Stay With Me

I don’t remember learning to write my name or when the jumbled up words on a page turned into stories. I wish that I could recall these memories of where my learning began but it has been far too long. What I do remember are the faces and voices of the teachers that I had. I can hear my kindergarten teacher’s voice and see her smile. I remember my first grade teacher and how old and fierce she seemed. My fifth grade teacher was 'cool' and wore corduroy pants. I have no doubt that the memories I do have from elementary school helped make me the teacher I am today. 
It is because of this that I often wonder what memories my students will take away from my classroom. Academics are important but we all know there’s more to it than that. I wonder if they will remember that I was at the door to greet them every morning, that they bickered to sit on my lap at the end of the day or that I encouraged them to be the best version of themselves and always try their best.
It is my hope that one day they will look back on kindergarten and remember me and the children who shared a small part of their lives. They may not remember that I taught them to read but it is my hope that they remember how I made them feel.  Maybe one day they will find a class picture or a saved piece of work and, just for a minute, they will remember.
I would also like to thank you, the parents, for all of the support you have given myself and Team Awesome throughout the year. It is difficult to hand over the care and responsibility of your child to a complete stranger and I hope I have met all of your expectations. Thank you so much for trusting me with your babies. Kindergarten is just the beginning of Team Awesome's journey and I hope every year, for both them and you, is wonderful and exciting.