It is still unbelievable to me that we are nearing the end of yet another school year. It’s possible that all four of our kids will be in some form of school next year. I’m having anxiety and tears about it, but that is for a whole different post. Today I wanted to share with you a really unique tradition and a graduation gift for the future that my husband and I started when our oldest was in second grade. School is such a huge piece of their lives for so long and as parents we entrust our children’s care and minds to their teachers daily. Our teachers give so much of themselves day after day and they are a huge part in helping our kids succeed. I remember looking back on my school experience and so many educators stand out as people who truly made all the difference. And how I wish I could give them a big hug and thank them for inspiring me.

A few years back we decided to create something that all of the teachers making a difference for our children can be a part of. We picked up Oh, The Places You’ll Go by Dr. Suess – one copy for each child currently in school. I typed up a quick letter, stuck it to each book, slid them into large envelopes and sent them with each of the kids the last month of school with instructions not to open them, but give them to their teachers.

The letter explains to the teacher that we have a tradition that we will eventually gift to each of our children the day they graduate high school. Each year we ask their current teacher to write on a page in the book – a quick note, inspiring words or a message of encouragement that will inspire our children and allow them to have a piece of each educator with them that helped them get to that point. Our hope is that this book will become a priceless gift and collection of inspiring letters from the individuals that helped them achieve their goals.

At the beginning of the last month of school, I pull the books out of storage, print out the letter, stick it to the front of the book, slide them into those envelopes, place them in the kids’ backpacks and instruct the kids to not open them, but give them to their teachers. And this year I will be picking up a third book as our little Owen wraps up his first year of preschool. I get excited knowning how full these books will become with sweet words from such special people over the coming years.

If you are wanting to dive into this tradition for your family, I have included the printable template for the letter to your teachers that you can download for FREE right here.

Here’s to another school year in the books and summer memories ahead!