DEAR MRS. BROOCHERD:
Before the school year ends I’d like to tell you how fortunate Linda [my wife] and I feel to have had you as Rebecca’s very first public school teacher.
You got her formal education off to a great start.
Frankly, I was worried about that. I didn’t start liking school until college. In fact, I cried the first day of school through third grade. It became an annual ritual. So you can understand why I was concerned that Rebecca get off to an enjoyable start.
You helped her do just that. She has developed a genuine love for both you and school. Thank you for earning her love.
And thanks for sending her to the principal’s office so often.
I remember going to see the principal only once in my life. Coincidentally, it was when I was in kindergarten. The teacher sent me there because I wouldn’t stop crying for my mom. How much better my memory could have been had the teacher sent me there with a redeemable coupon for a hug and a kiss from the principal. [This was a reward system that the principal used, assisted by Hershey Kisses.]
Linda has had several opportunities to work with you in class and to express to you her appreciation for the job you are doing. But I haven’t. You and Geri Grady [the principal] and the office staff all have my deepest appreciation for the loving concern you have shown to the most precious little girl in my life.
In a couple of years I’ll be sending your way the most precious little boy in my life.
Encore.
The principal got her copy of the letter first. I had copied in the principal and the school superintendent.
Rebecca’s teacher said Mrs. Grady came rushing down the hall, waving the letter like a flag and asking, “Did you get your letter yet?”
“What letter?” Rebecca’s teacher replied.
“You better go to your mailbox,” the principal answered. “I’m taking Mr. Sunderland his copy now.” He was the superintendent, who worked in the same building complex.
Judging by this exuberance, educators don’t get nearly enough praise.
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Excerpt from How to Live in the Moment, “A Moment for School,” chapter 8.
To buy the book: Amazon
“Gold there is, and rubies in abundance, but lips that speak knowledge are a rare jewel.” Proverbs 20:15, New International Version
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