Fall River teacher, police, EMS, Talbot Middle School, surprise special boy

A Fall River student received a special surprise on Christmas with the help of several in the community.

According to his mother Barbara Clarke, Tyler has been missing Talbot Middle School, but the family has to keep him home for precautionary reasons.

“He misses going to school. We chose for him to go remotely because we have 2-year-old twin boys and my fiancé has diabetes so we are taking all precautions because of covid. So far none of us have gotten it.”

As Tyler is missing his school, teachers, and friends, it turns out they miss him too. That got special education teacher Ashley Miranda into action.

“Every year I like to do something special for our students in Fall River. This year with Covid it wasn’t easy. The school always supports students in need and a particular student of mine (who I haven’t seen since March) has been remote and I know he could always use the support.”

With some help, Ashley decided that she was not only going to stop by to say hello, but she was going to be armed with gifts for Tyler and the family. She also brought along a few friends.

“My parents and I actually bought the gifts and the school provided a $50 gift card for groceries to the family. I called my cousin Lexi Belanger and her partner Lucy McIntosh, who work for Fall River EMS Rescue 2, to see if she could do a small drive by with lights this morning. I also made a phone call to a friend who works for FRPD. Within an hour we set up an escort with lights and the City really came together to make this Christmas Special for him!”

It was clear that Tyler was happy to see Ashley and everyone.

“He was super excited. He thought it was so cool that they all came by for him.”

When Fall River Reporter contacted Ashley, she wasn’t expecting any media attention, but it is clear she loves her students and she loves the City of Fall River.

“I’m fortunate to work for an amazing city and blessed to be able to give back to my students when I can. I didn’t expect this at all. I just love to give back when I can. The kids of this city deserve it!”