In the library at Wylie East Elementary, kindergartners stretched lengths of string across tiny arms to measure something science has never fully explained - just how big a hug can be.
Some hugs were wide. Some were wiggly. Some needed a second try.
And right in the middle of the laughter was Mrs. Yvette Smith, helping students tape, measure, smile, and connect.
(Mrs. Smith, MFLAC)
Mrs. Smith serves as a Military Family Life Counselor, better known as an MFLAC, supporting military-connected students across four Wylie campuses - East and West Elementary along with East and West Intermediate. At Wylie East alone, she works with more than 100 students whose families serve our country. Across all four campuses, that number reaches more than 300.
Her job is simple to describe, but powerful to witness: helping children carry what can be hard to explain.
Military students often experience moves, changing schools, and deployments that can separate families for months at a time. Mrs. Smith meets with students in small groups, over lunch, or during one-on-one visits, helping them feel seen, steady, and supported.
“I love working with kids,” Smith said. “Their smiles, their hugs, just can lift my spirits. It’s a mutual agreement spending time together.”
That spirit was easy to see during library time.
(Left to Right, Aubrey and Claire)
Kindergartners Claire Loup and Aubrey Taillet, proudly members of the Class of 2038, were among the students measuring their hugs and sharing stories about their military families.
Claire proudly shared that her dad is a military pilot. So naturally, when asked what superhero power he would have, she had an immediate answer.
Flying.
Aubrey shared that her dad was leaving soon to “go on military.” If he had a superpower, she said, it would be being really fast so he could hurry back for hugs.
Then she grinned and added one more important detail.
She’s faster than him.
Those sweet moments hold deeper meaning. For children in military families, school can become an anchor - a place of routine, friendship, and caring adults who understand.
Mrs. Smith says Wylie has embraced that mission, and hopes support continues to grow across every campus.
As paper hugs floated through the library and little arms reached wide, one thing became clear:
Sometimes the biggest support in a child’s life is measured in kindness, consistency, and caring hearts.
Families interested in the MFLAC program and learning how their military-connected child can participate are encouraged to email yvette.smith@wyliebulldogs.org for more information.
And around here, it’s great to be a Wylie Bulldog.
