Saying Goodbye

Katherine at Read, Write, and Reflect has been inspirational as her school year ended a smidge before mine.  She has been reflecting and sharing her end of the year thoughts.  I found her writing to make me stop and think about my own school year ending.  Ending the year in kindergarten with two classes is a bit different for me than when I had one set of students.  I find myself wondering if I am as attached to two sets of children.  I find myself feeling their summer excitement overrides reflection.  I know they are very kind and super willing to give nonstop hugs all day long for a good week before the last day.  This can add to my end of the year exhaustion.  With Katherine's inspiration, I found myself staying up late last night to retype my final edition of my newsletter and thought I would share it with you.

Dear Parents,

I attended a middle school choir concert last week and found myself thinking about each of you.  The choir was singing the song, For Good from one of my favorite shows, Wicked and I found my mind thinking about all of you.  Please stop reading this if you can, and go to Youtube and search for Kristin Chenoweth “For Good”.  In case you can’t use Google or Youtube right now, these are some of the lyrics that led to think about you –

I've heard it said

That people come into our lives for a reason

Bringing something we must learn

And we are led

To those who help us most to grow

If we let them

And we help them in return

Well, I don't know if I believe that's true

But I know I’m who I am today

Because I knew you…

And, later on in the song there is this –

It well may be

That we will never meet again

In this lifetime

So let me say before we part

So much of me

Is made from what I learned from you

You'll be with me

Like a handprint on my heart

And now whatever way our stories end

I know you have re-written mine

By being my friend…

I remember meeting your child for the first time and they were quiet and uncertain.  Within a short amount of time they were able to call Tyler Run their school. 

Coming to kindergarten was a big step for your child and your family.  Thank you for letting me join you on this journey and becoming a part of my life.  I’ve learned from them and have been reminded to slow down.  I’ve been reminded to ask questions and wonder.  I’ve been reminded that sometimes being together is enough.

As I got to know your child and we became a community of learners, our environment encouraged friendships, risk takers, and thinkers.  I watched each one embrace school and change for the better.  They learned how to become one within a large group.  They learned people and places of our school community.  They’ve learned to work with partners and alone.  They’ve learned to listen, think, and share.  They’ve learned to think, ask questions, be creative, and follow the rules.  These things will carry them far in life along with the academic growth they have each made.

My hope would be for your child to think and question things after leaving kindergarten.  By thinking and questioning, I hope they will explore alternative solutions, be creative, strive for understanding and not just memorization.  They have an exciting journey ahead of them with their learning.

I also wanted to thank you.  Your support has been wonderful and made your child’s kindergarten year a success.  Whether you came in the classroom, helped at home, came to evening events, read to your child, called me, or just visited once in a while -you made a difference. 

I do enjoy living in the district and seeing the children within the community.  Life is busy raising a family but you can always count on a wave, or a hug and a huge hello when our paths cross.  The last day always brings such kind words from parents.  I thank all of you for your kindness; it makes the hard work all worthwhile.  May you take advantage of summer and spend some extra time with your child.  They are all pretty awesome!

It has been a pleasure to be a part of your child’s life and yours.  Take care and be safe.

Mandy Robek