Jacksonville teacher takes in student, siblings after tragedy

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Even though school is out for the summer, a Jacksonville middle school teacher is going above and beyond for one of her students and his family.

Monet Baker-Weatherspoon said 13-year-old Deion Clark holds a special place in her heart.

“Wonderful kid. Very respectful. One day I got a note on my desk telling me I was the best teacher ever and he’s had me since then,” Baker-Weatherspoon said.

Deion said she’s his favorite teacher.

“She’s very, very kind,” Deion said.

When Deion’s family’s home was destroyed in a fire Monday, the teacher said she knew she had to do something.

“I saw myself in a position to help,” Baker-Weatherspoon said.

The teacher took in Deion and his two younger sisters until their mother can find a stable place to stay.

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“She gives us hope when things are tough,” 10-year-old Christen Clark said.

It’s not the first time Deion and his siblings have dealt with tragedy this year.

In February, their father passed away. While they were preparing for his funeral, their grandmother died.

“I saw him at a place where all hope was being drained. He wasn’t the kid that I met that came into my classroom. Even now he is very reserved. Very shut down,” Baker-Weatherspoon said.

Just as things were starting to look for the family, they lost everything in the fire.

“Mom had just went school shopping,” Baker-Weatherspoon said. “Every single thing she had bought burnt up in the house.”

Firefighters were able to salvage a picture of their late father.

If you feel inclined to help the family, click here.

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