Our Favorite Thank You Notes to Teachers

Sometimes the smallest moment in the classroom can have the biggest impact. That’s why this Teacher Appreciation Week we’re shining a light on the long-lasting impact teachers have on their students.

Join our Teacher Appreciation Week celebration here.

From authors and astronauts to wildlife educators and fashion designers, we’re collecting personal thank you notes from all walks of life to shine a light on the incredible educators who have changed the lives of so many.

If you have a teacher you would like to thank, you can leave a note for them by clicking here. In the meantime, keep scrolling to read our favorite notes.

Dear Dr. Price,

Thank you for recognizing my potential during one of the hardest times of my youth. It is because of your passion and kindness that I decided to become an Electrical Engineer.

From,
Katya E. - Former NASA Engineer and First Mexican Female Astronaut

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Dear Mr. Demyan,

You saw potential in me that I didn't even know was there. Thank you for pushing me to be more than I could imagine for myself.

Michele O. - Educator of 19 years, Doctor of Education, and CASA advocate and mentor for foster youth

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Dear Mr. Corey,

Thank you for changing my life. You took in a troublesome highschool student and changed his future. I wouldn’t be the man I am today without you.

Best,
James Pond, president, Governor’s Early Literacy Foundation and avid reader

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Dear Ms. Banks,

Thank you for welcoming me every morning with humor and care! Moving into a new country and school wasn't easy, but you made me feel like I belonged.

Gratefully,
Aliisa, who now works for an international education nonprofit

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Dear Mrs. Sheridan:

Thank you for letting me keep that class copy of The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock -- it started a love of poetry that has not stopped since.

-Amanda Chacon, Librarian

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Dear Ms. Movey,

Thank you for allowing me the space to be myself and read. You are always the reason I keep teaching.

With love,
Jessie Storrs, Teacher Librarian Media Teacher, MLIS

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Dear Mrs. Mauney,

Thank you for teaching me to read and setting me on a path to lifelong learning. I'll never forget the love and care you showed me and every one of your students.

Love,
Tamara Cox -Librarian and bibliophile trying to pass on that care to my students

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Dear Ms. Bennett (now Mrs. Cifareli),

Thank you for being the person I needed in 3rd grade, when I was going through a difficult time in my life. You didn't know it then, but you were instilling care and nurturing in me, that I now have as a teacher.

- Anjuli Dyal, 2nd Grade Special Education Teacher

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Dear Mrs. Krezdorn,

Thank you for not giving up on me when I struggled to spell words. You never gave up and found the magic method for it all to finally make sense and gave me my love for reading.

From,
Anna Hart, a Scholastic Teacher Fellow ELA Teacher

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Dear Dr. Clerico,

Thank you for caring about me as a student and a person, remembering each student even when we've left your classroom. Your passion for education and teaching will forever leave an impact on me and I'll never forget the first day of your class.

Anna Hart, a Scholastic Teacher Fellow ELA Teacher

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Dear Mrs. Helle,

Thank you for encouraging us to share our stories. I am a better teacher because I had you as an example.

Love, BreAnn Fennell (writer and reader of books)

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Dear Mrs. Moody,

Thank you for always taking time to read a few chapters of different books to us at the end of class. Middle School was tough enough, but during your class I was always engaged and eager to hear the rest of the story!

Emely G.- Kindergarten Teacher, Stargirl enthusiast, and lover of Flair Pens

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Dear Mrs Muhn,

Thank you for the confidence you gave me as a reader in first grade. You have been such a role model for myself, my brother and so many families. Thank you for everything, I would not be the teacher or person I am without you!

Best,
Grace Hearl, sixth grader teacher

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Dear Mrs. Muller,

Thank you for always having a kind heart and providing the coolest places to read. Your care for others is what I strive to duplicate everyday.

Sincerely,
Kevin F. - who still tries to replicate the comfort of the reading tube.

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Dear Professor Rushing,

Thank you for introducing me to the vastness and beauty of literature from the African diaspora. Your wisdom, support and encouragement affirmed my identity and influenced the path that I have taken in life. As an educator, I quote you often and have all my original copies of the books from your courses.

