To my dearest, lovely 5th graders on your graduation day,

I never thought there would be a chance that I wouldn’t be there to see you graduate, yet here we are.

Sometime a class burrows their way into your heart so much that you can’t remember what it felt like without them. For me that class was you.

From teaching you science in kindergarten and first grades to math in 3rd and 5th grades (and all the visits in between) I am so proud of all you have accomplished in the time I have known you.

Chess in the mornings. Chisme at the small group table. Banning TikTok words. Rapid games of “Around the World”. Drop Everything (out lol) And Read. And so many other experiences that have absolutely become core memories for me.

I wish you all the best of luck. There is no doubt in my mind that you will all succeed in whatever you put your mind to.

And even if there’s nothing else you may know, please know I was always so proud to be your teacher.