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Sheila Sims Iding
At the very first parent meeting I am honest with the parents. I tell them …I cannot do this alone. I don’t mean to scare them. They just entrusted their child to me for the whole school year and I stand before them and tell them I can’t do it alone. How’s that for building confidence in a teacher?
Having said that, they are 6 and 7 year olds in one of the most formative school years they will ever have. The base and foundation of many skills will be built in first grade. Thanks to amazing preschool and kindergarten teachers, the groundwork is firm. But the building continues in first grade and it has to be solid. And…I am not too proud to say…I can’ do it alone.
As we end another school year, I fully realize that it takes a village to raise a teacher and I reflect on what an amazing “village” these parents have been. Here are ten things this teacher wishes parents knew:
1. Choices. I appreciate that you choose St. Gerard School. Your child is so lucky and they don’t even realize it yet. When you provide your child with a Catholic School education, you are giving them the best of all worlds. Yes…there are amazing public schools with amazing teachers and amazing programs. When parents choose something you could have for “free” so your child can benefit from a Catholic education…it’s a powerful choice.
2. Sacrifices. I understand the sacrifice. I have been where you are now. I know the tuition money doesn’t magically appear. I know the sacrifices you make so that your child can sit in my classroom. In fact, I am driven by it.
3. Responsibility. I am awed that you entrust your child to me for 6 and half hours each day. Six and a half hours each school day to help mold them academically, behaviorally and spiritually. And…protect them and keep them safe. Six and a half hours. I am awed and motivated by your trust.
4. Groups. I am blessed by the parents who can commit to working groups all year long. But more than that…the kids are blessed. In small groups, a child can gain skill more quickly, take more risks and share more laughs. I am so grateful for the parents who commit to this special work. I know you leave your jobs, your meetings, your babies at sitters and check your sanity at the door. I know you don’t just breeze through the door, pick up your group bucket, stay an hour and leave unscathed. I know you take some hugs, some smiles, some frustrations and a sigh of relief when the hour is over. I get the total commitment and so do the kids. And…for the record…the kids love when the dads work groups.
5. Volunteers. I am also aware of the parents who wish they could work groups but not everyone can afford that time commitment. I totally understand that. And I truly appreciate the time you give for ALL the other volunteer activities. For World of Art, the auction project, the parties, the field trips and more. None of these activities are done without the help of parents. Proving YOU are the heart and soul of our school.
6. Birthdays. Birthdays are so big in 1st grade. They start praying for their birthday weeks ahead. It would be easier to just send a treat but thanks to ALL the parents who come for our Care Corner Birthday parties. I love seeing the look on your child’s face when you walk in the door. They love sharing “Reader of the Day” with you and that you share the Birthday blessing and the birthday song. Thanks for helping us celebrate your child.
7. Homework. When homework is important to you it automatically becomes important to your child. We send it on Thursday but we know we ask more than that. Work on spelling words, sight words, reading and fast facts in math is daily. Daily homework, Thursday homework and special projects cannot be done by first graders alone. Maybe older kids can, but first graders need parents for all homework. Thanks for knowing that.
8. “Church” work. Just as academics needs a home/school connection so does our faith. When you take your child to church it is a special reinforcement of what we have studied in religion and what we have reflected on in prayer service. On Monday morning we talk about church on Sunday, what the priest wore, the songs and what the gospel reading. Monday morning has it’s own excitement as the children share their church experience with us. Thank you for that.
9. Expectations. Thanks for understanding my high expectations and for your own expectations. That is how children get to reach new levels. You keep raising the bar…and supporting them as they climb to meet it. Once they have done their best on reading, math, printing and behavior…I raise the bar to expect the next best thing. Thanks for helping me raise that bar.
10. The Little Things.
My little pet peeves:
Tardies: - Oh one or two are okay but it’s a rough start to a day
when there are too many tardies.
Cough drops: I just worry about a coughing child choking on them.
Plus kids always ask for them even if they don’t need one.
Call home: When you tell a child “If you don’t feel good just call
me and I will come get you. “ From 8:00 – 8:30 they tell us
10 times they don’t feel good. Better to just keep them home.
Ink: Homework done in ink.
Cupcakes: Cupcakes for birthdays are so messy but most kids
love them. I do too. Just not 20 of them.
My simple pleasures:
Thank you notes: I love when you have the kids write a thank you note
for something Mrs. McKerr and I gave them. So kind.
Visits: I love when parents stop by the classroom to say hi or
give your child a hug. The door is always open.
Footloose Friday: I love when parents stop by to dance with us.
Friendship Circle: I love how parents come to pick up kids and
stay for our sending song in friendship circle.
Mass: I love when parents come to our Friday masses and how
you form that line at the doorway as we leave.
Blog: Thank you for reading this blog and telling me it gives you
insight into their little world….that is the sole intent.
The end of the year is hard because I am not very good at good-byes. In fact, I am horrible at them. Saying goodbye to 20 little friends is difficult but saying goodbye to their parents is really hard too. You have supported me, encouraged me, helped me and sustained me every single day of this school year. And now you realize what I said at the very beginning of the year is true…I can’t do it alone. It does take a village to raise a teacher. Thank you for being my “village” this year.