A Letter for My Class

KPREP testing is upon us!  I will hardly sleep tonight because my sweet third graders take their very first official state test tomorrow.  I have so many mixed emotions about the whole thing, but after 11 years, I can still say that I get super excited to see what these kids can do!  I was inspired by Megan to write a letter to my kids this year, and I was inspired by Katie to write to each kid individually.  Here's the letter I wrote to the first kid on my list.  It's the letter every kid is getting because it took me forever and when I read over it, it's totally true for every single kid anyway.  I'm tired.  They're all getting the same letter.  I found myself echoing the wise words of St. Glennon and using ideas from some brilliant teachers in my past.  I also think I sound a lot like my mother, but that's just a fact of life these days, isn't it?  Anyway, hope you enjoy it.  I can't wait to see how these kids do tomorrow!

Dear Precious Third Graders,

Today is the day!  It’s your first day of testing.  Please know that I am so incredibly PROUD of you.  However, I was proud of you the minute you walked through my door.  Believe it or not, I will always be proud of you, no matter what you do.  You see, I don’t believe my pride is something you have to earn with a test score or an achievement.  Your parents don’t think so either.  You can relax and rest easy because guess what?  There is nothing you can do today, or any day, that will make me any more proud of you!  And, there is no mistake you could ever make that would make me less proud of you.  You already have ALL of my pride.  All of it.  I am so, so proud of you.  Just look at you!  You’re amazing.  You’re amazing just right here in your seat.  Just the way you are.  So amazing.  I am FULL of AMAZEMENT when I look at your sweet face.  Just sit for a minute and let that sink in, okay?  I’ll say it again….you’re amazing.

Ahhh.  Do you feel good?  You should.  You’re amazing, remember?  Don’t forget it.

Now, let’s talk about this KPREP test.  It’s a big deal.  Do you remember why?  It’s not a big deal because you’ll pass or fail third grade.  It’s not a big deal because your parents will be mad if you don’t do your best.  It’s not even a big deal because it shows what you’ve learned all year.  It’s only a big deal because to some people in our state, it’s the ONLY piece of data they get to see.  It’s the only way they’ll judge our school.  It’s the only way they’ll judge YOU and ME!  So of course, we want you to show them your true colors.  We want you to do your best.  We want you to give them an accurate piece of information.

BUT, luckily for you and me, it’s just one piece of data that I get to see.  I get to see other things, too.  I get to see every test you ever took this year.  Every response you’ve written.  Every quiz, every exit slip, every notebook page, every journal entry, every discussion, every hand you’ve raised.  I see it all.  Your parents see it all, too.  You know what else we see?  Every completed homework assignment, even if you had to make dinner the night before.  Every high five you gave a friend.  Every smile you flashed on your way down the hall.  Every kid you invited into your games at recess.  Every responsible choice you made in the classroom, the cafeteria, the library, the gym…even on the bus!  We see you.  We know you’re amazing.  You’re a Falcon!  You’re the best of the best.

So today is the day and now it’s time – show that test who’s BOSS!  Remember….

If you can dream it, you can achieve it!

Get ready to rock, kiddo.  It’s going to be a great day at Ft. Wright!

Sincerely,

Mrs. Fasciotto, your #1 fan