Love,
Melanie O. -- learning specialist and library specialist

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Dear Mrs. Wells,

Thanks for teaching me the important lesson to "never judge a book by it's cover." You were a role model to me and I'm teaching elementary school now!

Tim W. 4th grade teacher

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Dear Sister Rose Marie,

Thank you for making learning joyful; your love of teaching came through loud and clear!

Julia López-Robertson, former classroom teacher, current university professor and author

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Dear Mr. Hairston,

Thank you for bringing joy into learning every single day. You always made sure everyone felt included, no easy task with 7th graders, and ensured we learned so much. You helped me believe that I could do anything!

All my thanks,
Dr. Julia B. Lindsey

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Dear Miss Westenskow,

I think you saw a writer in me before I even realized it myself. Thank you for believing in me.

Warmly,
Lindsay Kemeny - Author and 1st grade teacher

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Dear Mrs. Dukes,

Thank you for seeing all of my potential and never reprimanding me for being that chatty little second grader who always spoke her mind. Instead, you encouraged me to do so. I didn't know it then, but when you asked me to be your teacher's assistant, you planted your seed in me. It lives on because I am now a teacher educator and author yielding bountiful fruit in your honor. I am forever grateful to you.

Michele Myers - Assistant Professor at Wake Forest University

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Dear Ms. Lunstra,

You do an incredible job of pushing your students to articulate their thinking during read-alouds while also showing genuine interest in their messages! Thanks for showing us what fun a rigorous, Grade 1 classroom discourse looks like.

Tricia Zucker – Professor at UTHealth and author of Strive for Five

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Dear Ms. Gilliam,

It is a pleasure to see how you create joyful read-alouds with a variety of informational and narrative texts. Your students are completely drawn into each page as you push them to use new vocabulary words they’re learning in texts. Your students really were “nuts for words!”

Tricia Zucker – Professor at UTHealth and author of Strive for Five

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Dear Ms. Lester and Ms. Gilliam,

Your pre-k hallway is a place filled with warmth, knowledge building and great conversations. Your students not only enjoy talking to the adults in their classroom, but also love to connect with their peers because you’ve made it a fun routine to “turn and talk” to a partner.

Tricia Zucker – Professor at UTHealth and author of Strive for Five

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Dear Ms. Carr,

The way you engage your first-grade students is truly remarkable! You show that you care about each one of them through your actions and your conversations. Your classroom is electric and inspiring.

Sonia Cabell - Associate Professor at Florida State University

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Dear Mrs. Vaughan,

Thank you for encouraging me to learn more about science. You brought me books to read, let me watch your class’s science experiments, and were always there to talk and listen. I’m a research physician because of you.

Thank you,
Linda Mayes – Professor, Yale University School of Medicine

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Dear Mrs. Aylesworth,

Thank you for reading the very first book I ever made, in 1st Grade, and telling me you just knew you’d have my books on your shelf some day. It made me think of myself as a writer.

Love,
Elise Broach - Children’s book author

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Dear Ms. Osai,

Thank you for being my beacon of strength during the difficult ordeal of bullying. Your consistent support and unwavering dedication uplifted me through those tough times, showing me the true power of kindness and resilience.

With deep appreciation,
Kheris Rogers, Clothing Designer

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Dear Mr. Matthews,

Thank you for not giving up on me, and for coaching me through my struggles with ADHD. I'm in a much better place.

From,
Jungle Jordan, Wildlife Educator

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Dear Dr. Amazon,

Thank you so much for always being there for me and pushing me to be my best self during middle school. You changed my life!

Love,
Tyler Gordon – Professional Artist, Author and Activist

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Dear Mrs. Zabrowski,

Thank you for creating a reading nook in your homeroom. The poem I fell in love with there changed my life!

With love,
Rosemerry Wahtola Trommer, author of All the Honey and 12 other books of poetry

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Dear Mr. Bloom,

When your writing workshops required students to turn in three-page short stories every month, thank you for letting me keep mine an extra month. That three-page story became 30 pages!

Warmly,
Lauren Magaziner – Author of 13 novels for young readers

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Dear Mrs. Kane,

Thank you for helping me adapt to a new writing style. Writing is one of the most personal forms of expression, and through your guidance, I can analyze life more deeply with each writing piece.

