Dear Northwood
Dear Northwood,
When I first entered your halls 7 years ago, all I wanted to do was help mold lives, but I didn’t know how or when or if I even could. From being yelled at, “I rather be in jail!” to a kid telling me all he wanted for Christmas was a Miss Richter action figure (Best. Compliment. Ever.). My first year in Kinder consisted of sitting in the fetal position listening to Josh Groban thinking I had chosen the wrong career to shocking myself with my greatest accomplishment at the end of 3rd grade. Lots of trials, awards, doubts, stumbles, and accolades later, I can say that I couldn’t have gotten through anything without the help of this beyond amazing community. From bringing me Chick Fil A lemonades, volunteering in my classroom, giving me gift cards to the spa, and offering to help with flowers at my wedding. I could go on and on, but you’d be reading all day. The Northwood community is what makes our school so special. We have the greatest parents and PTA, and they will never truly know how much us teachers appreciate you.
To the teachers, it was an honor working alongside of you. You pushed me to be the best that I could be especially my last 2 years when the state put us up against a wall way too high. That’s no matter though. Northwood teachers rise above and succeed anyway. Ranked 21st highest elementary school in San Antonio is a testament to YOU, and I’m beyond blessed to be a part of that for the last 7 years.
To admin, I most definitely could not have gotten through the last 7 years without your consistent support, love, and belief in me. I know you’ve always had my back, and it has never once gone unnoticed. From Ms. Sharrer’s soothing words while I cried in her office to Mr. Barr’s pep talk before 3rd grade orientation meant the world, and truly created a safe and welcoming community to work for.
And most importantly my students, my soul mates. I could not be the teacher or person I am today if it hadn’t been for you. Everyone always talks about how teachers change students’ lives, but no one mentions how much students change ours. Well, my students, you’ve changed mine profoundly. You made me laugh, cry and shout for joy more times than I can count. You challenged me in the best ways. You made my heart smile with your innocence and yet, at the same time your infinite wisdom. I know each of you will accomplish anything you set your mind to. You just have to work hard and believe in yourself. Please never stop working hard. I am SO proud of you. Yesterday, today, and always
I have to give a special shout out to the 5 students I taught in Kinder, 3rd and 4th grade. Ansley, Paige, Grant, Gabrielle and Nya, I can’t even put into words what it has meant to me to spend about 30 months out of your life with you. I’ve watched you since you could barely hold a pencil and now you’re writing computer codes and creating Google documents all by yourself. You’ve grown up into beautiful young people, and I’m so grateful you were in my class for 3 years. I’ll always be one of your biggest fans. Leaving you is going to be oh so hard, but I’ll carry you with me forever.
People move into the neighborhood just so their children can attend Northwood Elementary. I don’t think there’s a greater compliment to our school than that. I couldn’t have asked for a better school to start out my career. These past 7 years have flown by, and you’ve given me the skills and confidence to take my talents to the unknown. It’s time for me to fly and help mold children’s lives away from San Antonio. I’ll be teaching 3rd grade math and science in Granbury, TX. Thank you from the bottom of my very big heart for everything you have given me. I truly found myself at Northwood, and for that, Northwood will always be home. <3
Love always,
Miss Richter (soon to be Mrs. Cross)