Breaking the News

One of the most difficult things I leave behind are the students who eagerly greet me with "I get to be in your class next year." I know they can't miss something they never had and that most of what they think they know is often hype. That doesn't keep me from feeling badly that our year together has been sacrificed. Still I know that all things work out the way they should. Below is the letter I sent them. I share it because it is the way I feel about leaving many of the other people in my life: my neighbors, my friends, my colleagues, and my family (an unborn grandchild included). Each year, I read a story to my class called Bud, Not Buddy, by Christopher Paul Curtis. It is one of my all-time favorites. It's the story of a boy's journey through a variety of doors. When one door closes; another one opens. Just like his Mama said. Hopefully, someone will read the book to them this year. Then these students will better understand that this is one of those doors. The letter reads: Dear Fourth Grader and Family, I am sending you this letter to tell you about some bitter/sweet news. The ‘sweet’ news is that the Webster School Board has granted me a leave of absence for the 08-09 school year to pursue an adventure in Alaska. I will be working at Tustumena Elementary School in Kasilof, Alaska as a Title I and Interventionist Teacher. This will be a great opportunity for me to learn more about learning and teaching, and give me a chance to live out one of my dreams. The best part of this adventure is that I will be 45 miles away from my grandchildren instead of 4000 miles. (Did you know I was a Grandmother, too?) The bitter news is that I will not be your fourth grade teacher next year. I regret missing the opportunity to work with you and your family. While I don’t know who your new teacher will be, I am sure you are going to have a great year. There is so much to learn and so many fun things to explore. It will be fun no matter who is teaching. Anything is possible! This will be your adventure. So, stay safe, do your best, learn lots, and have fun. I know that is exactly what I plan to do. I will be checking in with your class and send emails and pictures when I get the chance. Until then, enjoy your summer. Best Wishes, Mrs. Day

And so it goes . . .