Students and staff at Adams Elementary school will be folding 1,000 paper cranes in honor of teacher Joseph Skillings, who is recovering from injuries suffered after coming to the aid of a complete stranger last month.

Skillings, 52, was at a Capitol Hill bus stop on Jan. 13 when a male suspect began harassing a woman. Skillings called 911 and the suspect, who is still at large, punched Skillings in the head, causing him to fall and hit his head on the curb.

Skillings is in the Harborview Medical Center's Intensive Care Unit. According to a Web site, set up to keep friends updated on his condition, he is stable and improving. Late last week he began walking and speaking.

Visitation at the hospital is limited at this point. People who want to leave a message for Skillings, can log onto the Web site's Guest Book. Some of the comments have come from complete strangers and former students.

"He is well liked by students. Many students who have graduated have called with their concerns. We hope for a complete recovery," said Debbie McKagen, the school's administrative secretary.

Students have been making get well cards for the popular second and third grade teacher.

On Thursday, Feb. 7 at 6:30 p.m., during the PTA (Parent Teacher Association) meeting, students, staff and parents will be folding 1,000 paper cranes, doves and other birds to honor Skillings.

According to the Web site, Skillings' family, fellow teachers, students, teaching assistants, staff and friends are all rallying behind him. His dog Tucker is being cared for by friends.

"We wish he can come back soon. A lot of people miss him," said office assistant Alice March.

McKagen said Skillings has taught at Adams for the last 14 years. He has been with the Seattle School District for 20 years.

Skillings is known for taking his students educational experience beyond the classroom. He schedules field trips to ballets, art galleries and other cultural and arts events.

Last Saturday, Skillings was going to take his students to a Pacific Northwest Ballet's production of "Rom/o et Juliette."

"Most teachers don't take time on a Saturday to do that," said McKagen.

Rory McAuley, a substitute teacher who has taken Skilling's place, was a student teacher under him last year.

McAuley said Skillings teaches his students to be good citizens and to behave responsibly. He lets students know it is not OK to bully others and encourages them to stand up for themselves.

"It did not surprise me that he tried to help someone out," said McAuley.

The fact that Skillings came to the aid of a stranger who was being harassed also did not surprise McKagen.

"It's very much in character for him to do that," said McKagen.

McAuley said the students are concerned about their teacher and are maintaining a positive attitude.

"There is an amazing outpouring of support," said McAuley.

The web site is www.caringbridge.org/visit/josephskillings

Dean Wong may be reached at deanw@robinsonnews.com