A Letter To My Children This School Year

Each August is pretty special to me for an obvious reason: A new school year. This will be my 18th year of teaching, and as I work with my colleagues to get student-ready, I try to think about the new school year from my own kids’ perspectives. This year is big for us as every kid is in a different building. While I cringe at morning drop off thoughts, I can’t help but be happy that they each get their own building for a little while. Well, almost all of them. This year, my first born is in my high school, and while the threat for embarrassment from me is extremely high, I cannot wait to see him and his friends navigate the halls where he grew up. My middle is attending a brand new middle school, and my daughter finally has an elementary empire all to herself. With all of these milestones, I have some things to tell them. 

Dear Incoming Freshman Child,

I swear you were just in a car seat taking in the brand new world with your curious eyes. Good luck to you as you take on high school. Your school is so big, so keep your friend-group small. I have been in the same classroom since before you were born, and I don’t think I have ever totally prepared for this moment. These halls, teachers, custodians, and secretaries have helped raise you, and they make up my parenting village. I couldn’t have chosen better people to prepare you for your exciting college and career life.

My classroom has been a place for you to play when you were little, and now it will be a place for you to come and get away from the grind. I’ll house your snacks and your practice clothes, as long as you keep your grades and your integrity high. I’ll try not to embarrass you daily, but I cannot promise it won’t happen weekly. Mostly, I’m so proud of the person you have become. High school looks good on you, bud. Class of 2023, let’s do this!

Dear Incoming Middle School Child,

My sweet, silly, and incredibly intelligent middle, my wish for you is to find good friends and good fun in middle school. Remember to stay away from trouble makers, do your work in class, and try not to perform for an audience when teachers are instructing. Dive into your passion for art and animals. When the counselors need a person to help a new student, be the first one to volunteer. Your kindness and smile can only help to make them feel at home. You get three years in your very own school. Make these years the best you can. Take the opportunities that come around to meet new people and try new things. Try to use study hall for good and not silliness, so our epic battles at the homework table can dissipate. Please talk to me if you get stressed or upset. I’m always in your corner, and I will do what I can to help. And please, please, please start to love reading. Life is so much more magical when you get inspired by the millions of authors in the world. I can’t wait to hear about your adventures in middle school. You’ve got this, sixth-grader!

Dear Incoming Third Grader,

My incredibly kind and fiercely intelligent third grader, you get your very own elementary school. This is something your brothers never had. My wish for you as you take on this new year is to love yourself. You are musical and artistic. Your passions are important, and your friends understand that. Stay free from drama and only surround yourself with people who lift you up.

Continue to be a good friend and a good student. Protect your sweet, sensitive heart, and please know you have the very best elementary teachers there to help you. Let. Math. In. Don’t go your whole life missing out on the magic of math like I did. And please, never stop reading. Get your friends excited about new books. Smile that gorgeous smile more than you frown. Be confident that you are a good person and one we are all lucky to know. Speak sweetly and stay close to your beliefs. Your dad and I love you very much, and we cannot wait to see what you find this year.

To my children,

Have the best year. Take advantage of the opportunities you have to learn and grow. Be gentle with yourselves, surround yourselves with good people, and for the love of everything holy, be good to your teachers. They are heroes and will provide a bridge to your amazing futures.

Love,

Your Proud Mama