Schools across the country celebrate teacher appreciation the first Tuesday in May. Webster Montessori School is no different. Children here are encouraged to bring in a single flower for their teacher; something found in their garden.

These tender little offerings of each child arrive clutched in those often still chubby hands, wrapped in wet paper towels, and sealed with crumbled up aluminum foil. Flowers arrive with children who come with parents and also emerge from too hot bus rides tucked in pockets of backpacks wilted from the rigors of travel. Each child’s offering joins their classmates. Flowers of every shape, size, and type come together to create beautiful bouquets. Like the class full of students of every age, gender, background, experience, shape, and size coming together to become our family at school. Separate items making up a glorious whole.

Some children come with cards too. Full of bright colors made with crayons and pens and pencils and markers and paint. Covered with stickers; or drawings of rainbows and hearts; dinosaurs and trucks. This is the children’s language of love. “Here, I made this for you.”

These tender little offerings are just that. Sweet sentiments. Simple gestures. Kind thoughts. They need be no more. Teachers don’t expect big and fancy. They do not want extravagance. Teachers are here because of the children. They gain satisfaction from guiding growth and learning and marveling at accomplishment.

Thank you for your offerings. The humble sharing of hearts and flowers and love.

We appreciate you just as you appreciate us.