Thank you, Class of 2013!

June 27, 2013 | Posted in: Class Updates

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The end of the year is always bittersweet for me, as I know it is for the children! As proud as I am to see them graduate and move off to TBS, I will be sad to see them go. We’ve spent a tremendous amount of time together in the past 10 months, and they’ve become very much a second family for me.

In 180 days, we have covered a lot! From textual connections to expository writing, and from decimals to long division, our studies in class have been expansive. I enjoy ending the year with our Number the Stars unit, because our study of the Nazis’ bullying-like ways in the novel allows us to discuss situations that the kids have and will encounter with bullies in their own lives. Anti-bullying efforts have always been a major focus in our class, and I sincerely hope that the kids remember our lessons as they move on in life.  The two big ideas are:

• Online is not anonymous. What you write online can never be unwritten, it can hurt, and it will be traced back to you.
• “Failure to act out or speak out against evil is, itself, evil.” Although this quote was said about fighting the hatred seen during the Holocaust, it apples equally to bullying. Nobody gets to be a silent witness. If you see bullying, do something about it. If you don’t feel comfortable speaking up to the bully, speak up to the victim to show your support, or speak up to an adult to help stop the bullying. But don’t be silent.

There is no doubt in my mind that these 22 students are ready to be successful in fifth grade. Each has the potential to achieve great things in school and beyond, and I hope that you’ll keep in touch down the road. You all have my email address, and you know where to find me.

Kids, each day we’ve been together has been a pleasure. Every single one. Thank you for being an incredible class. While I truly appreciate your class gift to me and your individual gifts too (thank you, everyone!), your best gift is being a terrific group of learners.

Over the summer, I want you to be sure to read. Whether its a book, a magazine, a website, or something else, read, keep reading, and don’t stop. And don’t stop being who you are. Be Fireworks. Show your fifth grade teachers who you are and how stellar you can be. You’ll be fine.

Keep in touch. Enjoy your summer. Thank you.