End of the year

With the year winding down, there are some things that I would like to reflect on.

This has been a whirlwind year and I have enjoyed each and every day being your teacher. You have taken risks and met challenges in your writing and reading and that is all I can ask of you. You have inspired others with your words (including me!) and have made a difference in our writing community.

This year was the first year that I have tried "The Circle of Trust." I have been blown away by how honest and open you have been in class and how you bring your most raw emotions to our class family. Thank you for this. THAT is the reason why I teach. (I just wish that could be measured on a standardized test...You'd all exceed all of the expectations that are put on you. But that's another story...) You have let us into your life and we have related with you creating a bond that cannot be broken.

Please keep writing. Please keep reading. Please keep sharing your stories. This is how our world will heal itself.

I have become a better person after getting to know each of you.