It is so hard another school year will be ending soon. Did you know there is only 16 days of school left this year. Isn’t that crazy? Even though Charlie has graduated my nieces and nephews are in school and I have to ask where did the year go?
For teachers and students, the last stretch of school is not school anymore. It’s finishing mode disguised as structure. Everything is louder, faster, and somehow still expected to function normally. Teachers aren’t teaching.
They’re closing out an entire year while everyone else has already left it mentally. So, the things that actually matter right now are not “teacher gifts.” They are gifts of recognition of survival.
Let your children create a duct tape trophy made by a kid that barely stands up but proudly says “you held everything together anyway.” Don’t worry if the trophy isn’t perfect its the fact they tried that counts the most.
Coffee already ready before the day starts, because nobody has extra capacity for steps that don’t matter. At least our teachers don’t.
A note that doesn’t summarize the year, just says: “I saw what you handled. Even the parts nobody talks about.” Included a candy bar for that much needed break.
Or something small but very real:
A Game of Life board left on a desk with a note: “you can change direction and still be okay.”
Because at this point, teachers don’t need appreciation speeches. They need proof someone noticed while it was happening. If nothing else a handmade card reminding the teacher how much she is appreciated would mean the world to her.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
