Melody in Colegio Newlands, Argentina (submitted by Silvia Rettaroli)

Melody in Colegio Newlands, Argentina (submitted by Silvia Rettaroli), a photo by melodyaroundtheworld on Flickr.

Melody@Newlands: how Melody's visit has changed our lives (submitted by Patsy Muiños and Anita Castells Ruiz)

Melody@Newlands: how Melody's visit has changed our lives (submitted by Patsy Muiños and Anita Castells Ruiz), a photo by melodyaroundtheworld on Flickr.

Melody Visits Houston, TX (submitted by Mac Bechtol)

Melody Visits Houston, TX (submitted by Mac Bechtol), a photo by melodyaroundtheworld on Flickr.

Melody visited St. John's School in Houston, Texas. She enjoyed the day with the 4th graders. She rode on our swing in the front yard. It is a Live Oak which is green year round in Houston.

I love feeling a connection to other places in the world. I learned more about people like Melody. I learned it is hard for them in a different way. I also learned that a book can be taken to the next level! This was a fun experience. I wish I had gotten Melody sooner. I didn't have much time because it took so long for her to arrive in Houston. (Melody #050B0414)

Melody eats cotton candy at Santa Cruz Boardwalk (submitted by McMo)

Melody eats cotton candy at Santa Cruz Boardwalk (submitted by McMo), a photo by melodyaroundtheworld on Flickr.

After paddle boarding, CarWhi’s dad took the girls to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk where she rode the Giant Dipper (roller coaster) and then enjoyed some cotton candy. A lot of people stared when we had Melody at the ride, and we realized it would make Melody sad and mad  to have people stare at her all the time. (Melody #024B0114)

Melody gets ready to hang 10 (Submitted by McMo)

Melody gets ready to hang 10 (Submitted by McMo), a photo by melodyaroundtheworld on Flickr.

Melody planned to go surfing with CarWhi on Sunday 5/18 but the waves weren’t good, so they went paddle boarding instead. We realized Melody would have done better in a kayak or something where she could sit. (Melody #024B0114)

Melody having dinner at the Beach Hut (submitted by McMo)

Melody having dinner at the Beach Hut (submitted by McMo), a photo by melodyaroundtheworld on Flickr.

Melody spent last night with LaBri and her family, they went to a new restaurant, The Beach Hut and found  table suited for Melody’s chair. (Melody #024B0114)

Melody doing homework (submitted by McMo)

Melody doing homework (submitted by McMo), a photo by melodyaroundtheworld on Flickr.

Melody went home with CaLa last night. They had a lot of fun, but also did homework together. CaLa made Melody her own math journal. CaLa, like many of her classmates, found that their homes were not well suited for wheelchairs.  (Melody #024B0114)

Melody at Cowells in Santa Cruz (submitted by McMo)

Melody at Cowells in Santa Cruz (submitted by McMo), a photo by melodyaroundtheworld on Flickr.

Melody went with CarWhi’s family to the famous Cowell’s surf shop. There is an historic mural there. Can you see Melody? (Melody #024B0114)

Melody has Sushi (Submitted by McMo)

Melody has Sushi (Submitted by McMo), a photo by melodyaroundtheworld on Flickr.

Melody was so excited when we got to Santa Cruz. We went inside my house, and dropped our things off. Then, we got back in the car to go to sushi. The sushi place that we went to is called Akira Sushi. The wait was 1 hour and 30 minutes, because the fish was so fresh. Finally, we went home, made s'mores, and went to sleep. (Melody #024B0114)

Meoldy in Tokyo (submitted by John Kolosowski)

Meoldy in Tokyo (submitted by John Kolosowski), a photo by melodyaroundtheworld on Flickr.

Grade 6 students who met Sharon during her visit to Tokyo in 2013. This photo was taken at Tokyo International School. It was great to have Sharon and Melody here with us. We have so many words to express our thanks. 

Melody Reading (submitted by Melissa White)

Melody Reading (submitted by Melissa White), a photo by melodyaroundtheworld on Flickr.

