The end of elementary school is supposed to feel big—exciting, full of promise, a time to celebrate all the hard work of the years that came before. For Robert Dunham’s 5th graders, the Moving On Ceremony was meant to be that milestone. But as he watched his students, he noticed something missing: some didn’t feel ready. Their shirts were untucked, their hair uncut, and their confidence seemed to be hiding behind the nerves.

So, the night before the ceremony, Robert made a decision that no one expected. He packed clippers in his bag. Not books. Not papers. Clippers.

The next morning, in the quiet of his classroom, kids lined up—some a little unsure, others unsure of how to ask for help. One by one, Robert gave them fresh trims and haircuts, each one transforming a nervous smile into a more confident one. Each snip of the clippers came with a quiet reminder: “You should always be caught doing the right thing, at all times.”

By the time the ceremony began, his students walked with their heads held high, their pride shining through their freshly cut hair. They looked different—neat, polished, and ready to take on whatever came next.

But it wasn’t just about the neat hair. It was about knowing that someone saw them, that they mattered, that they were worthy of care and attention.

 Sometimes teaching isn’t just about lessons in a book. Sometimes, it’s a haircut—a simple act that can change how a child sees themselves, reminding them that they have worth and a place to stand tall.