Dear Room 134 Family,
At the beginning of the year, we spent so much time detailing our expectations and acclimating to the dynamic of this new 180 day adventure. Together we created a beautiful anomaly-- a safe place characterized by honesty, kindness, curiosity, and positivity. Gradually, you each accepted the invitation to belong to me, at least in part, for this beautifully ephemeral season, and gradually you trusted me with your time, effort, engagement, and needs.
I belong to you, too. I belonged to you the moment I received an email with my photo roster for this school year.
I belonged to you from our first conversation on your front lawn as we played Coop Battle Bounce.
I belonged to you when you entered my room on Back To School Night, and you told me that you wished for me before I even knew your name.
I belonged to you when you stayed positive in spite of receiving your first C.
I belonged to you as you cried to me on the phone... you didn't know that I was crying with you, too.
I belonged to you when you received your first "Keep Trying" in P.E.
I belonged to you when you were nominated for a Beacon Award for outstanding compassion and acceptance.
Even when you hesitated to belong to me, I belonged to you.
Being your teacher is not my job. It is my purpose. It is my passion. It is my favorite version of myself. I cannot define myself apart from each of you. When you hurt, I hurt. When you make a mistake, I feel disappointed. When you succeed, I am eagerly waiting with gallons of "Fantastic Spray." I carry you with me everywhere I go. My heart bears your fingerprints, alongside 93 other little prints with names and faces that dwell in my memories and prayers every day.
Recently, our family expanded. There have been some growing aches and pains. It is not easy to change a family's dynamic, and it is challenging to let go of our expectations-- expectations that were created with our original family in mind... We are all admittedly struggling to let go.
It is also difficult to be "new."
I belong to our new family member, too. I belonged to him from the moment I received an email with his name and birth date.
You see, I have lived this vignette before, and I admittedly failed many times, but I believe strength results from struggle. The struggle is also a choice. It is a choice to give compassion generously without expectation of repayment. It is a choice to forgive over and over again. It is a choice to be kind when the words have wounded our weaknesses and our pride.
Yet, we must forgive.
I am not asking you to 'tolerate;' I am inviting you to continue belonging to me, and to belong to each other, as well. Care for each other's needs and praise your successes. Wait for each other with gallons of "fantastic spray." Be honest when the words wound, but also be strong and willing to forgive.
And sometimes, when your well of grace runs dry, walk away. Seek a peer that encourages your confidence, or come to me. I will baptize you with fantastic spray and remind you of all the reasons why you are wonderful.
Because you are wonderful.. all of you... all 21 of you.
Sincerely,
Yours