Melody is having a blast in Hopkinton, NH! Here she is helping a student to do her reading homework. Thanks Melody for all of your help! (Melody# 055B0414)

Welcome to Hilliard Horizon Melody (submitted by Mrs. Smith's Class)

Welcome to Hilliard Horizon Melody (submitted by Mrs. Smith's Class), a photo by melodyaroundtheworld on Flickr.

Here we are with Melody in front of our school! (Melody#058B0414)

Melody on our Sway Fun! (submitted by Mrs. Smith's Class)

Melody on our Sway Fun! (submitted by Mrs. Smith's Class), a photo by melodyaroundtheworld on Flickr.

We took Melody to recess. This piece of equipment is called a Sway Fun. It is made for children in wheelchairs to play with non-wheelchair peers at the same time!(Melody 058B0414)

Melody Student of the Month (submitted by McMo)

Melody Student of the Month (submitted by McMo), a photo by melodyaroundtheworld on Flickr.

Farewell to Melody (submitted by Daryle Esswein)

Farewell to Melody (submitted by Daryle Esswein), a photo by melodyaroundtheworld on Flickr.

Melody had a brief but action packed visit with us here in Richmond, Texas.  Everyone wanted to be her best friend! (Melody #034B0114) Fourth grade teacher Smith Elementaryhttp://smith4th2014.wordpress.com

Melody's Visit Journal #2 (submitted by Ellen Gordon)

Melody's Visit Journal #2 (submitted by Ellen Gordon), a photo by melodyaroundtheworld on Flickr.

Melody enjoyed some fresh air outside with my third graders, as well as some time in the computer lab! (Melody #028B0114)

Melody's Visit Journal #1 (submitted by Ellen Gordon)

Melody's Visit Journal #1 (submitted by Ellen Gordon), a photo by melodyaroundtheworld on Flickr.

My class enjoyed writing and taking pictures during Melody's visit us in South Carolina.  They did a great job documenting her visit and compiling it into a journal to be sent along to the next location! (Melody # 028B0114)

Melody at the long jump (submitted by Ellen Gordon)

Melody at the long jump (submitted by Ellen Gordon), a photo by melodyaroundtheworld on Flickr.

My third graders at CCES were creative as they took Melody to the track as the class was practicing the long jump. They decided that she could help hold the measuring tape while they jumped! (Melody #028B0114)

Melody visits CCES in Greenville, SC (submitted by Ellen Gordon)

Melody visits CCES in Greenville, SC (submitted by Ellen Gordon), a photo by melodyaroundtheworld on Flickr.

​My class of third graders enjoyed a recent visit from Melody​ at Christ Church Episcopal School in Greenville, South Carolina. After reading, Out of My Mind by Sharon Draper, the students were moved by the powerful message the book brought to them. I thought hard before reading this book to my third graders, as it was not the GRA pick for my grade level, but can honestly say that I've never had a class so invested in a book before this one. They recommended it to other students, parents, and teacher during our school book fair, so much so that additional copies had to be ordered. Many of my own students purchased their own copy to read again, even though we had already read it together. The class discussions in response to this book were so rich, and I feel blessed to have been able to experience this with my class. As we awaited Melody's arrival, we pondered the questions of how we would travel, who would take charge of her, how would we include her, why was she just a chalk outline, and more. I feel that the class developed a better understanding of empathy, as demonstrated through their actions and comments. Melody, and the book, were a large part of our classroom community this year that will hold us together even as these children move forward in the years to come. (Melody #028B0114)

Submitted by Mrs. Diestler

Submitted by Mrs. Diestler, a photo by melodyaroundtheworld on Flickr.

After touring Tallman House, we ate lunch at Palmer Park, where "Camden's Playground" is located.  It is fully accessible to all!  Melody had a wonderful time, and it was a great way to end our week with her.  We will be sending Melody to Brunson New Vision Charter School in Warren, AR this weekend.  Safe travels, Melody! (Melody #020B0114)

Submitted by Mrs. Diestler

Submitted by Mrs. Diestler, a photo by melodyaroundtheworld on Flickr.

