To my new students,

I don’t know you yet.

Yes, maybe I have met you.

I’ve taught older brothers and sisters.

I’ve seen you around town and at events.

But I don’t really know you.

We haven’t sat on the classroom rug yet, 

taking time to learn about each other.

I don’t know your favorite color.

You haven’t told me your favorite animals, foods, or memories.

I haven’t watched your imagination during recess.

I haven’t seen your dance moves or heard you sing.

You haven’t shown me your play-doh creations.

I don’t know what makes you most happy

or what makes you most sad.

I haven’t seen your writing or listened to you read.

I don’t know if you are bold and confident

or maybe deliberate and thoughtful.

We haven’t laughed together,

cried together,

learned together

or grown together.

But we will.

Before long, we will not only know each other,

but we will become a family.

And I am so excited!

See you soon,

Your Teacher