Chapter Five: Mrs. Holiday Writes Back

Posted byAllyson ApseyPosted inUncategorized

Kip practically ran over to the bin to grab her Serendipity Journal the next morning. Mrs. Holiday said that she spent her evening reading through what each student wrote and responding to everyone. Kip thought to herself, “I bet Mr. Holiday wasn’t too pleased!”

“Okay my seventh grade friends, we will have ten minutes today to journal. I will walk around as you write to answer any questions you have. Before we begin, let’s review our guidelines. Who remembers one of them?”

A boy named Steve raised his hand, and Mrs. Holiday called on him. “No using real names, we can make up fake ones instead.”

“Good, thank you Steve. Now, who remembers another guideline?”

Susan and a few other students raised their hands. Mrs. Holiday called on Susan. “Don’t write anything mean or any insults.”

“Perfect! I think we are ready to write. I can’t wait to read your thoughts!” Mrs. Holiday said excitedly and Kip scrambled to find what Mrs. Holiday wrote to her.

Dear Student Editors,

This is your opportunity to really influence this book. I am so curious to learn from you! I have just two questions for you this week, but they are big ones!

  1. If you were Mrs. Holiday, what would you write back to Kip in the Serendipity Journal?
  2. If you were Kip, what would you like to hear from Mrs. Holiday? What do you hope Mrs. Holiday wrote to Kip, from Kip’s perspective?

Put your answers to the questions in the comments for this post and I will use your feedback when I write Mrs. Holiday’s response to Kip. You guys are awesome and I can’t wait to hear what you think.

 

Published by Allyson Apsey

Allyson is an award-winning school leader, author, and inspiring national speaker. She travels the country to work as an associate for Creative Leadership Solutions.

79 thoughts on “Chapter Five: Mrs. Holiday Writes Back”

  1. By: Gavin
    From Mrs. Rubin’s Fourth Grade Class

    Dear Student Editors,
    This is your opportunity to really influence this book. I am so curious to learn from you! I have just two questions for you this week, but they are big ones!
    If you were Mrs. Holiday, what would you write back to Kip in the Serendipity Journal?
    If I were Mrs. Holiday I would write back I feel bad for you I wish you had house by now hopefully you have a good time her in Grand Rapids and you get a new house soon. I like this chapter a lot because it is suspending to see what she wrote.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Gavin, I agree that Mrs. Holiday would let Kip know that she feels bad for her. She seems like the type of teacher who would “feel” for her students and try and relate to their problems. Nice job.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  2. By: Payne and Brody
    From Mrs. Rubin’s Fourth Grade Class
    1.If you were Kip, what would you like to hear from Mrs. Holiday? What do you hope Mrs. Holiday wrote to Kip, from Kip’s perspective?

    That Mrs. Holiday will like it and put a nice comment on it. We think that Mrs. Holiday will like Kip´s writing and put: I like what you wrote and I want to read another one of your writings!!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. So right, guys!! I know Mrs. Holiday is the type of teacher who enjoys reading her students work and would look forward to reading more. Great idea!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  3. By: Kailey and Misty
    From Mrs. Rubin’s Fourth Grade Class

    Dear Student Editors,
    This is your opportunity to really influence this book. I am so curious to learn from you! I have just two questions for you this week, but they are big ones!
    If you were Mrs. Holiday, what would you write back to Kip in the Serendipity Journal?
    We would write; I am sorry about you having to leave your friends
    but I am sure you will make lots of new friends in Jackson school.

    If you were Kip, what would you like to hear from Mrs. Holiday? What do you hope Mrs. Holiday wrote to Kip, from Kip’s perspective?
    If we were Kip,we would want to hear that she is glad to hear that we have a better
    house soon.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  4. By: Lauryn
    From Mrs. Rubin’s Fourth Grade Class

