Even after all these years of teaching, there is still this one thing I have not mastered as a teacher…saying good-bye. I keep trying to find the best way to honor the work we’ve done and the relationships we’ve nurtured for the last 180 days. Here is my attempt for the 2021-22 school year!
Take This With You
It’s June, a month that sounds like summer.
We tie up the loose ends of unit tests and reading goals.
I tell you, “Take your English textbook home; it’s yours to keep.”
But that’s not all you should take with you.
Take with you the confidence that comes from a whole school year
Of learning and collaborating.
Pack away all our happy memories
Of games at the end of the hour and stories from our Imaginations.
Hold closely the knowledge that you made a difference.
You listened to your classmates,
And encouraged others with your kindness.
Carry with you the assurance that you’ll always have a place in this classroom.
So stop by and say a quick “Hey!” next year!
And, if you don’t mind, I’m going to keep a little something of yours.
I’m going to take the memory of you.
You… in this moment
And tuck it in my heart.
I’ll hold it there and keep it safe.
Forever.
-Christine Laaksonen
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