People Who Make a Difference

I'm indebted to people who make a difference in my life...but even more so, I'm indebted to those who make a difference in my children's lives.

We are well into summer. How have two weeks gone by since the last day of school?

Before the school year slips too far from my memory, I want to write about two people who made a difference to my children this year.

Miss Sheryl was Charlotte's Kindergarten teacher this year. She was everything I could hope for in a Kindergarten teacher: kind, nurturing, and consistent. She challenged Charlotte to focus, learn to read, and make progress on school work (not the easiest task with my youngest child).

Charlotte was happy to go to school everyday. Perhaps this is the greatest gift Miss Sheryl gave us.  

The year end program was a wonderful mixture of music, dance, and Indonesia. Charlotte was the only American in her class. But she sang the Indonesian National Anthem...in Bahasa. She played her recorder and danced at the same time! (Love those black socks and shoes? It was part of the costume, very Indonesian).

 Charlotte's theater debut was as a dragon fly and frog. Oh the joy!

And to think I prayed so hard for her to go to another school...when really, this was perfect for her. 

Now, Miss Pickles. 4th grade came with many social challenges for Amelia. But it will perhaps be her most favorite school year because of her incredible teacher. Isn't Pickles a great name for a 4th grade teacher? 

Miss Pickles' classroom was purple, because Miss Pickles loves purple. There was also a class pet: a hedgehog named Prickles. And books, books, books, everywhere and all the time. 

The best part about Miss Pickles is that she completely "got" Amelia. She embraced Amelia's unique qualities and made her feel special. They shared a love of reading. Amelia read so many books this year - most were recommendations from her teacher. And our favorite read-aloud chapter book was a special personal-loan from Miss Pickles: The Thief Lord.

We may be well into summer, but these two teachers will stay with my children for the rest of their lives.

Thank you for making this year wonderful!