Melody came on our field trip to Tallman House in Janesville, WI.  Abraham Lincoln slept there and we got to see how a wealthy family lived around the mid to late 1800's. (Melody #020B0114)

Submitted by Mrs. Diestler

Submitted by Mrs. Diestler, a photo by melodyaroundtheworld on Flickr.

We talked to Kimmie, a 4th grader at our school, who said she loved Melody and the book, Out of My Mind. (Melody #020B0114)

Submitted by Mrs. Diestler

Submitted by Mrs. Diestler, a photo by melodyaroundtheworld on Flickr.

Melody came with us to Track & Field.  Although she couldn't participate in some of the events, she could throw a softball and frisbee and she even tried to jump rope! (Melody #020B0114)

Fwd: Northside Read-In (submitted by Mrs. Diestler)

Fwd: Northside Read-In (submitted by Mrs. Diestler), a photo by melodyaroundtheworld on Flickr.

Subject: Northside Read-In (submitted by Mrs. Diestler) Melody enjoyed meeting our principal, Mrs. Stuckey, and her daughter, Nora, who is in our class. (Melody #020B0114)

Northside Read-In (submitted by Mrs. Diestler)

Northside Read-In (submitted by Mrs. Diestler), a photo by melodyaroundtheworld on Flickr.

Northside Intermediate School offers a once-a-year opportunity for students to roller skate, participate in crafts, and READ from 6:30-10:00 PM.  Melody participated and loved every minute.  The students begged to push her wheelchair as they roller skated and she was happy to relax and read at the end of the evening.  More pictures can be found on our classroom webpage  http://ift.tt/1q7msql (Melody #020B0114)

Melody Visits Proctor School (submitted by Mrs. Klipfel)

Melody Visits Proctor School (submitted by Mrs. Klipfel), a photo by melodyaroundtheworld on Flickr.

Melody arrived at Proctor School in Topsfield, MA.  The Fourth Graders in Mrs. Murphy's, Mrs. Kelleher's, Ms Mehlin's, and Ms Scott's Class welcomed her as part of their team.  She had her own desk and fast became friends with everyone.  She then traveled on to Mrs. Boucher's and Mrs. Lantz's Fifth grade classes.  Melody also visited Mrs. Nawoichik's sixth grade classes. One of the most exciting events that Melody took part in was a skype visit with Ms Hampson's Fourth Grade class.   We all enjoyed having Melody be a part of our school.  (Melody ID: 028B0114)    

Crafts Created for Melody (submitted by Mrs. Cunningham)

Crafts Created for Melody (submitted by Mrs. Cunningham), a photo by melodyaroundtheworld on Flickr.

The girls in Mrs. Cunningham's class made some gifts for Melody. There is a loom bracelet and her name in loom bracelets along with a warm scarf for her. (Melody #012A1113)

Class Photo (Joyce Cunningham)

Class Photo (Joyce Cunningham), a photo by melodyaroundtheworld on Flickr.

The students from 4C posed for a picture outside Lincoln School before they sent Melody to her next stop. (Melody #012A1113) "I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." Maya Angelou "I shall pass through this world but once, Any good, therefore, that I can show to any human being, Let me do it now, for I shall not pass this way again." Stephen Grellet

Mushroom Park (Submitted by Sharon Nelson)

Mushroom Park (Submitted by Sharon Nelson), a photo by melodyaroundtheworld on Flickr.

Ellsworth County has the smallest state park:  Mushroom State Park.  Surrounded by prairie, farms, and cattle, the sandstone rocks were visited by pioneers and Indians who left graffiti on the limestone and sandstone.  A visit makes your imagination run wild.  (Melody #020B0114)

Fort Harker (Submitted by Sharon Nelson)

Fort Harker (Submitted by Sharon Nelson), a photo by melodyaroundtheworld on Flickr.