Luke L. – Scholastic Kid Reporter, writer, and scholar

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Dear Mr. Lebitsch,

Thank you so much for being the most supportive and patient band director ever. You help us get better every day, and your hard work and dedication show at every performance we participate in.

With much gratitude,
Mika J. – Scholastic Kid Reporter and clarinet /saxophone band student

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Dear Mrs. Sage,

Teacher Appreciation Week is a great time to recognize your exceptional dedication as a water polo and swim coach, teacher, and mentor. Your superpower is seeing each student’s unique strengths, interests, and potential. You have taught me life lessons in emotional management and cooperation that have driven me to enhanced success in the classroom, sports, and life.

Quade K. – Scholastic Kids Press alum and high school athlete and scholar

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Dear Ms. Hallock,

Thanks for creating the 40-book challenge! It greatly impacted my life, and now I’m a literary enthusiast who loves exploring various genres of books.

Sincerely,
Kush K. – Scholastic Kid Reporter who read 80 books last year and is passionate about reading

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Dear Ms. Ryan,

You have been an incredible mentor and role model for me, and I am so thankful for your guidance. I really appreciate the time and effort you put into our lessons.

Best,
Aiden A. – proud reporter for Scholastic Kids Press

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Dear Mrs. Kjemperud,

Thank you for encouraging me to take a big step with my writing in fourth grade. You helped me express my ideas so that I could become a better writer.

Best regards,

Owen M. – Scholastic Kid Reporter and aspiring novelist

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Dear Ms. Gritz,

Thank you for helping me publish my first pieces of writing a few years ago. Your support and encouragement have made me into the reporter I am today.

Zoya S. – Scholastic Kid Reporter and book reviewer

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Dear Ms. Nekia,

I was really nervous about being in the front row of our class hip-hop performance. You helped me gain confidence and come out of my shell.

Thank you,
Leyla S. – Scholastic Kid Reporter

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Dear Ms. Cleary,

When I was in your third grade class, you told me that my bug artwork was similar to the work of Minnie Evans. Thank you for inspiring me to explore art. I never would have gotten started in art if not for your encouragement.

Sincerely,

Teresa F. – high school junior, student journalist, and award-winning painter

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Dear Mr. B,

Thank you for instilling a relentless drive in me. Your pep talks and motivational messages transformed my confidence, and helped me embrace challenges. I’m deeply grateful for your guidance.

Howard Langston, Fashion Designer

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Dear Mrs. Carol Seguin,

I just wanted to let you know how thankful and deeply grateful I am to have had you as a teacher. Your kindness, genuine care, and dedication have played a significant role in shaping me into the teacher I am today. You saw me as a person first, and a student second. I strive to make a positive difference in my students' lives and focus on forming strong relationships, just as you did in mine. Thank you for being such an exceptional teacher and mentor. Your influence continues to guide and inspire me and I am blessed to have had you as a teacher.

With heartfelt thanks,
Kim DeVries, 7th Grade Social Studies Teacher

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Dear Mrs. Zwiefel,

The history of the Beatles class you taught made me love not just the Beatles, but history itself. Your passion for the subject was infectious and showed me if you want to get someone excited about something you have to be excited about it yourself. Thank you for gifting us with true joy in learning.

Jen Seewagen

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Dear Mrs. Sexton,

Thank you for helping my boy come out of his shell and for always encouraging and supporting his individual progress in the classroom. You have given him the opportunity to grow and become a confident reader! This year has been such a year of growth and new love for reading! I appreciate your dedication and love for teaching!

Amanda Aguilera

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Dear Mrs. Baehm,

Thank you for the positivity you showed me in elementary school. I knew you supported me no matter what and that feeling of your teacher believing in you is priceless.

Sarah R., Medical technologist at Cornell’s college of Veterinary Medicine

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Dear Professor D'Amore Beres,

Thank you for your never ending and contagious zest for life. You taught me to keep smiling and persevere even when times are tough. You have remained a constant in my life through Facebook and I am grateful to have learned from you how to navigate life's challenges with grace. Thank you! Continued blessings to you.

