“So…how did it go today?” Hubs asked last Friday after we finally collapsed on the couch after the marathon bedtime routine.
I took a deep breath. “It was perfect. Really. It was the perfect last day.”
And it was. There were lots of hugs, lots of tears, smiles and laughter, and so many generous words of gratitude and admiration. After five years of work helping to build a precious gem of a school from nearly scratch, it’s time for me to move on to new adventures.
For five years, whenever anyone has asked me about my job, I’ve answered truthfully, “I love it. I work at an idyllic little school in the Bronx that’s an amazing place for kids to come and learn and teachers to come and work every day.” And anyone who’s ever worked in the notoriously messy, imperfect business of urban education knows that that’s saying something.
There’s so much I’ll miss about my work, my colleagues, and the kids that when it came time to put it into words to read the staff on Friday, I needed some help to focus my thoughts. I turned to The Important Book by Margaret Wise Brown as a mentor, trying to put my finger on the most important things about Bronx Community… and here’s what I came up with:
The important thing about Bronx Community Charter School is
that it is here.
It is true that it can be messy,
and loud,
and when you dig into it,
it is sometimes even
a little bit sad…
It is also beautiful with caring
and full of joy.
But the important thing about BxC is
that it is here—for the families,
for the teachers,
for the kids—
for the whole world, really.
And once you’ve seen it,
and heard it,
and been a part of it,
it will never let you go,
leaving an indelible trace
that forever after whispers—
Hope.
jaclynfre said:
I began my career in a school in Paterson, NJ. The stories you can tell will allow you to dine out for years. I’m intrigued by the poem that might be written about how you knew it was time to move on . . . Was it a slow build or a sudden change in focus? So intriguing.
dmurphy2013 said:
Sigh. What a loving tribute to your school. I got a little teary eyed reading it. I’m sure your colleagues were moved by your words. Beautiful.
sarah bennett said:
Marika! Sarah here. Beautiful poem. I am also leaving my school at the end of this year after 3 years so this particularly resonated with me. Gonna go read it again. Thanks for sharing 🙂 love you!
elle1955 said:
I spent a year teaching 2nd grade and using The Important Book to reflect on many things. This was a beautiful reflection. I would like to be at that school.
Angela said:
Oh, congratulations…this was a gorgeous tribute to the school and to your time there. I hope the wind carries you to an equally meaningful place. The world needs more people who take risks and give and let go like this too….
Jaana said:
Bittersweet. You must be an amazing person! I am wondering what adventures wait for you in the future?
aggiekesler said:
Beautiful tribute! I can imagine there wasn’t a dry eye in the house. You will definitely be missed. Good luck on your next adventure!
Kathy Collins said:
So here I am, up at 1:30 in the morning – by accident. I was cleaning out my inbox and I stopped by Facebook for a minute (!), and I saw that you’re blogging again. I’ve just spent the last half hour in your latest posts. I’m so glad you’re back at it! Inspiring on a variety of levels. XO