Jennifer

Here where the waves kiss the sand, where the ocean greets land, where each wave is a new beginning, I greet the beginning of a new school year. I  thank the teachers who came before me, upon whose shoulders I stand. I thank the teachers who walk beside me, supporting both me and my students day in and day out. I thank the teachers who come after me, guiding my way with light and inspiration. I thank the parents and families who entrust their kiddos to my care, who hold space for me to teach everything from subtraction to social justice, from phonics to how to offer and accept apologies. I thank my students who show up with love and enthusiasm, with their beautiful, complicated, whole selves. I thank the earth, this land and water that embrace each other, that grounds and lifts me so that I too can embrace this new school year and begin the messy work of building a loving, joyful, community of learning.