I lose track, I can’t remember when exactly Teacher Appreciation Week actually is, but I always appreciate the teachers in my kiddos’ school. Teachers have a tough job, and while they may get validation from the kiddos with hugs or high fives, I don’t know if they get enough parent validation, so I’m here to provide that every once in a while.

Earlier, I sent an email to each teacher and copied their principal. The notes were focused on the kiddo/teacher interactions, and the kiddo’s progress on the year. It’s a new thing I started last year based on some suggestion from Facebook. It seems like so little I can do, because I can’t do the big things… I have zero pinterest abilities, limited funds, limited time to be at the school, etc…

My three kids are currently 4th grade, Kindergarten, and preschool. The school they belong to has been amazing for them. They are honored as individuals. The school’s mission is to nurture the body, mind, and soul of the children, and to develop leaders. The nurturing and developing .

When Bug randomly fell asleep in class one Friday, rather than waking her up to shove math class at her, they let her sleep and woke her after up after an hour to go play (and emailed me to watch in case she was getting sick).  When the amazing librarian realized that a book from Peanut’s favorite series had just been delivered, she made sure to tell Peanut, and let her check it out first. When Bits busted her mouth (at a park under parental care, and not at school), her teachers worked with us for appropriate snacks. I could continue examples, but I have to allow my girls some privacy.

Oh, they are expected to also integrate and work with other kids in their school. They are offered opportunities to play sports or sing choir (and next year is band; shudder)! They have group work during school hours. They are expected to be capable of presentations in front of their class, and speak in front of the school (classes put on mass).

The school also honors family time. We’ve rarely had homework that required weekend work. When we pulled the kids for a family vacation from school for 4 days, no one blinked. They wished us fun and enjoyment together, and worked with us for homework.

Academically, they are held to high expectations. If a kiddo is underperforming, I’ve been told. If they are excelling, I’ve been told. Peanut had integrated work when the class learned about the states. Social Studies, English, music, science, art, and probably math. They are using technology as I do at work (google sheets, anyone?). The kindergarten curriculum starts first grade math concepts in the third quarter. But homework isn’t the be all end all for my kindergartener.

I won’t speak to all the things that the teachers and support staff have done for my kiddos as my kids have a right to privacy. The teachers and other staff are amazing. I will be always grateful for the school and to know that my kiddos are loved, supported, and encouraged as individual humans.