    Dear Student Editors,
    This is your opportunity to really influence this book. I am so curious to learn from you! I have just two questions for you this week, but they are big ones!
    If you were Mrs. Holiday, what would you write back to Kip in the Serendipity Journal?
    Hello Kip,I was very curious to hear about how you moved from Grand Rapids to here! I hope your house in Grand Rapids is sold soon so you can get a new house. I hope that your grandpaś house isnt so bad. I also hope that Jeff isnt that bad of a pain. I am so glad that you like the idea of the Serendipity Journal! I dont blame you if you seem sorry for yourself,moving away from all your friends and stuff is probaly really hard and scary, but I think you will make new friends here to!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Lauryn, great response! You have captured the essence of Mrs. Holiday. Well done 🙂 You are doing such a great job helping Mrs. Apsey edit this amazing book 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

    2. Hello Lauryn,
      You made Mrs. Holiday’s response very caring. I agree with you that she has a big heart! There is some evidence from the story that helps us see that. Did you notice that evidence too?
      Love,
      Mrs. Apsey

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      Reply

  5. By:Kendall Tenyer
    From Mrs. Rubin’s Fourth Grade Class

    Dear Student Editors,
    This is your opportunity to really influence this book. I am so curious to learn from you! I have just two questions for you this week, but they are big ones!
    If you were Mrs. Holiday, what would you write back to Kip in the Serendipity Journal?
    I would write that Mrs.Holiday feels bad for Kip because of her family,and what has been going on lately,and that she would like to make it better for Kip so that Kip doesn’t feel bad because her family had to move away from all her friends.,and that she should be the one to ask girls to be her friend.So Thank you for letting me edit this chapter.
    If you were Kip, what would you like to hear from Mrs. Holiday? What do you hope Mrs. Holiday wrote to Kip, from Kip´s perspective?
    If I was Kip I would like to hear that she is going to be the best teacher that she going to ever have in her life,and that she should be the one to have more friends.I hope that Mrs.Holiday wrote from Kip´s perspective .Thank you for letting me edit this too you are the best author ever.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Kendall, I agree, Mrs. Apsey is an amazing author, but so are YOU. You have great ideas and I’m so glad you have this opportunity to get your voice out there. Good job, girl 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

    2. Hello Kendall,
      Thank you so much for your feedback and your high compliments! I agree that Kip wants to hear hopeful things from Mrs. Holiday and that Mrs. Holiday will show great care in her response to Kip. Great ideas!
      Love,
      Mrs. Apsey

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  6. By: Ally Rea VanTroostenberghe
    From Mrs. Rubin’s Fourth Grade Class

    Dear Student Editors,
    This is your opportunity to really influence this book. I am so curious to learn from you! I have just two questions for you this week, but they are big ones!
    If you were Mrs. Holiday, what would you write back to Kip in the Serendipity Journal?
    I’m sorry that you had to go through that Kipalee.I hope you don’t have to worry about that again.I’m glad that you like the Serendipity journal so far.And I hope you will make new friends in my classes.It’s ok that your feeling sorry for yourself.You have been through some harsh times.I really hope I can get to know you. Sincerely, Mrs. Holiday

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Hi Ally, I like your ideas about how Mrs. Holiday would respond to Kipalee! You’ve really captured Mrs. Holiday’s genuine nature and kind heart. Great job! I loved watching you and your classmates listen to this chapter together and begin working on these responses!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  7. By: Julie Bottone
    From Mrs. Rubin’s Fourth Grade Class

    Dear Student Editors,
    This is your opportunity to really influence this book. I am so curious to learn from you! I have just two questions for you this week, but they are big ones!
    If you were Mrs. Holiday, what would you write back to Kip in the Serendipity Journal?Sorry, that you had to go threw all of the moving Kip,and I hope that this new school is a good place for you and the bullying stops so you can enjoy the rest of the years as they go by.You deserve to enjoy the life that you have like we all do so I hope that you don’t have to go through that again,hope you enjoy the new school Kip
    Sincerely Mrs.Holiday

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  8. By: Ryan, Greysen, and Raegan
    From Mrs. Rubin’s Fourth Grade Class
    If you were Mrs. Holiday, what would you write back to Kip in the Serendipity Journal?

    I feel bad that you had to move from your home to Jackson, although I think you will like it here. It can be tough moving to new places. I am stubborn like that to. I am excited to have you in my class. You are a very smart kid. I hope you like our school. I also don’t like writing essays or assignments. I’m excited to hear from you again.

