"You Make Each Day Special."

I've had a sad day!  But first, I have to back track.

The Board of Trustees and the Administrators at our wonderful, wonderful school have been in good touch with us throughout the year regarding the state of our school, and the state of the economy.  They have anticipated the changes in enrollment for next year, and they have cautiously warned us that some teachers will most likely have to be let go, as they combine smaller classes.  My oldest daughter is in a class of nine kids right now.  Next year, her class size go up to eighteen as they combine the two classes.  

Lately thought the rumors have been pretty good...that they will shift teachers around, and that everyone will get to say.  All four of my children participate in this school in some way.  They "baby" attends a playgroup twice a week that we call "baby school."  (Remember, the baby will be four this year.)  The boy attends nursery school, and my big girls are in elementary.  I know that I am so blessed to be able to say this, but I love each of my children's teachers.  I can't imagine any of them being "let go."  Until today...until another harsh reality of our shitty, crappy, economy reared its ugly head.

At Charlie's Easter party, one of the mothers approached Charlie's teacher and said, "I heard you're leaving!"  Charlie's teacher, Ms. Howard said, "You did?  Where did you hear that?  I'm really not free to talk about that."

In a limited number of words, we learned that the two Pre-K classes would be narrowed to one for next year, and that as the junior teacher, Ms. Howard would not be coming back.  Listening in amongst the few moms helping with the party, I sucked in my lips and fought back tears.  We love Nahema.  We credit her with teaching our son to read, to think, to determine his own interests and to break out of his "Charlie" centered world in order to make friends.  We credit her with building his confidence, and his motor-skills, and his sweet spirit.  I had hoped that she would nurture HJ in the same way that has nurtured Charlie.  But that won't happen.  

We also learned that she had known that this might happen since November, yet, she was still completely devoted to our little ones for the entire year.  I really can't express how heart-broken I am.  Nahema is now looking all over for jobs...many of them not in education.  She needs to put bread on the table for her son.

We parents in the room vowed to make whatever connections we could to find her a job.  We all love her dearly.  Nahema was disappointed that somehow the cat had gotten out of the bag already...she wanted to tell us in her own way, and she wanted to wait until after May 1st, when contracts come back.

I moped around all day, and I wondered how I could get my spirit up to coach lacrosse this evening.  Of course I thought of Ms. Howard, who had provided such a wonderful program, and such a loving , safe environment for my son all year, knowing all along that she might not be back next year.  And we went out and had a wonderful time on the field this evening...

...but now I am home, and I am thinking of Charlie's teacher.  Also, I'm thinking about the email that I got from one of our favorite shop-owners in town, saying that she is closing her doors, and that there will be a 60% off sale.  It's just so sad...

Those of you that know me well know that Fred Rogers is my personal hero.  I think of his words, writings, and actions often.  Especially when I need perspective. When I think of Ms. Howard, I remember the words that Fred Rogers said at the end of every show:

"You make each day a special day. You know how, by just your being you. There's only one person in this whole world like you."