Phillips Teacher Makes Housecalls

After Kurt Mess was injured in a fall and unable to attend school, Phillips Elementary School teacher Jim Hinke went to his home several hours a week to help him keep up with his studies. "I was so impressed with how well he works with all his students ... ," said Kurt’s mom, Kim Mess.

By Cathy Peterson
The Phillips Bee

After being home-bound for many weeks following a playground accident January 8, Kurt Mess, a 4th-grader at Phillips Elementary School, is back in the classroom. His teacher, Jim Hinke, is one of the main reasons Kurt has been able to keep up with his studies at home.

According to Kim Mess, Kurt’s mother, when she learned that the serious hip fracture her son suffered would keep him home-bound for several weeks, she called the school and asked about hiring a tutor. However, Hinke volunteered to teach Kurt and bring his lessons to the Mess home on a regular basis.

“It was an ideal situation because Mr. Hinke knew just where Kurt needed the most help,” she said. “He also videotaped the special presenters who came to speak to the class, including demonstrations on candle making, a program on electricity, the whole week of presentations on polymers and a lesson on making brownies using an heirloom recipe.”

Hinke personalized each video, Mess said, calling her son’s attention to various parts of each presentation. She said watching the teacher in the classroom setting made her realize what an outstanding educator he is.

“I was so impressed with how well he works with all his students and how much he knows regarding the help each one of them may need.”

When Kurt was healed enough at the end of February to spend a few hours daily in the classroom, his mother accompanied him so that if he tired easily or needed assistance with his wheelchair or crutches, she could help. Within a week or so, however, Kurt was able to spend most of the day in his classroom, although he has physical therapy three times a week.

Kurt was injured when he tripped on ice while playing football during a school recess. He hit his hip on the ground and was unable to move.

“Kindergarten teacher Dave Scholz and I were on duty at the time and then called on another teacher, Karen Smart, to decide what to do,” Hinke said. “We contacted his parents and then called 911. Kurt was in a lot of pain, but he was a very brave little boy.”

Although the youngster was first transported to Flambeau Hospital in Park Falls, the seriousness of his injury resulted in his being transported by helicopter to St. Joseph’s in Marshfield. After just five days there, the Messes were able to bring their son home, but since he was immobilized in a hip spika cast, it took three people to transfer him into a car for the ride home.

While he was still confined to a bed, members of the Phillips Wave swim team and their families provided wrapped gifts so that Kurt had one to open each day he was home-bound. He also received many cards and poster greetings from his classmates.

A teacher for 37 years, all but the first one in the Phillips School District, Hinke said it took him just a few hours each week to help Kurt with his lessons, but would have spent more time, if it were needed. Years ago, he said, he had helped two brothers who were home-bound.

Once Hinke had presented the school work, Kurt would spend several hours each day doing his lessons. He said it was really nice to be caught up with his classmates when he returned to school.
“While I was at home, what I missed most was being with my classmates,” he said.

Hinke said the cooperation of Kurt’s parents was essential to having the student complete his lessons.

According to PES Principal Jerry Abney, the credit for Kurt’s ability to return to school without being behind in his class work is due to the teacher, the student and his parents.

“This was a difficult situation, but by working together, they made it happen,” he said. “However, I believe that willingness to go beyond what they might be expected to do is very typical of the teachers in our district. They are the best.”

Posted April 4, 2003