go out to her family and friends.

Canales’ Eyes Lit up

2020-07-25 15:41:39 UTC

Beautiful Carmen Canales spread her joy and love for working with students with me. She laughed and her eyes lit up when she talked about her love of working with students, especially the ones that required a little more dedication and effort. Will miss seeing her.

2020-07-26 06:00:15 UTC

Carmen was everything you could want in a colleague and a friend. She was caring. The first two years she worked at Ogden, she came in to my BAC Unit every morning to check up on me. We would sit and chat until it was time for our morning duties. She was helpful. There were many times where I needed assistance in my BAC unit and yes, Carmen was almost always the first one to lend a helping hand. She helped me so many times on campus, and in my personal life as well…I will never forget that. She was loving. She loved her kids so much. Her own kids were the apple of her eye, but her school kids were the reason she was a remarkable, special education teacher. I don’t know how many times she would say good-bye with an “I love you,” following. She was kind. Her kindness was so contagious when she greeted everyone with a smile and a “Good morning sunshine!” or “Hey chula.” She was a friend. She was a friend to everyone. A friend I will never forget…and her memories, I will forever keep close to my heart.
Love you Carmen!

2020-07-26 22:45:06 UTC

One day I went to pick up a scholar for Carmen because she was with another scholar. He looked at me and said, you are not Ms. Canales! A tear then ran down his cheek. I looked at him and thought, I’m sure not kiddo. I texted her about the tear, and she came at lightening speed to get him. Because this is who Carmen was, always there when someone needed her, and always making sure everyone was okay. She checked in on me those mornings when she could tell I was just not “okay,” and when I lied and said I was fine, she then continued and said are you sure?! She genuinely cared about everybody’s wellbeing. She told me when she thought something was wrong, and she made me analyze my actions and decisions to be a better person. Thank you Carmen for the beautiful light you spread at Ogden and in the world.

2020-07-29 02:18:04 UTC

We were so blessed to have Carmen as an educator at our school. When I think of her at Ogden, I think of her as the glue that held us all together. She worked with most teachers across grade levels. She supported us in supporting the scholars she worked closely with. I enjoyed ARD meetings with her. The children she worked so closely with, adored her and she adored them. I think of how much they will miss her because she had such a profound impact. She truly cared for them especially in their most difficult times of need. She was
a colleague that you could talk to whenever you were having a hard time and she would intently listen and be there for you. She had the perfect balance of tough and motherly love. Thankful for the time and dedication she gave to us at Ogden. 💕
-Sarah

2020-07-30 14:43:53 UTC

Ms. Canales was such a positive force at Ogden! From the very first day I met her I knew she was the kind of teacher that would fight tooth-and-nail to ensure her students were supported, felt seen, and felt loved each and every day. Her passion, dedication, and drive were extraordinary! She was a fierce leader, mentor, advocate, and friend and she will truly, truly be missed.