A week of celebrations

This week is full of celebrations for us. Today my daughter graduated from elementary school, where she had been since preschool. 8 years - a long time at one school! It was a great ceremony: short(ish), great messages from the principal and assistant principal, a 6th grade song that made many get weepy, and certificates handed out to the 6th graders. It started with a slideshow. A slide for each student showing baby pictures of them, and then a short time lapse so people could guess who the kids were before showing their present-day photos. It was a perfectly appropriate ceremony for this age, one that honored what they have done already without making it seem like the climax of their educational experience. 

i have one more in elementary school still - 2  years to go. I will be sad to no longer be a Crocker Farm parent. The teachers who our kids have had have been amazing, the staff and faculty make us feel like we're at home, and the school has a true community feeling.  At the graduation ceremony, I felt almost as emotional watching my children's teachers as watching my daughter herself. 

I want to thank all the teachers, para-educators, nurses, bus drivers, lunch ladies and others who have helped our kids along the way so far. Those who held their hands in kindergarten, and helped them with the daily routines like cubbies, hand-washing, line-walking, and lunch. Those who at lunch with them, soothed them when things weren't going well, and helped them stay organized. Those who stayed in contact with us constantly, despite their busy schedules.  The ones who drove them on field trips and put up with the loud noise and energy of kids for hours. The ones who taught them to read, to write, to spell, to enjoy learning, to do math. Those who dealt with their drama and tears. Those who had infinite patience, smiles, and snacks for them. Those who give supplies, and give of their time and hearts. And, those who will do all of that in future years - thank you in advance. 

If you never get "big" recognition in your teaching careers, know that you have touched lives and made a difference anyway!