Dear teachers,
Every year I stand in the school supply aisle clutching your suggested school supplies list. And every year I hear another parent mutter about having to purchase supplies for your class. Their aggravated voices ring high above the others as they wonder what on earth you will possibly do with 25+ boxes of tissues.
Don’t worry. This year, I’m answering for you. Because I know those boxes of tissues you requested are the most important classroom supply on your list.
And I know the person who will use them the most is YOU.
I know that on the first day of school, you will use them to wipe away the tears of an anxious kindergartener who is leaving home for the first time.
I know you will use them to wipe up little spills from a child’s desk during a too-exciting art project.
I know you will use them to “save” your students from terrifying bugs that distract from your lessons.
I know you will use them to wipe countless noses during the long winter months.
I know you will use them to make silly, inexpensive projects that will endlessly amuse your students and bring joy to their school days.
I know you will use them to clean up scrapes and cuts from the playground. I know you will use them to comfort the tears that accompany those injuries.
I know you will use them to wrap up lost teeth until they can get to the Tooth Fairy.
I know you will use them to clean an endless stream of sticky faces and hands.
I know you will use them to wipe your own nose, which is running because of the cold you caught after holding the hand of a sick child who needed some comfort.
I know you will use them to wipe away tears of frustration on a tough day, be they your students’ or your own.
I know you will use them to wipe away tears of sadness if you can’t fix the sometimes heartbreaking wrongs in your young students’ lives.
And I know you will use them at the end of the year to wipe away tears of pride at how far your kids have come.
Those tissues may be hidden at the bottom of your school supplies list, but don’t worry. I know how important they are. Use as many as you need. I don’t mind buying more (as long as I can use a few during graduation).
This year, I hope most of those tissues are used to catch happy tears. Have a wonderful school year.
Deanna
P.S. Remind my kid that the tissues exist, and he doesn’t need to use his sleeve, OK?
