Good Bye Mrs. Stueve

Today was Adeline's last day of her mainstream preschool.  I knew saying good bye to Mrs. Stueve would be hard, but I didn't know that I would walk away with a hole in my heart.  Mrs. Stueve willingly took both Adeline and Lila into her classroom last year.  They didn't meet the age requirement which meant their development lagged even farther behind than that of their classmates.  Initially, Adeline always had a therapist with her which put another adult into the classroom.  Having been a teacher, I can say that having an adult set of eyes on you all of the time isn't so pleasant.  Of course, Mrs. Stueve welcomed the therapists, their suggestions, and any additional work the girls required.

The girls on their last day of school last year.

This year, Adeline returned to Mrs. Stueve because she teaches the three's class too.  I was thrilled to have the continuity.  Adeline was just thrilled to be with Mrs. Stueve again.  Mrs. Stueve has always met Adeline where Adeline is at that point and time.  While every child in the class was potty trained, Mrs. Stueve didn't blink an eye that Adeline was not.  She provides positive encouragement, is her greatest cheerleader, and makes sure to recognize even the smallest reached milestones.  There is no one else that makes me feel so positive about my Adeline.  I can't express how fortunate we have been to Mrs. Stueve guide Adeline through her first mainstream experience.

It is no surprise that Mrs. Stueve has found a place in our hearts.  Adeline has a real connection with her.  What surprises me, is that Mrs. Stueve really loves Adeline.  She is more than her teacher, she is an extension of me.   Here Mrs. Stueve explains her feelings in her own words. . .

Today was bittersweet...I am so proud of all of Adeline's accomplishments and it amazes me and warms me everyday to watch her grow.  At the same time, I will miss her so much and feel so protective of her. . . If I have contributed even the smallest thing to help Adeline along on her path, it makes my 10 years of teaching all worth while.  

How lucky we are!

Here are some pictures of the end of the year picnic.  It was quite nice to have a school picnic in lieu of a program.  The kids had a great time playing together.  We were there a full two hours and my girls were not ready to leave.  I guess if you give Adeline tractors and dump trucks and Lila big box of rocks and sand, they will never want to leave.  The little kitten didn't help either.

Here are some pictures of the festivities.  I was too busy crying to get a picture of Adeline and Mrs. Stueve.  However, I got one of the fabulous Mrs. Brady who has also had a hand in Adeline's success.