By Tiffany Mouritsen Hess

Knowing what I know now, I would never have allowed my daughter to stay in her third grade class. I would have brought her home. It was horrible. We were blessed the next year, when our daughter had Mrs. G, one of the most talented teachers I’ve ever met.

My daughter was cowering in her 4th grade classroom, unwilling to participate and frequently bursting into tears. Instead of becoming impatient and frustrated with her, Mrs. G sent a note home that read something like this, “______________ is having a difficult time beginning this school year. She needs a soft friend to come from home each day to give her a little courage.” So, my daughter took her favori