Alliance for Catholic Education
Dear Nativity Academy,
Your old, brick building has become my home. From the gym, where I enter every morning while it’s still dark out and hear the heavy metal door slam and echo through an empty building, to the copy room, where I spend my quiet mornings fighting with the printer to unjam and staple correctly. The worksheets that eventually make their way out remind me of the late night I had the night before, but my principal’s laugh first thing in the morning makes me forget it.
I could talk about the hours I’ve spent in my classroom after school is over or in the office planning school events, but the time spent is not what makes you my home. This old, brick building would be just that without the students that infuse it with a vibrant life. 
Each morning in the cafeteria, my cheerful “Good morning!” is met with grunts and nods from half asleep middle schoolers grabbing breakfast. Just minutes later, the second floor buzzes with energy as students’ voices begin to fill up the hallway and classrooms. There’s a flowery scent emanating from the girls’ locker area that smells of too much perfume, no matter how many times I say, “You only need one spray, I promise.” But it covers up the smell of the shoes all over the floor of the boys locker area across the way, so thank you for the multiple sprays.
And thank you to the students who love English language arts and want to write novels on the side, as well as those who groan every time they sit down with a vocabulary worksheet. Thank you to those who cling onto my every word, and those who pretend I don’t exist. Those who stop by to say hi, and those who don’t. Those who got visibly upset when they found out what release meant in The Giver, and those who didn’t care.
Thank you to the student who gave me a hard time every day (your friends said it, not me). You taught me how to rise up to a challenge and creatively communicate my love and care to even the most resistant.
To the student who couldn’t stay in his seat for a full hour – you taught me to appreciate the valiant effort that you put in to do so each class. Some things are out of your control, just as they are out of mine.
Thank you to the boys' volleyball team, who endured our inaugural season without winning a game. You still came back for another year to grab a few wins and make it to the second round of playoffs. You taught me that we’re at our best when we’re having fun.
To the eighth graders who are too cool for school — I’m not sure yet what you taught me, but I’m sure I’ll figure it out one day and I bet it’ll be really good. But until then, thank you to the eighth grader who said “Thank you, Ms. Tap” at graduation. You have no idea how much that meant.
Thank you to the student who made me a bracelet with his name on it and another student who passionately writes and shares stories that I usually don’t understand. Another student brought to life a compelling character named Sir Bobalot (whose feats I’ve become invested in), and another who drew me a “shurtle,” because I said some days I feel like a sea turtle and other days I feel like a shark. Your loud and proud self expression inspires me.
To every one of my 44 students — thank you. You were a constant reminder of God’s presence and grace in my life. I prayed a lot of prayers for patience in these last two years, but I prayed even more in gratitude for the joyful moments that filled me up with strength and the challenging moments that tested my fortitude.
I love you, and you will be in my heart forever.
Love,
Ms. Tap