Final Newsletter

Dear Families,

Let me begin by saying thank you, Thank You, THANK YOU, a million times over.

Thank you for sharing your kids and allowing me to be such a significant part of their lives. I'm so proud to see them move on to new adventures, as well as a new teacher, but I'll sorely miss being on the receiving end of their endless hugs, stories, jokes, and brilliance.

Thank you, too,  for the trust you placed in me. Teaching in a classroom of twenty is a tricky business because there is a wide diversity of thought, perspectives, experiences, needs, and desires. However, this diversity has helped all of us learn to explore questions together, listen carefully to others, and speak our own minds - all in an effort to better understand how the world works not just for ourselves but for others as well. Not all classrooms do this, but they should.

Lastly, thank you for all the ways you've supported your kids, our classroom, and me. Your kids are incredibly lucky to have you. One of the wonderful parts of being a teacher is that I have an opportunity each year to be inspired by so many families in regards to my own parenting. We all experience our fair share of successes and struggles along the way but doing so amidst a wonderful community like this one keeps me sane (or at least moves me in that direction).

I dread tomorrow because saying goodbye is always terribly hard for me. If that seems overly dramatic consider the fact your kids and I have literally spent thousands of hours reading, writing, exploring, figuring, laughing, eating, and playing together. We will circle up in the morning and share our favorite memories, pass around a last round of hugs, and run off into summer with high hopes of great adventures (mine will be to finally finish my dissertation and breathe again). I hope you all have a wonderful summer with the kids. And PLEASE do pass along any fun photos, postcards, or texts the kids might want to share with me. I always love hearing what they're up to!

Best,
Chris