Attached to the stem with a red ribbon was a card that read:

An apple for the teacher… It’s really nothing new. Except when you remember, Parents are teachers too!

The simple gesture was enough to convince Roswell her six-year-old son, Jordan, was in good hands with his new teacher, Erynn Forbes.

“What an awesome partnership to declare — that as parents, we are also responsible for the academic success of our children,” Roswell said.

That initial meeting — along with seeing Jordan’s progress during the first month of Grade 1 — was enough to compel Roswell to write to the Champion a few weeks ago to nominate Forbes for Teacher of the Month.

“As this is only October, it would be quite soon to nominate a teacher for demonstrating exemplary performance. However, Mrs. Forbes truly deserves to be called out,” her letter stated.

The Champion readily agreed and has selected Forbes as Teacher of the Month for November.

With four kids, Roswell knows how difficult the transition from Kindergarten to Grade 1 can be. But thanks to Forbes, it was smooth sailing for Jordan.

“She has made this transition full of great memories for him,” Roswell wrote.

Jordan thinks his teacher is great, too. His favourite thing about her? “She has a big smile,” he said shyly. Forbes, delighted that Roswell appreciated

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the apple and its simple message, said she believes the partnership between parents and teachers is imperative.

“I love to build a strong connection between home and school,” she said. “The parents (here) are awesome. It’s so, so important to have that strong bond.”

Forbes tried to help her students ease into Grade 1 by coming up with creative activities and allowing the students to be themselves.

“It’s all about making the environment fun,” she said.

With Our Lady of Fatima being a brand new school, Forbes said the staff and students alike are lucky to have such great resources.

In her third year of teaching, Forbes said she wakes up each morning looking forward to the day.

“It’s not even like work, it’s like a vocation — a calling,” she said. “My favourite part of teaching is every day is different. You never know what the day will bring.”

Forbes started out studying to be a speech pathologist. When she did a placement in a school, she knew that’s where she wanted to be all the time, and she changed her career plan.

“I’m so glad I did because this is my passion and this is what I feel I’m meant to do,” she said. “I haven’t looked back.”

Having the kids at the start of their school careers, Forbes said she looks forward to watching them move up through the grades and hopes they take with them a love of learning. “I hope my students always try to be the best they can be and not afraid to try — even if they’re not sure.”

Forbes said she’s grateful to Roswell for taking the time to nominate her.

“I’m thrilled. I feel so honoured, so thankful,” she said.

Stephanie Hounsell can be reached at sthiessen@miltoncanadianchampion.com .