He started with his amazing sitter, Mrs. Vicki. Then there was fun Miss Jen at the daycare and his loving pre-k teachers at High Meadows. When kindergarten rolled around, Mrs. Cardwell welcomed him with open arms. She loved him and still does. Mrs. Rudolf was his first grade teacher and celebrated his quirks. For second grade, he had Mrs. Pennington. He became a writer that year. He was growing up and she helped him do so. Now in third grade, the grade everyone warned me about, he has Mrs. Jones. She is kind and loving. He has become a reader this year. He is reading everything and anything. He loves school. This may not last forever, but I'm enjoying it while I can!
He has lots of other unofficial, official teachers, too. Coach Chaddy and Mrs. Whatley cheer him on during PE. Ms. Moe chats him up at after school care. Mrs. Kristin asks his opinions about cafeteria stuff. Ms. Alexander fosters his love of reading and his curiosity. Mr. C. encourages his crazy science ideas and he and Mrs. Kaltreider see T as the artist his. Mr. Matthews loves how T listens to his music stories and T loves the stories. Mrs. Alter and Mrs. Hill show him how to do the coolest things ever on the computer. Ms. Chandra loves him and his stories. He loves them all. He respects them.
I know this is a bit sappy, but I am so happy he is loved. As parents, that is all we want, someone to like our kid. He is liked. He is loved. He is happy.
To all the teachers out there, the ones who say hello to my son and all of the other kids they pass in the hall, thank you. To all the teachers who are making it work after 37 grumpy emails, thank you. To all the teachers who are protecting your students from the germs while putting yourself through the ringer, thank you. For all the teachers who are tired from teaching kids all day and head home to love on your own kids, thank you.
Thank you teachers. Not just this week, not just on Valentine's Day, but everyday! Thank you!