This poem was given to me as my son completed his time here at FUMP, as has always had a special place in my heart as a parent and as a teacher. I think it captures the nature of the teacher-child relationship. I hope you enjoy it as well, and have a wonderful summer.
Dear Parents,
I give you back your child, the same child you confidently entrusted to my care last fall. I give your child back pounds heavier, inches taller, months wiser, more responsible, and more mature. Although they would have attained this growth in spite of me, it has been my pleasure and privilege to watch their personality unfold day by day and marvel at this splendid miracle of development.
I give your child back reluctantly, for having spent the year together in the narrow confines of a crowded classroom, we have grown close, have become a part of each other, and we shall always retain a little of each other.
Years from now if we met on the street, your child and I, a light will shine to our eyes, a smile to our lips, and we shall feel the bond of understanding once more, this bond we feel today.
We have lived, loved, laughed, played, studied, learned, and enriched our lives together this year. I wish it could go on indefinitely, but give them back I must. Take care of your child, for children are precious. Remember that I will always be interested in your child and their destiny, wherever they go, whatever they do, whoever they become. Their joys and sorrows I’ll be happy to share.
Thank you for sharing your child with me and my class.