As summer days fade and the first school bell rings, our social media feeds light up with photos of children starting a new academic year—fresh faces, bright smiles, and the promise of growth. This annual ritual marks a significant milestone in our children’s lives, a time of new beginnings and endless possibilities. As parents, guardians, and grandparents, we cherish these moments, celebrating our children’s next steps in their educational journey. Time seems to have flown by, and now, with full hearts, we entrust our precious ones to the care of you, a dedicated educator who serves on behalf of our children.

And isn’t that the most amazing thing? We get to extend our children’s circles of love and care to include you—a teacher and leader who stands ready to guide, nurture, and inspire them.

For this, we simply want to say thank you. Thank you for loving our children as if they were your own. Thank you for your tireless dedication, for all that you do to help each child step into their best selves, and for nurturing their potential. Thank you for believing in their ability to learn, grow, and thrive, no matter the challenges they may face. Your belief in them is powerful—it helps them to believe in themselves.

Thank you for including us and inviting us to be a part of their school world—whether we’re their grandparents, aunts, uncles, parents, or caring adults that defy labels. Because of your hard work and focused expertise, we have the privilege of witnessing their transformation, their becoming and we are grateful.

We place great faith in you, trusting that you will ensure our little ones learn and grow. We know that sometimes we fall short—sending our children to you overtired, underprepared, or overwhelmed. Yet, you step into that gap like the superheroes you are, providing the support they need to stay on track and succeed. For this, and so much more, we thank you.

Here’s a poem, inspired by Mother Teresa’s “Do It Anyway,” that AI and Blue Heron collaborated on to recognize, celebrate, and encourage you as you begin a new school year.

Shine Anyway

The children may come tired, worn from play,  
Their minds may wander, far from the lessons of the day;
Teach them anyway, with patience and grace,  
For in your classroom, they find a safe place.

They may resist the rules, question and defy,  
Their spirits bold, with dreams that fly high;  
Guide them anyway, with wisdom and care,  
For in your guidance, they learn to dare.

The work may feel endless, the challenges steep,  
The nights may be long, and you may lose sleep;  
Support them anyway, with all that you do,  
For in your support, their strengths shine through.

They may bring you troubles, stories of pain,  
Their young hearts heavy, carrying life’s strain;  
Love them anyway, with all of your heart,  
For in your love, their healing can start.

The journey may be hard, the rewards seem few,  
The road may be rough, with obstacles new;  
Lead them anyway, with vision and light,  
For in your leadership, they’ll find their own might.

Though the world may not see, the impact you make,  
The lives that you touch, the risks that you take;  
Believe in them anyway, and give them your all,  
For in your belief, they’ll rise and stand tall.

As the school year begins, with challenges anew,  
Remember your calling, and the good you pursue; 
Teach, guide, support, and love them each day,  
For in your hands, the future finds its way.

As we start this new school year, know that we see you, we appreciate you, and we are profoundly grateful for all that you do. You are not alone as Blue Heron Coaching stands ready to support you on this journey.

As we continue to support you in your invaluable work, we’re offering a complimentary micro coaching session in September as part of our commitment to professional learning. We’d be honored if you’d join us in this opportunity to grow together. You can find more information at our website.

In the space between now and then, here’s to a year of learning, growth, and endless possibilities for our children, guided by your steady hand and caring heart.

#SoarAboveAchieveBeyond