Parents thanked

Dear editor:
As I head into my last week as a full-time elementary teacher, I would like to send a message to the wonderful parents of students that I have had over the years.
Dear parents, I want to thank:
Those of you that have read my many newsletters, sent in the materials that I have requested, and signed all those consent forms in a timely manner.
Those parents that took the time to practice with their child their math facts, read with your child, and helped them with all those projects that made the curriculum to come alive.
Those parents that made sure their child had a good breakfast and packed nutritious lunches (if readers don’t think that food isn’t tied in with behaviour, then you should spend some time in a classroom after Hallowe’en or Valentine’s Day).
Those parents that monitor their child’s TV viewing and computer time, and made sure they had a good night’s sleep.
Those parents that got the whole story when their child came home and complained about something. You should be your child’s advocate, of course, but you also needed to know my perspective. Thank you!
Those parents that use the Kiss ’n Ride. There were many times in my 25-plus years of teaching that I held my breath hoping a child would not get hit when a child ran to their car across the street or ran through the parking lot.
Those parents that helped their child to solve conflicts by talking and being good role models. Giving them ideas and talking about possible solutions helps them to grow (a good place to talk is the Kiss ’n Ride in the morning).
Those parents that let me know when their child might be sad or upset due to family changes. As teachers, we often sense when a child is struggling to deal with a loss or a change, and sharing with us helps us to deal with their emotions and concerns.
Those parents that helped drive students to many tournaments. I enjoyed getting to know you.
To the parents of the classrooms I have had in our new school. Thank you for making my last four years memorable. I will smile when I meet you in the street or at community events.
To my last class–thanks for the memories. I will miss you all.
(Signed),
Cynthia Donald
Grade 4 teacher,
Robert Moore School