ASHLEY’S CORNER Teacher Assignments: Letting the Chips Fall Where They May
Kids’ assignments to new teachers for the next school year are always a hot topic. Some parents try to have a say in which teacher their child gets. But I’ve learned from experience that it’s better to let the chips fall where they may. In honor of National Teacher Day on May 6, it’s a good time to recognize that all the teachers at my kids’ school this year have been great — so much so that our kids are actually sad to leave them behind! The teacher Mac had in second grade is a school favorite. When he was assigned to her classroom, he felt like he had won the lottery. I thought she would be great for Rex, too. But Rex had other plans. He said he wanted to chart his own course and be different from his older brother. Now, as Rex finishes second grade, I’m really glad I didn’t interfere. The teacher Rex was assigned is awesome. Mac and Rex are two different kids, and Rex’s teacher has been a perfect fit. Parents talk about teacher assignments all the time. The school sends out a survey at the end of every year, asking for feedback or requests. The form specifically directs us not to ask for a specific teacher, but parents do it anyway. As a parent, you think you know what’s best for your kid. Keeping quiet about your preferences can be really hard. It’s so tempting to think, “Ah, let me put a little blurb in there: ‘Hey, we really liked our experience with this second grade teacher and (hint, hint) we have another second grader now!”
I have learned from experience not to do this. It’s better to let the school figure it out, for two reasons. One, you don’t see your kids at school. The teachers see them interact with
others all year. They also know how to mix personalities to balance each class. They talk about the students, then do whatever magic they do behind the scenes to divvy them up.
And two, kids need to learn to adapt. I don’t want to go through life making their pathway easier. They learn more from being challenged. They are either going to get a teacher they love or not. Either way, they’re going to learn something. So, when it comes to picking teachers, the luck of the draw is the way to go. As my kids sometimes remind me, “You get what you get, and don’t make a fit!”
As we wrap up a great year at school, we wish you all a great summer and, come fall, your best teacher assignments yet!
Take a Break
Silky Chocolate Mousse
Ingredients
Inspired by TheKitchn.com
• •
1 1/2 cup heavy cream, divided 1 cup milk chocolate or dark chocolate chips (6 oz)
•
Optional garnish: grated chocolate, crushed nuts, toffee, or brittle
Directions
1. In a microwave-safe bowl, put 1/2 cup of cream in the microwave for 1 minute. 2. Stir in chocolate and let sit for 5 minutes, then whisk until smooth. 3. In a separate bowl, beat the remaining 1 cup of cream with a hand mixer or whisk until soft peaks form. 4. Set aside 1/2 cup of whipped cream for topping, and continue whipping the remaining cream until stiff peaks form. 5. Gently fold whipped cream into the cooled chocolate mixture in batches, mixing until combined but still light and fluffy. 6. Spoon into four ramekins or glasses, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. 7. Top with reserved whipped cream and garnish if desired.
Solution on Page 4
513TAX.COM • 3
Published by Newsletter Pro • www.newsletterpro.com
Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator