Today was the last day of school for children.
There were tears, hugs, resistance, and a multitude of emotions from children and families.
It’s hard to say good-bye and thank you, all at the same time.
Two families thanked me for the Chapter Reading newsletter…. yes!
Here is my final school newsletter of the year to families:
Reflections on a Wonderful Year
June 14, 2023
We hope you enjoyed your child’s year-end portfolio, as each one is a walk down memory lane for teachers. Wasn’t it just a few months ago that children were carving jack-o-lanterns on the playground? Remember when we wore our pajamas to school and had a ‘Day in the Dark’? Remember our “Three Little Pigs” and circus play performances? Remember how we introduced music to inspire creativity for our Art Show? There are so many Aqua Room events and memories. The year has passed far too quickly.
What did your children embrace?
Building. From Magna-Tiles to Duplos, to blocks, to Legos- children built incredible structures that were complex and thoughtfully planned. Often, vehicles, people, and tiny toys were incorporated into the structures. Imagination and engineering were at its best.
Superheroes. Our favorite Boston Dynamics robots spurred a bigger interest in Superheroes. Children dressed up in capes, chanted affirmations that embraced strengths, and enjoyed Superhero songs. https://youtu.be/_8SshkAYFqY This had the added benefit of empowering children, particularly their social and emotional skills.
Geography. We traveled around the globe using our favorite Big Book Atlas. From learning about Africa, India, the Philippines, China, Lithuania, and Italy, geography and culture became interesting and ‘real’ for children. Children dressed up in costumes, sang in different languages, tasted native foods, and learned about art and architecture.
Pen-Pals. Reaching out to children around the world by making Valentines, and getting cards in return, was a big and exciting experience. Children wanted to write words and draw pictures. It was wonderful to make connections.
Writing Giant Thank You Letters. Children wrote seven letters over the course of the year. They were all on big chart paper and elaborately decorated. The heartfelt replies were certainly an added bonus.
Play Performances. Children enjoyed planning and performing “The Three Little Pigs” and a Circus Performance. They truly shined. Dressing up in costumes added to their fun.
Music and Movement. From Danny GO! on the big screen to “Jump Up and Down” on the autoharp, singing and dancing has been a joy this year. Children were especially proud to sing “God Bless America” to General Z on Veterans Day and to lead the school in singing the song at our school-wide Memorial Day Remembrance.
Books and Stories, from picture books to chapter reading, to fact books. Our bookshelf is well-used, and as popular as our block shelf. Chapter reading is one of our favorite times of the day.
Guests. Children loved the surprise of a special guest teaching us about their country and culture, reading a book, cooking with us, using technology in a new way, and sharing musical instruments. Working with real tools and wood with Dan the Tool Man was a treat.
Sparkles. Our classroom pet has brought kindness, giving, and joy to your children.
Signing-In. As the year progressed, children developed letter formation and motor skills, from writing large letters, to eventually making small and uniform letters. This became a popular daily routine.
Question of the Day. What started as a simple ‘yes’ or ‘no’ question where children had to read a question and find their name stick, grew into a more complex activity. We learned how to tally vote, we broadened our math skills- greater than/less than/equal than, we wrote a letter ‘X’ to signify our answer, and we used language skills to ask friends which answer they picked.
Rainbows. Children have delighted in drawing rainbow, after rainbow, after rainbow.
It has been a wonderful year with your children. We feel blessed. Thanks for all your support.
Jennie, Heidi, and Naomi
A Teacher's Reflections 
job well done……now go buy yourself a bottle of good wine!
Will do! Thanks, Wayne. 🙂
Great report and year, Jennie. Congratulations.
Thank you, John. BTW, I haven’t forgotten about my dog post. 🙂
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I will search Field and Stream this weekend, as I hope to include my brother’s story in the post. Lucy and Rex are probably BFFs on the other side of the Rainbow Bridge. I bet Bailey is there, too. ❤️
I hope they are all playing together. Looking forward to your brother’s story.
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it’s always so bittersweet and wonderful to look back upon the year, the experiences, and to think how far the children have come – love your summary of the year. now go enjoy your summer!
Well said, Beth. Yes, that’s how it is. Glad you liked the summary. 💕
That’s a lovely summation of the year.💜💜💜
Thank you for what you do, my friend. You are everything that is right about teaching.
Fantastic year, Jennie! We have around 5 weeks to go, then I will be celebrating too!
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Good job Jennie et al!
‘Well done’ to you and your fellow teachers, Jennie. You should all be feeling proud of what you have achieved this last year. Carry on with the vital work. What would we do without you! Cheers!
Hi Jennie, you have certainly had a busy and wonderful school year.
Hi Robbie, yes I did. I’m exhausted with a smile on my face.
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Take a bow, Jennie.
That is so nice, Don. Thank you!
What a fabulous end of year report! Those kids will always remember the dedication and kindness of you and your colleagues, jennie.
Best wishes, Pete.
Thank you, Pete. As the years unfold, many do remember, and that is a great gift.
What a beautiful reflection on such an amazing year! Well-done, Jennie, and ladies! Well-done students! Enjoy a much-deserved time off. You are all beaming in this picture~so precious! You have such a beautiful heart!💛❤️💚💕
Thank you so much, Karla! Most teachers have beautiful hearts. I’m so glad you liked the photo! It was a wonderful year. ❤️
You’re welcome, Jennie! Another year in the books for you. Wow, Jennie! Yay!❤️💕💛💚
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What a wonderful summative for the year, Jennie. It makes me proud to be a teacher with you.
Thanks so much, Jacqui!!
Some memories will never fade…
I hope so.
It was a great school year viewed from here. I’m sure the children will keep the memories, and all the treasured lessons you taught them all their lives.
I think many of those memories will stick with them. We had our year-end parent event, and children picked two favorite songs to sing. One was the jack-o-lantern song, from our family party back in October. They do remember. Thank you, Diana.
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What a great year, Jennie. I am proud to have made a contribution, but the list of accomplishments this year is nothing short of amazing.
You were a star event, Dan. I’m glad you saw your name on the list. Many thanks for your kind words.
Jennie, thank you for this lovely post about a wonderful school year!
I’m glad you enjoyed it, Charles!
Reblogged this on charles french words reading and writing and commented:
Please enjoy this wonderful post from Jennie, the extraordinary teacher!
Thank you, Charles!
Have a wonderful poolside summer after a job very well done.
Thank you, Elizabeth.
You sound like a wonderfully inspirational teacher!
Thank you, Stevie. 🥰
Another year full of great memories for you, the children and their families. Well done!!
Thank you so much, Darlene! 🥰
Congrats on another wonderful year Jennie. My gawd, this year flew by! ❤
Thanks, Debby. Yes, it did!
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I’m glad I doubled back for this one. Reflection is a powerful tool for those who properly use it. Your commitment to the kids, the craft of teaching, and the families is off-the-charts in my mind. You are truly special.
That is so nice of you to say. At the end of the school year this is a good reminder for parents of all we did. Reflections are important. Case in point, we both have reflections in our blog title. Thank you, Frank!
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Thank you!