handwritten on June 25, 2022
Dear Hartwood Staff,
Before I begin, if you wouldn't mind, could you send me a picture of just you standing somewhere? (you can text it to me 724-816-2922) I have a gift that I am creating, and it will be done before the start of school, but I do need photos of every single one of you!
I hope all of you are enjoying your summer thus far and much deserved rest after this academic school year. Though many of you have certainly heard through the grapevine, I will not be returning to Hartwood next year. I have accepted a job at the Falk Laboratory School for the next two years and then will be moving out of state for one year to follow my husband for his fellowship. The hope is that we...
handwritten on May 28, 2022
The end of a school year is always a bitter-sweet one for teachers as we begin to let our students fly to their next destination while cherishing the poignant lessons along the way. During a recent reflection, Kylie dropped a beautiful tree into my hands. The names of every student were on the branches and the words equality, love and “growing together” were placed near the trunk. Though in my younger teaching years I may have analyzed growth through test scores and contemplated data-driven academic goals for the upcoming year. This year, In the wake of yet another school tragedy, I focus on growth in a very different way.
As a Pittsburgh native, the first time I watched Mr. Rogers’...
handwritten on February 20, 2022
Dear Self,
Well the beginning chapters of 2022 have been undeniably tough. I've always enjoyed even numbers and the days that have passed make it feel like "odd" more than "even." The fortune cookie I received four months ago certainly rings true "you will overcome many obstacles." Though truthfully, I think that fortune cookie could/should be changed to "your obstacles may slice your heart but truth always seeps through." Truth never reveals itself, never becomes so very present until your heart is sliced open for all to see. And then sometimes those truths open doors into possibilities you know could be possible. Dreams you have been putting on the back-burner due to doubt. But sometimes...
handwritten on February 4, 2022
After staying up way past my bedtime on Wednesday to pivot to online teaching for Thursday, I felt that familiar dread of teaching online. I think it brought me back to those long months when we initially shut down, and I felt every emotion in the book but longed to see the class that I had left (physically) without really saying goodbye.
It's hard to believe it is already two years later and yet those feeling still remain when I hear the words "virtual learning day" and my heart sinks. I think part of me worries that somehow, in some twist of fate, this is where we will land again (stuck virtually forever.)
But I must say, despite lack of sleep this week (major lack of sleep) and worrying...
handwritten on January 18, 2022
Stop, my child
Are you listening?
To new voices
sunrises
new ideas glistening
listen to their rhythm
their words and their fears
listen to their soft whispers
excitement and tears
listen to their worries
others may not
I fear
Quiet footsteps can be BOLD
are you listening?
Stop young lad
Are you listening?
To the words of those who are
hurting
Slapping anger
erupting in tears
Bullying differences
What is “different?”
Just fear
You’re trying to be
like everyone else
no standing out
ignoring those left out
Surrounded by rain
Why not just listen?
It could be your pain
If you had thought to speak out
Against hatred
You would have gained
The love that is now beginning to wane
Stand still my lad...
