I recently borrowed an idea from SA Bronx 1 Middle School Principal Britney Weinberg-Lynn and asked parents at my school to write a thank-you note to a teacher. Our teachers spend a great deal of time thinking about how to motivate scholars, and I thought these thank-you notes would keep our third- and fourth-grade teachers motivated during the state exams. The response from parents blew me away. I received so many positive and beautiful messages. I read them to the teachers in the mornings and each one made their faces light up. Some notes were so moving we cried. You can read some of these messages below.
Dear Ms. Rezin and Ms. Lynch,
I wanted to take the time to thank you so much for your dedication to our scholars. I was nervous about starting third grade. But you guys made me feel confident that Rhaheem had what he needed to succeed. You are excellent teachers. You had patience and cared so much about him. I am not a teacher. In fact, I don’t believe I have the patience to be a teacher. But I believe you guys are cream of the crop, top-notch. You guys are more than teachers. This year you have helped me parent my child… Every day that Rhaheem was late, you called. Every night before state testing, you called. When I was running late after school, you were understanding. This year was a tough year for me but I feel like we were in a partnership and because of you, Rhaheem is a better and more confident writer and mathematician. Thank you for investing in my son’s future. Thank you for caring about him the way you did this year.
I am Nilda Gonzalez and my daughter Naiya is in the fourth grade (Fordham University -White). I would like to give my thanks to Mr. Barabas and Ms. Hsieh for always being consistent and keeping up with the needs of my daughter and calling every night before the state test in order to keep her pumped up and help her reach her goals. It shows their dedication and that they care. My daughter and I are so grateful for them and all their hard work.
Ms. Rezin, you are AMAZING. Thank you for all you have done for Zachi. Words cannot explain how grateful we are. You exemplify what a true LEADER does. Thanks for the kind words when I needed them most. I’ve watched you (when you did not know I was watching you ) and I can truly say you are a dedicated teacher willing to serve, and that’s what great leaders are made of. I believe that as this is being read to you, your mind is on your scholars and making sure that they are pumped up and ready to go, so I will stop here. You are truly a blessing. May you receive favor from God in everything that you do.
Love,
Zachi’s Mom
Teachers,
Thank you all for the constant encouragement you give my children. My family and I are very grateful for your hard work, for your kind words, for instilling a sense of rightness in our children’s minds, and for pushing them beyond expectations. You guys rock!! You all have contributed to making SA Bronx 1 #1. Keep on the great work! We are almost at the finish line.
With love and gratitude,
Jaynittza Nieves (Mom to Julius and James)
We would like to give a shout out to Ms. Belkin and Ms. D. for the outstanding work they have done with my son Adrian. He has grown so much this year with the help of these great teachers. We are so happy with the outcome and the school. I need to add one more teacher, Ms. Dubai, of course. Ms. Freedberg is Jayden’s fourth grade teacher. In the beginning of the school year, Jayden was having a hard time but with the help of his teachers — Ms. Margolis, Ms. Freedberg, Ms. Dubai to mention a few — he started making progress. Now he’s where he should be. Without the help of these great teachers, it would not have been possible. Thank you for the hard work and time you put into all our kids. The best teachers and staff are the ones in Success Academy Bronx 1 and our # 1 principal Ms. Vandlik.
Jayden and Adrian’s mom,
Wanda
Ms. Vandlik,
I would like to say I appreciate all the work the teachers have put in to help not only Madison but all the scholars. I’m so happy I can send Madison to a school with teachers I know will respect, listen, help and be there for her. I consider everyone there our second family. Madison looks forward to coming to school every day and for that, I’m grateful to you and your staff.
Sincerely,
Shaquon Cates
Ms. Walsh,
You are a great and kind teacher. I know my child can sometimes behave annoyingly, but you’re always patient with him. Thank you for always encouraging my son to learn more and work hard. We really appreciate all your hard work and dedication.
The Jones Family
Good morning Ms. Vandlik…
I had been wanting to write something in support of your amazing staff for a while. We’ve been with your school for three years and your staff’s hard work, dedication, and passion come through in everything they do for our kids every single day. My kids are always excited about coming to school and that’s why they don’t miss a day. 🙂 It’s evident all this is possible because of your outstanding leadership and clear expectations. Kudos to you and much continued success!!
Have a great day/weekend!
Norma
