Families praise special teachers

    Andrews – For the third time, Principal Melissa Godfrey welcomed the 55 Andrews Elementary School teachers and staff back with a retreat to prepare them for the second half of the school year.
    “This is a valued time for us,” Godfrey said as she cut tomatoes for the retreat’s lunch. “I think it gives us the opportunity to come back on the same page.”
    After reflecting on previous months, planning the upcoming semester and creating vision boards, the teachers also get to play games and team build.
    “It’s a very productive time,” second-grade teacher Jenn Forchetti said. “It really builds us up as a teacher.”
    A highlight this year was words of affirmation from school families. It was a project Godfrey did two years ago and brought back for this year’s retreat.
    Throughout the winter break, Godfrey asked families through social media to share how a teacher or staff member at the school has been special to their child or family. She received 32 responses – some recognizing a specific teacher, others recognizing a group or the entire staff. Most of the responses shared that their children feel loved and safe.
    “That’s really important with our little ones,” Godfrey said.
    Several others added that the teachers take time to know the children as individuals. For example, one shared that a teacher inspired her daughter after telling her she’s good at helping people, and will grow up to have a career in which she helps others.
    Many of the notes from families echoed what Godfrey sees from her staff everyday.
    “I could tell them the same things, but it’s more believable coming from the parents outside the building,” she said.
    It was hard for some teachers to hold back tears as the slideshow was presented the Monday before students returned to school. It also helped give them motivation as they start the second half of the year.
    “It gives you that emotional energy you need to get through,” Forchetti said. “You realize what you do everyday does matter.”
    Teachers said the notes gave them validation for what they are doing and showed they are appreciated.
    “It really does mean the world to us that they appreciate what we do,” said Kristen Higdon, fourth-grade teacher. “You’re just really making a difference not just for the students, but the families as well.”
    “Thank you for taking the time to encourage us,” Forchetti added.