August 20, 2019

Dear Callen,

Tomorrow is the first day of first grade. I know you are very excited to start the school year, but I am very nervous. To say that kindergarten didn’t go well is an understatement. Last year your teacher and I were never on the same page. It was clear to me that she wanted a class that was easy to deal with for a few hours a week, and you tossed a huge wrench into that plan. Her and I could just never seem to agree on a plan. On top of that the administration and I lets just say had our differences. I don’t blame the school for the issues, but I also think things could have been better and you could have been provided better support. One of the main reasons we decided to move this summer was to place you in a school district that could better support your needs.

At open house tonight I was very impressed by your new teacher and the resource teacher that will help support you. They both seem to be very passionate and dedicated educators that are invested in making your school year a success. Dealing with you isn’t exactly easy, so it takes special people to bring out your potential.

I hope this is the year you turn the page and can perform better in the classroom. I hope that it’s not another year of me leaving work early almost every day to pick you up from the principal’s office for some type of violation. You are an incredibly bright kid who has all the potential in the world, but you need to follow the rules and listen to your teachers. All I ask is that you try your best, and the rest will all fall into place.

Love,

Daddy