Dear Parents

Dear Parents (Past, Present, and Future),

   Thank you. Thank you for bestowing me the honor of spending time with whom you love most in this world. Thank you for trusting me, and allowing me to teach and love your child. Many wonderful things happen in our classroom each day, and your little one is an essential part of that community. The things I hear daily are hilarious, adorable, heartwarming, and sometimes heartbreaking; I'm constantly thinking I need to share them but alas the day is so busy I often forget before the blaring of the dismissal bell. Also, thank you for understanding if I forget to check the communication folder or print the snack schedule on time. I can promise that when it comes between making copies or spending my prep time with a child in need, I will always choose the child. Sometimes that's your child, but know that I never mind.

   I appreciate our partnership more than I ever imagined. When I was in college studying to be a teacher, I never considered how much I would benefit from (and enjoy) the collaboration with families in school. Truth is, you are far more influential on your child than I will ever be. You already knew that, but when we combine forces we are unstoppable advocates for children! Whether you have volunteered in our classroom, taken time to meet with me in person, or responded to a phone call or Facebook message...thank you. You are incredibly busy, but often find time outside your hectic schedule, you are amazing. You may have already noticed, but I am far from the perfect teacher (see late snack schedules above). I need your partnership, because every time I speak with one of you, I know my students a little better. I learn better ways to serve them. With each open conversation, you make me a better educator. I can only hope to have reciprocated half the support for your home.

   Speaking of flaws, your child sees me make mistakes each day. I never mind when they are pointed out, because it provides me an opportunity to model recovering from a setback. I aspire to inspire every student to have a growth mindset, to understand they can learn and grow from their mistakes. Many students were shocked when I told them nobody was perfect ('But my mom says I am!'), but I explained that to be perfect would be exhausting. I want my class to know they are in a safe place to take risks and fall down and get themselves back up. I want my class to be perfectly imperfect, a collection of scholars learning from one another.

   As the year comes to a close, know that your child will forever be cherished. My passion in education has always centered around fostering a space for creativity and a love for learning. I hope your child carries that to the next school year and beyond. I hope that you continue to collaborate with teachers and invest in our school. I hope you always feel comfortable voicing concern or successes. Also, I hope that your child visits me in the fall, because I will be standing there with arms wide open.

Sincerely,

Mrs. Baranowski