Teachers are caregivers and, while teaching is known to be one of the most underappreciated positions in America, these past few weeks have shown us how much teachers really matter. And it is not just about the academics, it is about the connections they have with our kids and how much they care. Teachers are another constant in our children’s lives: they inspire them, believe in them, and show up for them 5 days a week. I recently asked Acadiana’s teachers what they want their students to know during the shelter in place order:
Dear Students,
“I think about you every day and I hope you are safe and feel loved. Be grateful for this time and look for the positives. Keep reading, solving math problems and experimenting.”-Madeleine McAnally
“I love and miss you! I pray every day for your safety. I hope you are reading and writing in your journals because you all have a story to tell”-Erica Fuselier
“I hope you are getting to be a kid. I hope you’re playing and learning through your experiences at home. I can’t wait to see your faces and learn about all the new things you have discovered.”-Reanna Metcalf
“Learning doesn’t stop when you leave the classroom. There are always opportunities to learn something new; you just have to open your eyes and explore. I think about you all of the time and hope that you are all okay.”-Aimee Hamilton
“I miss and love you all! Hope you are reading and doing some of the work I sent you. I can’t wait until we can have real hugs again”-Samantha Stephens
“Although we are not together, I am still thinking about you daily. I love you all very much and I am proud of each and every one of you. Stay safe and keep reading!”-Aline Kiffe
I wish all of my ‘little chicks’ were with me and we were in our class doing the ‘I did a good job’ cheer! I love you and miss you and as soon as we can go back to school, we will. Stay sweet!”-Mary Gautreaux
“I love and miss you! I hope you are happy and healthy. I am thinking of you every day. Stay smart.”-Olivia Ross
“You are a lifelong learner. Keep working hard in everything that you do and know that I will always believe in you.”-Ava Venable
“Lots of little things remind me of you each day. You are a big part of my heart and my prayers. Be safe!”- Phobe Boutte
“You guys rock and I am thinking of you. I am sorry that we did not get to hug and say goodbye. I love and miss you.”-Michelle Lutgring
“I wish I could’ve given you all the ‘last day’ together you deserve. I had so much more planned for us. I miss your smiles and our high five Friday traditions.”-Mariah Miller
“I miss you so much! My days seem longer without being around you in class. I hope you are enjoying your time away but you are just as ready as I am to go back to school.”-Sarah Turner
“I pray that you are healthy and safe. Your sweet faces are in my heart. I hope that we will reconnect soon, but in the meantime, wash your hands.”-Natalie Hidalgo
“We miss hearing your stories and hope you are safe and healthy. We love and miss you.”-Emma Gerard
“I think about each of you every day and pray for you every night. I wish I could hug you, I miss your beautiful smiles and can’t wait to see you again. I hate that we are missing out on so much.”-Kara Vanhaverbeke
“I miss you all and think about you constantly.”-Paula Schott
“Always remember, no matter what, you are smart, you are important, you are unique and you are loved!”-Dadra Stewart
“I think about you guys all day, every day. I wonder if you’re bored, sad, lonely, safe and missing our class time as much as I am. More than anything I miss your personalities, stories, your insights, and your funny quips. You guys always made me laugh and leaving without a goodbye has left a hole in my teacher heart.”-Kimberly Vincent
And to my students: You are all so special, I love your quirks and your laughter. I miss how you would interrupt my lessons to tell me about your dog or how your Mom ran a red light. You made everyday fun and full of laughs. I love you all so much and someway or another, I will see you soon.