Angela Kilgore

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Dear Mrs. Hernandez,

Thank you for taking such great care of my Kitty when she was in your kindergarten class you're such an inspiration to me and to her and she loves you so much it was nice seeing you the other day we still appreciate you.

Jane Burns

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Mrs Liao,

We appreciate your support and hard work. We're thankful for everything you do.

Sam Mohamed

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Dear Mr. Greenfield,

Thanks for being my professor, mentor, and friend for 39 years!

Brian Cohen

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Dear Mr. Simon,

Thank you for being so patient and kind to my son. The world needs more teachers like you.

Melinda Greve

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Dear Teacher Emie and Teacher Rob,

I am grateful for you teaching me for the last 1 year and being funny and strict and being the best grade 3 teacher. Thank you for the learning that I had and the laughter. I hope we can see each other again when I'm in grade 4.

J. Chua

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Dear Mrs. Lewis,

I know books are extremely expensive and your school doesn't have a library, so you have to spend your own money buying them for our students. I want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart for providing quality and diverse literature for all the students in your 4th grade class.

Love,
Nathan - microbiologist and parent

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Dear Mrs. Arinder,

Thank you for instilling in me a passion for creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving. My memories of TAG are some of my most favorite of all my school days. I loved spending my time in your classroom. You were always an inspiring teacher with a bright and friendly smile.

Ben Wall

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Dear Mrs. Gray,

I appreciate you because you shared such an enthusiastic attitude while teaching your first year at Avinger Elementary! Your lesson plans were such fun and involved all students as you differentiated those lessons. You taught me to NEVER forget what it feels like to be a child, who must learn yet individual help.

Mrs. Swan

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Dear Mrs. Johnson,

In early 1990, you were my toughest English teacher & one of the best! Now as a parent myself, I view your no-nonsense style as having high expectations because you wanted your students to do their best. Your class helped to shape my future goals & expectations about what I could accomplish with hard work and perseverance. Thank you!

Amy B

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Dear Mr. Jay Parker,

You made music & HS marching band a wonderful and everlasting part of my life! I was grateful to be one of your last group of students. Now as my children enter the world of music & playing instruments, I look for teachers like you that will encourage and help them to be adventurous and dedicated to their crafts! Thank you for being amazing!

Amy B

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Dear Mr. Snow,

Your classroom is a place of growth, curiosity, and encouragement. From the way you explain complex concepts to the patience you show when answering our questions, you truly make a difference. Your commitment to education doesn’t go unnoticed, and I am grateful to be one of your students.

With heartfelt thanks,
Danielle

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Dear Mr. Ho,

You have made 1st grade so special. You really care about all of us and show it every day! I will miss you so much.

K. Bishop

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Dear Mrs. Newman,

Thank you for sparking my love for reading and writing back in kindergarten. As a family friend who doubled as my first teacher, your encouragement still echoes in my career today. Even though I was a “talker,” I will never forget the joy and warmth you brought to our class and made it feel like home for us.

Love,
Claire Jones, Director of Communications, Governor’s Early Literacy Foundation

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Dear Mrs. Green,

In addition to being an excellent educator, you took the time to teach us life skills which opened up the world of crafting to me. Thank you for teaching us to exceed, but also reminding us to play.

Sincerely,
Shanella; Marketer and Yarn Enthusiast

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Dear Ms. Johnson,

My cheerleader, you have been so amazing to me. Thank you for your kindness and your toughness to be better! Thank you for showing me the true meaning of being a dedicated teacher. You truly have impacted my life. You encourage me everyday to be better.

Gracias Gracias Gracias!
Marsha Sandoval

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Dear Mrs. Beatty,

You opened my world through sharing the love of reading & introducing us to pen pals, I absolutely loved that & went on to continue to write to my pen pal for a few years after. I grew up & hosted 4 Foreign Exchange Students, my own daughter studying abroad.

Thank you for opening the world to me!
Sharon (Freedman) Looby

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Dear Miss Aw,

Thank you for your love and care for me all the time! I will study hard and live up to your teachings! 谢谢您一直以来对我的关爱与照顾！我会好好学习，不辜负您的教导！

Wenxi Zhang

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Dear Mrs Digregorio,

THANK U FOR UR HELP WITH MY READING IM SO EXCITED TO FINISH 1ST GRADE AND GOING TO SECOND ALL UR SUPPORT AND MY MOMS I THANK GOD FOR U.

