A letter from Harlan Paraprofessional Beth Eckerd

Dear Friends,

I am sorry to tell you that I will no longer be here everyday to help you. But it has been decided you no longer need me. I am sad I won't be there each morning as you arrive to greet you with a hug and smile, to tell you how happy I am to see you, how each one of you is so special, and to help you start your day. Next year there won't be enough people in the hallways waiting for you...You will be on your own.

To my friend who could not even write your name when you came to school, I worked with you everyday all year and now you are reading first grade books. When you struggle next year, I am sorry but no one will have the time to be there to help you...You are on your own.

To my other friends who I took aside each and everyday and gave extra direct instruction to and worked with at your level, so you could make progress and keep up with the lessons, I am sorry that next year when you are lost, no one will be there to give you that extra time...You are on your own.

To my friend who hit, kicked, scratched, and bit me every single day for two months, I hung in there with you, working hard and loving you despite your behaviors and developed a trusting relationship where now with a lot of guidance, you will sit and work for me and learn. I am sorry next year no one will be there while you spiral downward, not learning and disrupting the classroom...You are on your own.

To my friend who sat silently unable to focus needing constant gentle reminders to do your work, I sat with you and without reprimanding you kept you focused on what you needed to do. I am sorry, next year you will sit unnoticed and drift, your work will not be completed and your learning will diminish and you will fall behind...You are on your own.

To my quiet friend who came to me with your fears and questions, I hugged you and listened to you. I told you were smart and capable. I helped you believe in yourself. I am sorry next year no one will be there to comfort you, tell you how special you are and make you feel better...You are on your own.

To each and every one of you, who I helped learn...who when you struggled, I encouraged...who when you made bad choices, I guided back....who when you acted out, I stuck by and had patience with...who when you talked, I listened to, respected, and valued for the unique person you are....who when so many of you needed extra support and attention and the teacher didn't have time to get to, I found that time....To each of you who I loved and cared for every day, thank you...I am so very grateful for the opportunity to help you learn and grow. I love all of you and I will miss you terribly.

But, I am sorry, it has been decided I am not an important or necessary part of your lives and your education anymore. My dear friends...I am so very sorry...You are on your own.

With much love, your friend,
Mrs. Eckerd