Chapter 21 - Teacher Appreciation Week Comes BackOne year passed.
Teacher Appreciation Week returned.
Daniel hated seeing the email.
Ella did not.
Her new teacher, Ms. Harper, sent families a note:
No gifts are expected. Children may make a card if they want. Participation is completely optional and has no connection to classroom privileges.
Daniel read it twice.
Ella asked:
“Can I make something?”
“You don’t have to.”
“I know.”
“What do you want?”
“A card.”
They made one together.
Construction paper.
Crayon flowers.
No gift card.
No cash.
Ella wrote:
THANK YOU FOR HELPING ME READ.
The next day Ms. Harper hugged her only after asking:
“Can I give you a hug?”
Ella said yes.
Then Ms. Harper placed the card beside every other handmade card.
No special shelf.
No hierarchy.
May you like
No child better because a parent spent more.
Daniel stood outside the classroom and cried quietly.
