Dear Santa,
I am 41 years old and known by many as “Ms. Rice”. I’ve been a very good girl this year, despite what you may have heard in the media. Our society does not seem to have a positive opinion of teachers overall and I don’t want you to be confused by the negativity floating about. I know there are situations out there that are bad. I know some people are on the naughty list. I know you see that. But I know the teachers in my building are dedicated, loving and caring people who pour their hearts and souls into teaching every day. I work at home after my own children go to bed so I can grade papers, make lesson plans, read chapter books for reading groups, preview apps for classroom learning and make presentations to use in each subject. I made snowballs out of yarn this weekend to use for a fun incentive to help keep learning in the forefront of our classroom this last week of school before you come visit. You are a pretty big distraction for many of my kids.
Thank you for all of the goodies last year. We found them in the garage with a note that you had a change in schedule and dropped by before the kids were asleep. Monkey, my two-year-old, is still playing with that train table. It brings out such wonderful creativity and imaginative fun. My all-time favorite gift is still the stereo I got in HS. It was just very recently retired from our garage. You know how fast technology changes, keeping it for over 20 years lets you know how much it was valued.
I am asking for three things this year if you could find a way to grant my wishes. First, I would like you to take care of my kids. You know, the 21 students I teach and love every day. I see them each as such unique individuals and ask you to give them what they each wish for the most. Second, I could also use the gift of time. I can never find a way to balance planning and organizing lessons, gathering materials, teaching, monitoring students’ progress, updating my blog, e-mailing parents, having individual conversations with kids to make connections, helping with committees, going to faculty meetings, recess duty, hill duty, bus duty, and robotics club. I also need time to be an important presence in my own children’s life so I don’t miss them growing up. Last, I really would love a new pair of running shoes. I have started running and participating in 5K races over the past year. It is a great stress reliever and has led to great conversations with my kids about setting goals, perseverance, failure, and success.
My kids have lists of their own. Monkey wants anything Batman. He just got the bat cave for his birthday and is having great fun with that. Princess wants an American Girl Doll with clothes. On a teacher’s salary that is out of our price range. If you could bring it she would be the happiest six-year-old on the planet. Sport wants money. Parenting a teenager is an interesting phase. It might provide an opportunity for me to take him shopping though and any time spent together is priceless.
I hope this letter finds you and Mrs. Clause in excellent health. Tell the reindeer I say hi and thanks for their hard work. I know my list seems impossible, but I look impossible in the eye every day and make it a reality. I have faith you can do the same. Wishing you a very Merry Christmas!
XOXO,
Lori Rice
PS–Chocolate is never a bad idea either!
