“Every new beginning comes from some other beginning’s end.” ~ Seneca

The PBS journey (where Ally and her peers attended pre and elementary school) began in the Fall of 2005.  She was 3 1/2 and couldn’t bear the thought of us leaving her for five minutes, much less the three, long hours in this child’s playground of toys, indoor tree houses, puppets and magical teachers.  Some of the pre-schoolers would cry that first week when it was time to kiss mom or dad goodbye.  They all slowly adjusted and the tears, as expected, faded.

Fast forward to the last day of 5th grade.  Every teacher who spent time with Ally and her friends over these 8, wonderful years came to us, with tears in their eyes, to say goodbye.  The celebrating continued that evening with a 5th grade graduation party that included swimming, volleyball, zip lines and those same magical teachers who would pull us all together for one final group hug.  In the middle of this hug were the one time toddlers who grew together to find courage, kindness, community and a love of learning.  Each and every one of them had tears in their eyes, as it was now time to say goodbye.

Wishing Ally and all her peers luck and love on their journey to 2020.  May you all continue to find courage, kindness, community and a love of learning wherever this next chapter may take you.  Godspeed.