J. Ware

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Dear Miss. Walkes,

Thank you for being a great teacher and for believing in me. I learned so much this year 🩷

J. Gomez

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Dear Ms. Allshouse,

Thank you for being a helpful and grateful teacher of the year. Thank you for helping during my joining of a new school.

M. Garodia

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Dear Mrs. Sokolinski,

Thank you for all your love and support for Jaxon this year.

April

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Dear Mrs. Kenworthy,

You have helped Addie out all year. Every time I see you smiling. Thank you 😊 for a great year.

Linda P.

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Dear Ms. Miller,

Thank you for showing me that you care about our children. Your patience, encouragement, and dedication have made all the difference in Serenity's progress. I am amazed at how far she has come under your tutelage, and we are forever grateful for your unwavering belief in Serenity's potential.

Thank you for being YOU!
Keenia, Parent

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Dear Mrs. DeMedeiros,

I am so proud to have had you not once but twice for a great teacher! With your help, I have all the tools I need to succeed. I promise to always make you proud and to have you in my life.

J. Fleck

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Dear Mrs. Pinkerton Dody,

I feel so blessed to have a teacher like you for my child. I am a witness to how dedicated you are in teaching your students and I feel relieved that you are the one who has been nurturing his future. Thank you and may you keep up the good work! Thank you very much for being such a good teacher to my son Joshua 💙 ❤️ 🙏

Ishioma N.

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Dear Mycah Forrest,

Thank you for being a great Teacher and Role Model for our sweet Ry'Anne. We appreciate you taking the time with her, and for that we are forever grateful!!! You and Ms. Allison have been a dynamic duo and have given our daughter a safe space to learn and grow. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!

Jacqueline P.

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Dear Mrs. Bird,

Thank you for everything that you have done with Kayden this year. Helping him learn his words/numbers and getting him ready for his next grade we couldn't thank you enough. Best teacher ever! We love you 💕

Kayden and Kelsey

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Dear Ms. Amy Martin,

I want to send you a huge thanks for all the hard work that you've put into Gabby this year. Until she entered your classroom, she wasn't very interested in anything that had to do with History. But, thanks to the World War II Book Project, she's become far more interested in our nation's history!

Johnnie H.

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Dear Mrs. Embree,

Thanks for showing me that kindness can come in more ways than just a compliment. It could be shown by a kind teacher, so I’m very grateful to have you as my 4th grade teacher!

Jacklynn

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Dear Mrs. Smith,

Thank you for being the best kindergarten teacher ever. I adore you.

Nathaniel

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Dear Mrs. Milanes,

You have been the best teacher for our daughter and she adores you and her classmates! She has learned so much since she started Pre-K.

Rebecca Rouse

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Dear Mr.Nowak,

You make me happy every day I see you. It reminds me of me and you in second grade. Hope you do well with other 5th grade students further in the year.

Sincerely,
Michelle Garcia Romo

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Mrs. Claypool,

You listened. Thank You!!!

Sheryl Rhodes

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Dear Jolie Epp,

You are such a good 7th grade teacher.

Zurie Skye

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Dear Miss Nicho,

I miss you.

Jaden B.

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Dear Mr. Wood,

Thank you for being the best kindergarten teacher in the whole wide world!!!

Kloye M.

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Dear Mr.Ollodart,

Thank you for showing me that caring is contagious—even when it goes unnoticed.

Ethan H.

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Dear Mrs Scott,

Thank you for being an exceptional teacher! Rami has grown so much this year, thanks to your dedication and care. We are truly grateful for your positive impact.

Best,
Houda R.

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Dear Mrs. Thonas,

You’re the best.

Ava Youngblood

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Dear Mr. Moore,

Thank you for being such an incredible teacher! Your kindness and dedication to teaching the kids more than just school work truly make a difference.Your commitment to the students goes above and beyond, from the classroom to attending their birthday parties.

Tammarie Smith

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Dear Mrs. Gray,