What I Wish I Had Expressed to My Son’s New Fifth-Grade Teacher

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Hey there! I’m Megan, and this is my son, Noah. He’s starting fifth grade in your class this year.

I hope it’s not too much to share, but there was a time—just a little while ago—when I would get teary-eyed at the thought of dropping my little one off at preschool for the very first time. Back then, he was this adorable chubby toddler, not the tall, lanky boy I’m introducing you to today. I remember pushing him on the swing at the park, and my mind would spiral into panic thinking about leaving him in someone else’s care. I never thought I could trust anyone with my firstborn’s well-being! My imagination would run wild, picturing scenes from movies like Kramer vs. Kramer, where Dustin Hoffman rushes his injured son to the hospital after a playground accident.

Then I had another child, and suddenly preschool didn’t feel so daunting. It transformed into this magical space that might even save my sanity! Sure, I shed a few tears during that first drop-off, but since then, I’ve found peace in knowing that Noah truly loves school and thrives in a classroom setting.

Just to let you know, you’ve got some big shoes to fill this year. My fifth-grade teacher, Mrs. Linda Harper, was someone I adored. Looking back, I appreciate her even more because she let me be a kid for just a little longer before middle school hit, which was quite the wake-up call with all those lockers and puberty! I really hope Noah gets a similar chance to enjoy his childhood because adulthood stretches on so much longer, and let’s be real—there’s far less time for fun stuff like reading and creating art.

He’s still very much a child, making up games with his little brothers on rainy days, showering kisses on his baby sister’s neck, and he still changes the channel when a scary movie comes on, even if he won’t admit it. I want him to relish this final year of elementary school. While I appreciate you preparing him for middle school, I also hope you’ll recognize that he still has some childhood left to experience.

He’ll be in your classroom this year, so please be kind to him. He’s got that youthful confidence and a belief that he’s unstoppable. I know this won’t last forever, and I’m clinging to these moments when he doesn’t stress about grades or how he looks.

Please encourage him, challenge him, and see the truly good kid he is. He’s incredibly smart, but I’d advise against letting him know that! Ask him to really engage with his learning and put effort into his assignments—it will mean so much more to him in the long run. Push him to see what he’s capable of achieving.

Also, please be patient with me if I reach out with concerns. Some may seem silly, but just know I’m trying my best to avoid hovering while still being involved. It’s a tricky balance these days; I’m told I shouldn’t be too involved, but I also want to advocate for my child. I’m unsure about checking his homework since some teachers appreciate it while others don’t. I’m eager to help out in the classroom but don’t want to overstep your boundaries.

I trust that Noah will be just fine, and I’m genuinely excited to see how you’ll guide him this year. Above all, I want him to be happy and have a great school experience, and I know you share that goal. I’m here to support both of you throughout the year.

What I actually said to my son’s new fifth-grade teacher during Meet the Teacher night, while surrounded by bustling parents and kids, and trying to wipe the sweat from my forehead was simply: “Hi, I’m Megan. This is my son. He’s in your class this year. So… where’s his desk?”

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In summary, as a parent, I want to ensure my child has a fulfilling year while also feeling the complexities of being involved without hovering. I trust the teacher to foster Noah’s growth, and I’m here to support both of them.