Dear Children,

I think I have been counting down the days longer than you have. I will be the first to admit, this has been a VERY rough year for me as a teacher. Some of you pushed me to my limits and beyond. Some days I wanted to strangle you all. I am pretty sure I have cried more this year than I have the previous 2 combined. Some days I will admit to being beyond caring. 

And somedays I think I may have cared too much.

However, this year was also the hardest set of goodbyes I have ever had. I have watched you all grow up in the past 9 months. You came to me a little more than 3rd graders and are leaving me as 5th graders. We have learned together, laughed together, cried together, sang together, danced together, explored together, played together, gone crazy together.

I could make a list a mile long of the things you (hopefully) learned this year, but instead, here is a list of the things I have learned from YOU this year:

I've learned that there are some children that the school system has already failed merely for the fact that nothing has been done until now.

I've learned that parents can make or break your day. And they can make or break the child.

I've learned that even if you want to tell the child to never come back, you are still glad to see them every day.

I've learned that the core is the least important thing I teach you. I want to teach you first and foremost how to be a good, decent human being, a contributing member of society, and most importantly, help you find out who you are.

I've learned more about being gluten free than I have ever known before and now pay special attention to every birthday treat that enters my room.

I've learned that you have to pick your battles. Some things are just not worth it.

I've learned that a 9-year-old can have an unending supply of patience that defies all odds.

I've learned that it's ok to lock the doors, turn off the lights, and hide in the dark during lunch just so no one bothers you.

I've learned that I don't have to be like the other teachers at school and sit on the side lines. It's more fun to play dodgeball or kickball with you.

I've learned that a hug can speak much more loudly than words can.

I've learned that sometimes you have to throw the rule book out the window and just have fun.

I've learned that recess is just as much for the teacher as it is for the students.

I've learned how to listen. Not just to the words you say, but to the looks you give, the words that aren't said, and to the things you do.

I've learned that you are capable of so much more than we give you credit for.

I hope each one of you knows that you will ALWAYS hold a piece of my heart.  Know that you will always considered one of mine.

Love, Miss Jensen