Letter from Abby's Kindergarten Teacher
Dear Kris,
I have to be honest, when I saw “Abby Pons” on my class list last summer I couldn’t help but wonder “Is this a good idea?” Whenever there is any personal connection, no matter how small, I have always been told it is not a good idea to have the child in your class. I remember looking at her name on the list and thinking that for some reason (I didn’t know what at the time) I wanted this little girl to stay in my class. Sure, I had heard about Abby from Liz when she did a field placement in my classroom. I believe Abby was three at the time. Liz would brag about her often, saying how smart and exceptional she was. Although I truly enjoyed hearing her “Abby stories” I knew, or thought I knew, she was just another “proud aunt” thinking her niece was the cutest, brightest little girl ever! So really Liz’s stories had no impact on me wanting Abby in my class. Actually, sometimes as a teacher, when you hear stories like these, reality is the opposite in the classroom! The day Abby walked into my room for the first day of kindergarten, it didn’t take me long to realize that Liz was 100% correct about Abby. Yes, she was smart, but it was so much more than that. I couldn’t help but feel a connection with her right away. Teachers are not suppose to have favorites…I try to remind myself of this every year, but it doesn’t matter. I think it took about an hour for Abby to grab that spot as my favorite. She had a certain wisdom about her. I felt like she could read my mind sometimes. She would do things without being asked, that I don’t think others would do if I asked them! This has been a challenging year for me, both personally and professionally, but Abby would always brighten even my darkest day! I truly loved your little girl!
I know you have countless wonderful memories of Abby. Thank you SO MUCH for sharing her with me because I now have great memories as well. I hope this memory box tells you a little more about her days when she was with me. I feel blessed and honored to have had the opportunity to be a part of Abby’s life. She made me smile each and every day!
Sincerely,
Angie Santiago
Letters from Abby's Classmate
