At the conclusion of John’s kindergarten year, I purchased a copy of Oh, the Places You’ll Go! and had his sweet teacher write him a little note. The tradition continued through the years, and I even started Whit’s book in pre-school. I collected so many memories from those precious years!
When John reached middle school and had seven teachers I started asking only his two favorites. And then, when the boys were virtual for the end of their 5th and 8th grade years, I asked the favorite teachers if they would email something for the books. These requests were always met with such eagerness and happiness. Some asked to mail hand written cards and others emailed me a note to print. I glued these in their books with the rest.
After this idea fizzled out with teachers not responding a few years ago, I reimagined the book yet again! I thought about writing in it myself, but then decided that a picture is worth a thousand words. And a picture with words must be worth that ten fold :-) I dug up all of their last day of school “chalkboard” pictures, printed each and every one, and glued them in the books.
This year I added eighth and eleventh.
I love how this collection of memories, sentiments and photos has unfolded.
I cannot even believe I will be giving this book to John this time next year. Time flies, friends. Hold on to your little ones. <3
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I’m so sad that teachers didn’t understand the importance of such a request. My mom and dad were teachers and my daughter is a teacher now. I can’t imagine any of them blowing off the request. Teachers are overworked and underpaid but they chose the profession out of their love for learning and sharing that love with their students. You’ve come up with a great alternative but I’m sure you’ll remember those teachers who didn’t respond.
Yes on all accounts. My mom was a teacher and my best friend is too. They were both horrified as well. I didn’t even ask this year! I might ask for John’s senior year – his coach and maybe whoever writes his college recs. That’s another thing… he doesn’t know who to ask and I don’t either. His homeroom teacher told us at parent night (we were the only 2 parents that showed up in the entire homeroom!!) that the high school failed his class. This was something I’d been feeling all along, but I didn’t know since he’s my first. They just never engaged them, coming in as freshman in 2020. It’s been such a weird experience. I won’t be sad when we are done with that school :-)
This is such a treasured memory book. I am sad that some teachers did not respond…I can’t imagine not responding…but as usual, you found a way and the last few years will add even more treasured memories to these books. Along with the signs along your walk at the end of each year, I look forward to these posts as well to end the year! Thanks for taking the time to share with your followers.