Sheila Sims Iding
I’ve never been a principal. I’ve never wanted to be one. I admire those who choose that for their vocation. I have enough to manage one classroom. I can’t imagine managing a school full of classrooms. I lose sleep some nights worrying about first graders. I can’t imagine what it might be like to worry about preschoolers through 8th graders…plus parents of all those children…plus all the staff. It’s overwhelming just thinking about it. I can’t it imagine living it.
Today was teacher appreciation day for Catholic Schools Week. I got some kind and thought gifts, some precious hand written notes and pictures, and…the best part…I got older Care Corner Kids coming “home” to drop off a card or a letter or give a hug. I felt truly appreciated but…truth is…I do most everyday. I am so blessed.
In first grade you get spoiled by hugs and smiles every day. Appreciation abounds in a first grade classroom. That may not be true of every classroom…every grade…every age. That may not be true of every principal’s office. But with the magnitude of her work, Mrs. Piecuch deserves to feel appreciated too. So, on this day of appreciation the 1st graders made her a book of letters full of appreciation because…she should know how much we love her and appreciate all that she does for the school.
Before presenting her with the book this morning, I read through some of the letters the Care Corner Kids wrote as part of a homework assignment. They were amazing. And…if she didn’t feel appreciated when she walked through those doors this morning…she sure will when she gets a chance to read through the letters. After reading some of the letters…
She should know…she is loved:
“You are sweet and kind to everyone.”
“You are GREAT!”
“You make me feel safe.”
“You are loving and kind.”
“You are nice because you spend time reading with us.”
(Every Monday she reads with a group of 1st graders for Principal Pals.)
“I love our school.”
“I love story time with you.”
“I’m so glad you are my principal.”
“I love Principal Pals. I hope we can do it again soon.”
“You are the best principal in the world!”
“I love how you help us every day at school.”
“I love how you are our parents.”
She should know…we thank her:
“Thank you for giving us the best place to learn.”
“Thanks for coming to visit our classroom”
“I appreciate ALL that you do.” (This letter had a pack of Skittles and a BFF sticker attached to it.) You’ve got to love the little things.
“Thank you for keeping our school safe.”
“Thank you for reading with us.”
“Thank you for protecting our school.”
“Thank you for keeping our school in order.”
“Thank you for Principal Pals, making our school safe and making us smile.”
She should know…we pray for her:
“May God bless you.”
“Thank you, Lord for Mrs Piecuch. I love her and I pray she has strength to do her job.”
“My mom and I wrote you this prayer:
Dear Holy Spirit,
Please bless my school principal, Mrs. Piecuch, with the wisdom
and knowledge to lead a vibrant and faithful school dedicated to
serving Christ and His teaching. Amen.”
Their words were simple and genuine and true like all special messages from the hearts of little first graders. In the past few weeks I have sat with Mrs. Piecuch and we have talked about the needs of students, academic standards and staff prayer services. She sat with me while I cried and I sat with her as she agonized over the sadness of some students and celebrated the victories of others.
Today I had a classroom of first graders who made me feel loved and appreciated…like they do every day. Today I had former students who did the same. I just hope that at some point on this day set aside for showing appreciation, that as she reads through the letters of first graders that she feels loved and appreciated and blessed because at some point in her important vocation….she should know.