An Open Letter to My Students
Today you are most likely sleeping in, enjoying one of the first perks of summer vacation. I am taking some time today to pack away the books, projects and most importantly the memories we have created this year. The last day of school we spoke again about the importance of self-reflection, and we thought about what the year has taught us. I took some time to reflect on one of our first activities together. On one of your first days in my class I asked you all to write a letter to your future self. You listened carefully and filled those letters with your hopes, dreams and expectations for the year ahead. What I did not share with you was that I too was writing a letter. I had high expectations for the school year ahead and you all helped to far exceed each and every one of them. Just like you, I have days when I’m tired, under the weather or have many thoughts occupying my busy mind- it was you that helped me put that aside and put you/your education first. Our classroom was not only a place to come and learn, it was a safe place to learn from each other, embrace differences and grow as individuals. I loved receiving e-mails throughout the year from you and your parents about the civics conversations that made it to your dinner table that night- I knew I had served my purpose at those times. I was honored that you entrusted me with your brains as well as your hearts when you shared difficult stories on days you were not at your best and just needed someone to listen as you sorted through some teenage troubles. I watched on as you embraced new classmates, new group mates and new friends with warm smiles- you let your natural inquisitive nature take over. You didn’t know it then, but you made them feel as if someone cared about their life and getting to know them, and I watched on with pride at the wonderful character traits you were displaying. Overall, each and every one of you have made me extremely proud this year. Even when you have moved on to high school and have forgotten all about your middle school teachers, I will still share stories about our classes with others and begin those stories with “One time, my kids…” because you will all always have a special place in my heart as one of “my kids” that made 2014-2015 at Jackson Heights Middle School so very special.
Have a most wonderful summer and don’t forget to embrace an opportunity to grow and learn each and every day! Mrs. Furgione
Today you are most likely sleeping in, enjoying one of the first perks of summer vacation. I am taking some time today to pack away the books, projects and most importantly the memories we have created this year. The last day of school we spoke again about the importance of self-reflection, and we thought about what the year has taught us. I took some time to reflect on one of our first activities together. On one of your first days in my class I asked you all to write a letter to your future self. You listened carefully and filled those letters with your hopes, dreams and expectations for the year ahead. What I did not share with you was that I too was writing a letter. I had high expectations for the school year ahead and you all helped to far exceed each and every one of them. Just like you, I have days when I’m tired, under the weather or have many thoughts occupying my busy mind- it was you that helped me put that aside and put you/your education first. Our classroom was not only a place to come and learn, it was a safe place to learn from each other, embrace differences and grow as individuals. I loved receiving e-mails throughout the year from you and your parents about the civics conversations that made it to your dinner table that night- I knew I had served my purpose at those times. I was honored that you entrusted me with your brains as well as your hearts when you shared difficult stories on days you were not at your best and just needed someone to listen as you sorted through some teenage troubles. I watched on as you embraced new classmates, new group mates and new friends with warm smiles- you let your natural inquisitive nature take over. You didn’t know it then, but you made them feel as if someone cared about their life and getting to know them, and I watched on with pride at the wonderful character traits you were displaying. Overall, each and every one of you have made me extremely proud this year. Even when you have moved on to high school and have forgotten all about your middle school teachers, I will still share stories about our classes with others and begin those stories with “One time, my kids…” because you will all always have a special place in my heart as one of “my kids” that made 2014-2015 at Jackson Heights Middle School so very special.
Have a most wonderful summer and don’t forget to embrace an opportunity to grow and learn each and every day! Mrs. Furgione