Not "Goodbye", but "See you later"...

I'm struggling to find the words to capture this first year, this first crew...

Nothing but LOVE comes to mind.  Well, maybe, if I'm honest, exhaustion comes to mind too.

Worth it?  Definitely.  My peers in literacy thought I was insane to go into the classroom.  Yes, maybe I am insane.   But insanely in love with growing young learners is a badge I will wear with honor. Forever.  Forever your children are written on my heart and I am truly their forever friend now.

I am so grateful for you.  I was a new teacher.  You didn't know me.  As those of us who have been in literacy for many years would agree...first grade is the hardest year to teach.  Everything pivots off of this year.  It is the year to learn the foundational skills that will support all future learning.  Whew...

Such a huge responsibility.  I have not taken it lightly.  Not for one day.  And your support helped me do my job.  Thank you.  Thank you for sharing your most beloved possession with me.  We have been great partners. Together we have grown, learned, and loved.  What a gift!

Please keep me in your life.  Let me know how your child is doing, how you are doing.  I am invested in your child's life.  Forever.  I will be waiting to hear great things, from all of you. You have a piece of my heart. x

With deep devotion, 

Mary Beth