Comments on: Dear Student

By: Gael Lynch

Gael Lynch — Sun, 16 Oct 2011 16:22:33 +0000

Well, as always, you’ve nailed it, Pat. That deep sadness and longing, the pulling of the heartstrings at the end of the year. Just that one student, returning is such a wonderful treat. This week, I had that wonderful bonus that comes to those of us who have the honor of standing in front of a new group every year. Two young girls, now seventh graders, returning to be sure I wasn’t giving the ‘new crop’ anything I’d shared with them last year! Too funny!
I miss you, dear teacher! I hope all is bright and sunny in your life on this beautiful autumn day!

By: Lois

Lois — Sun, 25 Sep 2011 18:16:03 +0000

I just finished reading R My Name is Rachel. What a lovely book! I didn’t want it to end. I don’t know how you create characters that are so real. I just loved Rachel and Cassie and Joey. By the end of the book, I felt I knew each one. I am inspired by your writing. I miss your Teacher Talk articles. Hope all is well.

Lois

By: michelle grover

michelle grover — Fri, 05 Aug 2011 17:46:05 +0000

Dear Patricia,

Thank you for sharing this memory. I have no doubt your students remember you–after all, sixth grade is one of those coming-of-age years we’ll never forget, no matter how hard we may try. But I also am confident that what you taught–beyond the curriculum–has lasted them a lifetime. After all, Scott first learned humility and courage. And before he mastered mathematics, he learned that he needed to learn, that it was okay to ask for help, and that you loved him and would be both able and pleased to help him. Now, I’m sure his parents taught him those things too, as they taught him the honor of saying Thank You and presenting you with that tablecloth, but you stood in the gap giving hope. As a fellow “educator-author-parent”, Thank You! You’ve encouraged my heart. God bless,

michelle

By: rhonda

rhonda — Thu, 14 Jul 2011 01:38:43 +0000

Just wanted to say that if I could write like anyone, I wish I could write like you! In just one sentence, you have me! What a great talent and gift! Love the story above, Dear Student; you write so visually, I can see it all before my eyes like a play. Just finished pictures of hollis woods a few minutes ago. Told myself about 18 months ago that every lunch hour I read a little bit of a Newbery Award Winner or an Honor Book. This week, I chose hollis. I would only read until I got choked up or if I thought it might be a “sad” part, but I finished today and now I wish I had another one to read that was just as good as hollis. So…thank you for writing and thank you for enjoying what you do. Katherine Graham once said something that I totally believe in, “To love what you do and feel that it matters, how can anything be more fun?” I am certain you would agree as well.

Rhonda Wooten
Age 55 and still loving to read the Newberys!

By: Carol Carbin

Carol Carbin — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 13:39:38 +0000

Hi Mrs. Giff,

I am always so excited when I open my emails and see that you have added a new posting. I forwarded this to a few teachers and know they will enjoy reading it as they are saying goodbye to their students this week. Happy Summer:)