TEACHER OF THE YEAR!!!!!

The Amazing Ms. Schrein! Look how the kids love her!

I LOVE when God does little things that let me know he is thinking of me. You know those little things, that no one else would even think was specifically for us, but I just know they are all woven together in God’s little plan. That is exactly what I feel about the day we met Ms. Schrein (and every day after that involves her). Tim and I showed up for Kindergarten Registration so nervous (o.k. I was nervous). If you have read my blog in the past you KNOW how big of a deal it was to me for the kids to start school. Ms. Schrein came out of the little Kindergarten interview room and took Cayden by the hand. Here they talk to the kids and ask them information just to see where they are at in their learning and so forth. Well apparently my daughter was also nervous because in a rare moment she was speechless. I could not believe it and honestly part of me was a little embarrassed. That performance side in me was coming out and you know how important first impressions are. Well, Ms. Schrein had to summon me back to the interview room where Cayden sat on my lap while I tried to nervously talk her through talking. I think I even threatened (oops!). But it was when Ms. Schrein started encouraging Cayden that her little shy moment faded into a confidence , and before long we couldn’t get her to STOP talking. Gotta love first impressions right? They are never predictable with Cayden.

Then the second time we met Ms. Schrein, was on Kindergarten open house. This was not one of my better days. Cobe misplaced the keys to the car, Tim was in the middle of speaking at work, and we were not going to make open house. Oh I have had finer moments. We lifted every cushion on the couch, checked under ever mattress, looked in the wash machine and dryer, but we could not find the keys. With only minutes left to make open house we found the keys and rushed to the school. I was frazzled and truly felt like the loser mom walking my kids in to the school so late. We missed the classroom tours and my kids were devistated. We caught the tail end of the informational speaking in the library and as we sat there tears started to fall down my face. EMBARRASSING! Not only was I late, freaking out about giving my babies up, but here I was trying to conceal the motherly tears that fell from my eyes. It was not a good day, until we walked out and saw Ms. Schrein. Cayden immediately recognized her and I could tell she felt calmed by her presence.  She kindly walked us down to the classroom (even though she should have been heading home to her family) and gave us a tour. I was taken back that this teacher would take time for us without even knowing us or knowing if Cayden would even be in her class. She made us feel so welcomed and I felt a weight being lifted.

The days leading up to us receiving our letter of who would be Cayden’s teacher grew longer and longer! She just kept saying her teacher was Ms. Schrein but I knew she would be so upset if it were not so. We prayed and prayed and the day the letter came Cayden and I jumped up and down by the mailbox when we read that indeed Cayden’s teacher would be Ms. Schrein!!!!

The Kids on the first week of school.

From day one Ms. Schrein let Tim and I know that while in her classroom Cayden was like her own child. Not just Cayden, however, but every single classmate in her class. I couldn’t believe it, and in fact was shocked when I actually witnessed Ms. Schrein being the mother hen to my little chick! What  better feeling for a mom saddened by letting her baby go than to know that the teacher she was sending her too would look out for her just as I. That was an overwhelming feeling.  Cayden loves every minute of school.  I couldn’t even get her to skip school. In fact the three days that she had to be out with a 104 fever, I had to bring her to school after the final bell rang so that she could give Ms. Schrein a hug. She just loves her. There is a reason for that. Ms. Schrein cares for each child. She pays attention to their needs. Not just physical needs, but emotional needs as well. She also makes sure that each child has their individual learning needs met. I cannot even imaging that responsibility, but Ms. Schrein takes it on with ease.

Every kid gets a hug when they leave!

For all of these reasons, I was so proud to witness Ms. Schrein being “crowned” with the title of Teacher of the Year for Dugan Elementary School! Ms. Schrein you are amazing. Every day you face our kids and you take time for them. You love them. That is more than any parent could ask. I know that God gave us a teacher like you for Cayden. She has never had one bad day. She learns well and thrives to achieve goals that you set for her. She is encouraged and motivated by you. She is a good student because you care to take time for her. Tears flood my eyes when I think of the sacrifice you make as a teacher. You are just a small chapter in our life (unfortunately) but we will remember you for our whole life because of who you were and are to our daughter. Thank you. From this parent who never has it together you have touched our lives in a way you will never know. YOU ROCK!

Everyone had a great day on teacher of the year day! Cake and Sprite is a great way to celebrate!

Ms. Schrein encourages and motivates!

I do have to give a shout out to Ms. Morris who works right along side with Ms. Schrein. She is amazing as well and should get ParaPro of the year. She keeps things in line and I know Ms. Schrein would say that her classroom would not run the same with out Ms. Morris. We love you too! You guys rock!