    Sincerely,
    Mrs. Holiday!

    We also figured out that Mrs. Holiday is in her twentys!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Hello Ryan, Greysen and Raegan,
      I love your response from Mrs. Holiday! One thing I especially appreciate is that you had Mrs. Holiday reveal that she is stubborn like Kip! I also like how Mrs. Holiday says that she is excited to have Kip in class. That sounds exactly like something Mrs. Holiday would say!
      Love,
      Mrs. Apsey

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  9. By: Kayse
    From Mrs. Rubin’s Fourth Grade Class

    Dear Student Editors,
    This is your opportunity to really influence this book. I am so curious to learn from you! I have just two questions for you this week, but they are big ones!
    If you were Mrs. Holiday, what would you write back to Kip in the Serendipity Journal?
    9/3/2017
    Dear kip
    I’m sorry that you had to move but you will enjoy here to and I hope you are feeling good about living here and I hop you have a good year!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Kayse, I loved watching you work on this response today. You were so focused. I totally agree that Mrs. Holiday would feel bad for Kip and would pass along her hopes that she has a good year!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  10. By: Drew,Graham, Hayden.
    From Mrs. Rubin’s Fourth Grade Class

    Dear Student Editors,
    This is your opportunity to really influence this book. I am so curious to learn from you! I have just two questions for you this week, but they are big ones!
    If you were Mrs. Holiday, what would you write back to Kip in the Serendipity Journal?
    I would write that she has done a great job of doing her writing by herself and hope she likes it and have fun this school year. I hope you don’t get bullied by anyone . If you do come and if they keep doing it tell me

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  11. By: Gabby
    From Mrs. Rubin’s Fourth Grade Class

    Dear Student Editors,
    This is your opportunity to really influence this book. I am so curious to learn from you! I have just two questions for you this week, but they are big ones!
    If you were Mrs. Holiday, what would you write back to Kip in the Serendipity Journal?
    Kip I am sorry you had to move from your home in Grand Rapids.When I was little I had to move because of my dads job so I know what you are going through. I hope you make friends in Jackson soon I see that you have made one already Susan right you have the talent to make friends I see. Kip I also see you have been enjoying this time and really expressing your feelings and I like how you told me the things that have happened this summer that is really what I wanted to see what happens outside of school like on the weekends and summer vacation that is really what makes this a good journal entry I hope to hear from you tomorrow.
    Sincerely,
    Mrs. Holiday

    If you were Kip, what would you like to hear from Mrs. Holiday? What do you hope Mrs. Holiday wrote to Kip, from Kip’s perspective?
    I would hope Mrs. Holiday wrote something about me moving like: I am so sorry for you Kip you had to move from Grand Rapids that is so hard because when I was little I had to move because of my dads job I hope you know that I know what you are going through so sorry Kip you are such an honest person. I had to go through the same as you I hope you write something tomorrow you will get a response for sure. Thank you again for taking this time to read each and every one of our responses you are so kind for being a amazing athor and reading our comments I can’t wait to read the next chapter you are awesome Mrs. Apsey!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Hi Gabby,
      Thank you for your feedback! I like how you had Mrs. Holiday share a similar experience with Kip, I think that would make Kip connect even more with Mrs. Holiday and feel understood. You are very insightful!
      Love,
      Mrs. Apsey

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  12. By:
    From Mrs. Rubin’s Fourth Grade Class

    If you were Mrs. Holiday, what would you write back to Kip in the Serendipity Journal?
    Bella:
    I would write “I am glad that you like the idea of the Serendipity Journal.I can relate to moving and changing schools.It is very hard to move away.I hope you can make more friends here.I would like to hear more about your brother Jeff.”