Ellsworth, Kansas, has a rich history.  The U.S. Army operated a military installation five miles from Ellsworth.  This is a picture of the Guardhouse, in operation from 1866-1872, and still used as a museum today.  (Melody #020B0114)

More Students from Ohio (submitted by Melody Around The World)

More Students from Ohio (submitted by Melody Around The World), a photo by melodyaroundtheworld on Flickr.

Melody with students in Perrysburg, Ohio. Perrysburg is a suburb of Toledo and is located along the Maumee River. (Melody#004A1113)

Melody with Students in Ohio (submitted by Melody Around The World)

Melody with Students in Ohio (submitted by Melody Around The World), a photo by melodyaroundtheworld on Flickr.

Melody with students in Perrysburg, Ohio. Perrysburg is a suburb of Toledo and is located along the Maumee River. (Melody#004A1113)

Melody went to the beach (Submitted by St. Anne's Grade 5)

Melody went to the beach (Submitted by St. Anne's Grade 5), a photo by melodyaroundtheworld on Flickr.

Melody came to The Bahamas, and she'll tell you that there is no better feeling than sea breeze blowing in your hair and face. (Melody#032B0114)

Melody in the classroom (Submitted by St. Anne's Grade 5)

Melody in the classroom (Submitted by St. Anne's Grade 5), a photo by melodyaroundtheworld on Flickr.

Melody was very helpful with presentations. She gave the students that extra confidence they needed. (Melody#032B0114)

Inside St. Anne's Church (Submitted by St. Anne's Grade 5)

Inside St. Anne's Church (Submitted by St. Anne's Grade 5), a photo by melodyaroundtheworld on Flickr.

Melody had to and see where our school got its start in 1955; The historic St. Anne's Anglican Church. (Melody#032B0114)

Taking a picture with our Vice Principal (Submitted by St. Anne's Grade5)

Taking a picture with our Vice Principal (Submitted by St. Anne's Grade 5), a photo by melodyaroundtheworld on Flickr.

Our Vice Principal Mrs. Archer, was just as excited as us to have Melody on campus. The special crest was brought out. (Melody#032B0114)

Melody after St.Anne's Medal Award ceremony (Submitted by St. Anne'sGrade 5)

Melody after St.Anne's Medal Award ceremony (Submitted by St. Anne's Grade 5), a photo by melodyaroundtheworld on Flickr.

Melody was in time to witness our awards ceremony for the athletes who took part in this years sports day, and Aglican Schools' Festival. She even got to wear a few medals. (Melody#032B0114)

Parker Varney ES (submitted by @jllowton)

Parker Varney ES (submitted by @jllowton), a photo by melodyaroundtheworld on Flickr.

The 4th grade students in Miss Jobel's class had a great visit with Melody. She saw a lot of great independent activities and technology used in this classroom and listened to some rich class discussions. (Melody #007A1113)

Lillyanna and Melody in NH (submitted by @jllowton)

Lillyanna and Melody in NH (submitted by @jllowton), a photo by melodyaroundtheworld on Flickr.

My name is Lilly and we had Melody come and visit our family in southwestern NH. Melody did not like the look of our driveway when she first came or the dirt roads nearby that get very muddy and hard to travel on. She came with us everywhere and I talked to her a lot about where I live.

The Lowton Family Southwestern NH (Melody #007A1113)

Melody on our Word Chart at MMS (submitted by Anabel Gonzalez)

Melody on our Word Chart at MMS (submitted by Anabel Gonzalez), a photo by melodyaroundtheworld on Flickr.

We know how much Melody loves words. Here she is among our list of academic vocabulary. (Melody#035B0114)

MMS' Room H5 (submitted by Anabel Gonzalez)

MMS' Room H5 (submitted by Anabel Gonzalez), a photo by melodyaroundtheworld on Flickr.

MMS' 7th Grade ESL students have identified the equivalent of room H5. We took a photo of Melody in front of that room. (Melody#035B0114)

Melody at the Mooresville Middle School Media Center (submitted by Anabel Gonzalez)

Melody at the Mooresville Middle School Media Center (submitted by Anabel Gonzalez), a photo by melodyaroundtheworld on Flickr.

