A Student Moves

I found out over the holidays that one of my delightful students was going to be moving within a week or so.  I was very disappointed for several reasons.  This child is one of the most passionate and curious young learners I have ever encountered.  She motivated and inspired me to be a better teacher, learner and kinder person!  That's quite an accomplishment for a child who just skipped third grade and entered my fourth grade class!  I was secretly smiling when I received an email that their sale had fallen through!  I've been recuperating from surgery for eight weeks now and desperately wanted to be back in my classroom before this family's house sold again.

Well, last weekend, I got another email that they were DEFINITELY moving on Tuesday, January 28, and would I PLEASE return to school on Monday so Jade could say goodbye!  That wasn't possible, as I am still not ready to be teaching again, so I did something I've never done to show my gratefulness toward this unique young lady.  I purchased a beautiful journal for her, as she loves to write, and I found a 'seven year pen' which I thought would be perfect for her.  We could see if it still worked when she is in eleventh grade and we are continuing to stay in contact with one another.  I also baked her my infamous chocolate chip cookies that my students always request when they 'earn lunch' with me!  Lastly, I gathered some 'kind coins' for her to share with her new classmates and teachers.

I went to her house after she got out of school on Monday and she was out in her driveway in the freezing cold with open arms waiting for my arrival.  She behaved as though she was welcoming a celebrity!  I spent quite some time with Jade and her parents catching up on the past few months while I haven't been in school.  We realized that we have become so close even though I've only actually taught her for three months!  I asked her if she wanted to recite our January poem for me and she proceeded to put her own twist on Shel Silverstein's "The Voice" by singing it!  Once again, this amazing child brought tears to my eyes and those of her parents.  In her usual style, when I handed her the gifts, she was so appreciative and gave me some of the biggest bear hugs you could imagine.  She was thrilled to be able to share 'kind coins' with her new friends and, not surprisingly, she handed one back to me and said, "I want to give you the first one.  Thank you so much for being kind to me!  We will always be friends."

So, today, I am very grateful for my student, Jade, who will take her passion for learning, life and kindness and spread it in Massachusetts.  As I wrote in her journal, Bethel's loss is Andover's gain.  I will treasure her whole being and know that she has made me a better person!