See Ya Later, My Sweet Cicada Crew!

This isn't a goodbye, but it is a "see ya later, my Cicada Crew!" 

As I reflect on our year together I am overwhelmed with gratitude for the blessing that this first class has been in my teaching journey, my learning, and my life. I will forever cherish the children in the Cicada Crew, and I will never forget the learning, joy, and sweet times that we shared. Thank you families for your constant support, and for your role in the learning and growth that we experienced. 

As I think about this group of students going forward to second grade, I can imagine there are many different feelings that we may all be feeling. I feel excitement for them as they go forward, but I also feel sadness that they won't be in my classroom. I can imagine that some of your children may be feeling some of the same, and different, feelings as I am, so I wanted to share a poem that I wrote for my Cicadas as they go on their next journey. I hope that this poem serves as an encouraging reminder that they are ready for this next year! 

Joy, Love, and Kindness. 

Joy, love, and kindness. 

This is how I felt when you walked through my classroom door, 

22 faces, 44 shoes, 220 fingers, ready to explore. 

We learned to care for one another, to love, and to listen. We appreciated, celebrated, and welcomed one another... there is so much to love you for!  

Joy, love, and kindness,

Filled the room each and every day. 

Through Gatherings, expert projects, field studies, and whatever came our way. 

We became a class family, a team, and a crew. 

We tried our best and we didn't worry about the rest, 

And we learned to say, "I forgive you". 

Joy, love, and kindness.

You taught me new ways to see the world around me. 

You asked beautiful questions, you made brave mistakes, and you shine bright for all to see. 

You know your voice matters, your story matters, and you matter so dearly. 

Joy, love, and kindness. 

Will follow you next year. 

And always remember, there's a place for you here. 

A place for your questions, your bravery, and your passions. 

A place for your sadness, your gladness, and anything you imagine. 

Always speak loud and proud, try your best, and don't let yourself quit. 

And please, my sweet Cicadas, remember... I love you, and I mean it! 

Joy, love, and kindness

Will be waiting for you in Second Grade. 

With your new teacher, classmates, and classroom... so go forth unafraid. 

Go forth in confidence, as you are prepared for this year. 

Go forth in boldness, as there is no need to fear. 

Go forth in love, be a friend to those around you. 

Go forth in kindness, with words that are true. 

Go forth in joy, as there is so much in store. 

My sweet Cicada Crew, I am always here cheering you on as you go forward in the journey of learning and life. There is so much in store for these children, whatever their next chapter may be. Thank you for a beautiful year of learning, and for so the love, joy, and kindness that you filled my heart with each day. I am so grateful, and looking forward to what comes next. The best is yet to come! 

Have a wonderful summer! 

Best, 

Mrs. Dawsey