This is a photo of Melody at our media center where she would be able to listen in on a book discussion. She would actually be sitting where the red chair is now. (Melody#035B0114)

Gymnastic Meet (submitted by Mrs. Burmeister)

Gymnastic Meet (submitted by Mrs. Burmeister), a photo by melodyaroundtheworld on Flickr.

Melody went to a gymnastic meet with 2 classmates and even tried on a new leotard. (Melody#033B0114)

Reading a Book (Mrs. Burmeister)

Reading a Book (Mrs. Burmeister), a photo by melodyaroundtheworld on Flickr.

Melody enjoyed picking out a book on tape and reading it during reading week at school. (Melody#033B0114)

Sleep Over (submitted by Maria)

Sleep Over (submitted by Maria), a photo by melodyaroundtheworld on Flickr.

(Melody#024B0114)

Learning German (submitted by Maria)

Learning German (submitted by Maria), a photo by melodyaroundtheworld on Flickr.

When she visited my house over the weekend, she did a variety of activities since we had a lot going on! I first made her a mini room (picture below) and showed her around the house. She made lots of new friends (including my cat Zguf!) and I also taught her a little German. I had also fed her soft foods, such as yoghurt, soft vegetables, rice, and so on. As a last treat, we visited Caroline and stayed there overnight. We then took a sneak peek at the Fasnacht parade! One of the most challenging parts of having Melody over, was that everyone thought that I was crazy because I was talking to a piece of paper. This is hard to ignore most of the time because you feel stupid that you are talking to paper. Another challenging part was that I was so used to having answers to my questions or conversations, so that was a little annoying. This actually made me feel like I can tell Melody about anything and she will understand. Taking her to different locations was another challenge. Like the stables, the apartment my family lives in has a lot of stairs. To make matters worse, we are at the top floor! I think Melody has enjoyed her stay here, because she had diverse experiences from all of us! Melody felt like one of those friends you have been with since kindergarten! I have realized really how it feels to be misjudged, and how much work it also is to take care of someone with any disability. (Melody#024B0114)

Where's Melody? (submitted by Malti)

(submitted by Malti), a photo by melodyaroundtheworld on Flickr.

(Melody#024B0114)  

Playground (submitted by Ida)

Playground (submitted by Ida), a photo by melodyaroundtheworld on Flickr.

It was challenging to have Melody stay with us because others did not know who she was and gave us looks like we were crazy when we had her with us. Also the stables have lots of stairs and that gave us lots of problems getting her down the stairs. Still I think she enjoyed her stay with us since everybody took part and helped her. Second she got to see the mountains and got to see some of our families and what we do after school. During Melody’s visit I learned that if someone like her would come to our school we would probably have to install an elevator or something else to help take herself up and down in the schools buildings. Melody helped me realize that our school is probably one of the worst choices of school for someone in a wheelchair. Our school should do something so our school can take in people like Melody. It was lovely when Melody came to stay with us! :-) (Melody#024B0114)

City Skyline (submitted by Karoline)

City Skyline (submitted by Karoline), a photo by melodyaroundtheworld on Flickr.

(Melody#024B0114)

Handmade Elevator (submitted by Karoline)

Handmade Elevator (submitted by Karoline), a photo by melodyaroundtheworld on Flickr.

I think that the most challenging part of having Melody in our class was telling people that she was a part of our class (sometimes only). I think she enjoyed the stay in Switzerland because she got to see the mountains, ZÃrich Zee (the picture below), snow (a bit), some different cantons and much more. We also included her as much as possible in our breaks and lessons. I think that we all learned that it’s nearly impossible to have someone with a disability in the stables with all those stairs. When I brought her home I made her a little lift because we have some stairs at our house (the picture). I will miss her because it really felt like she was one of my friends! It was really fun to have Melody in ICS/Switzerland! (Melody#024B0114)