On to Second

It was bittersweet to see 1st Grade
come to a close, Lexi.
Because it was such a sweet and happy year
for you at school.
Your teacher was, quite simply, amazing.

Through the years,
certain teachers come to stand out above all the rest -
and I really think Mrs. Sickler will be one of those.

All of the parents loved her…
because all 22 of you kiddos loved her so much.
She was never without a smile, or a compliment,
or a can-do, positive attitude.
Teaching is, without a doubt, her calling.
And that set the tone for the entire class.
You jumped out of bed every morning,
no alarm clock needed.
You were excited to go to school each and every day.
And that truly is no exaggeration.

First grade was the year where you developed
a love for reading.
We would often find you curled up on the couch,
a chapter book in hand.
The "Weird School" series was your absolute favorite.
You still also love having us read to you at bedtime.
It's a ritual for you and I to snuggle together
and find ourselves embarking on an adventure
in "The Secret Garden" or coming to love all four
"Little Women". You are coming to care for
Harry Potter as much as your mama,
and Charlotte is both of our favorite pig.

Mrs. Sickler often commented on how artistic you are,
how much pride you took in all of your projects
and all the little details.
She also thinks writing is a great strength of yours.
In fact, when it came time to present your work at the big
"Fairytale Literacy Ball", she let me know you
were the only first grader who completed two short stories.
And she loved them so much,
she shared them with your principal.

Motivated by some of the boys at your table,
you were the first girl to conquer the 1000s
math project. You were so very proud
to have your name up on the board for this.

You really enjoyed everything about first grade, though.
Art and science class, PE, social studies, even computers.
You loved getting to be silly and creative and active
with your buddies at lunch and recess.

Quite simply, you had a terrific year.
We will forever remember Mrs. Sickler,
and this sweet and spunky class!
Second grade has some big shoes to fill.