    Nick:
    I was wondering if you could add more details about Mr.Holiday in chapter 6 because I am confused about how old Mr.Holiday is and where is he.
    Miah:
    I was also wonder about Mr.Holiday too. I would like to know how old he is because we already know how old Mrs.Holiday and I want to know if he is older,younger, or the same age.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Hello Bella, Nick and Miah,
      Thank you so much for your ideas and questions! I haven’t written anything about Mr. Holiday yet. I wonder if other students have the same questions you have about him. Bella, I appreciate your idea of having Mrs. Holiday let Kip know that she relates to moving, I think Kip would like that.
      Thank you for reading and commenting!
      Mrs. Apsey

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  13. By: Tyl ,lance ,Isaiah
    From Mrs. Rubin’s Fourth Grade Class
    Dear Student Editors,
    This is your opportunity to really influence this book. I am so curious to learn from you! I have just two questions for you this week, but they are big ones!
    If you were Mrs. Holiday, what would you write back to Kip in the Serendipity Journal?
    Deer Kip,I love what you are writing in your serendipity journal also. I really want to see what you write nextest. I hope you are being thoughtful of every buty. I love what you are writing and keep it up.:)

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Hello Tyl, Lance and Isaiah,
      Thank you for reading and giving your feedback! I see that you picture Mrs. Holiday to be very positive with Kip and that is what I picture too!
      Keep being awesome!
      Love,
      Mrs. Apsey

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  14. By: Lillian
    From Mrs. Rubin’s Fourth Grade Class

    Dear Student Editors,
    This is your opportunity to really influence this book. I am so curious to learn from you! I have just two questions for you this week, but they are big ones!
    If you were Mrs. Holiday, what would you write back to Kip in the Serendipity Journal?
    I think Mrs. Holiday would say in a response is.
    I’m glad you like the Serendipity Journals I am super exited to. I thought it would be a good way to write and for me to know you this year since your new here. I love that you like to write also a am not a writting teacher to not write to.
    I am soooooo sorry you had to move and I would also be scarred if my husban (Mr. Holiday) did not have a job. Moving is also a hard thing to I have ( editors choice have Mrs. Holiday say she moved or not please delete this little part in text. Thanks).
    I’m exited you love my class. I hope this year will be great for you. You will have lots of fun this year please tell me if you don’t in your journal. Thanks for loving me and to think I’m a fun teacher.
    Sincerly Mrs. Holiday
    love her class/ fun teacher

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Hello Lillian,
      Thank you for sharing your feedback! You made Mrs. Holiday’s response very empathetic and that is just how I picture her responding! I really like how you had Mrs. Holiday ask Kip to let her know if she is not having fun. That means she really wants to help her all year long and I think Kip would really like that!
      Love,
      Mrs. Apsey

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  16. From: Isabella and Hailey, Mrs. Ray’s Class

    If you were Mrs. Holiday, what would you write back to Kip in the Serendipity Journal?
    I would write back that her writing was good.
    I would write back that I am very exited to have you in my class this year.

    If you were Kip, what would you like to hear from Mrs. Holiday? What do you hope Mrs. Holiday wrote to Kip, from Kip’s perspective?
    I hope she will write that she was talented at writing in her journal.
    I would like to hear that this is going to be a great year and I’m excited to have you as a student.

    One question we have for Mrs. Apsey is “Why is this chapter so short?” As the author, why did you choose to make this chapter shorter than the others?

    Thank you! We are loving this book!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Hello Isabella and Hailey,
      Thank you so much for your feedback! I like the idea of Mrs. Holiday complementing Kip on her writing. It totally sounds like something Mrs. Holiday would do, and I agree that Kip is a good writer (if I do say so myself 😉 ).

      Great question about this chapter. It actually is not a whole chapter, it is just the beginning of the fifth chapter. I will post whole chapters sometimes and other times I will post questions or parts of chapters.

      I am so glad that you are helping me write this book! Thank you!

      Love,
      Mrs. Apsey

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  17. Hi Mrs Apsey

    The students in 4K/F wrote some great responses, and had fantastic ideas for this chapter. Mostly they wanted Mrs Holiday to show she understood how Kip was feeling and to reassure her that she would settle in and make new friends. They also wanted Mrs Holiday to show Kip that she cared about her and was there for her if she needed her. They thought Kip would like reassurance that she just needed to be herself an people, teachers and students, would like her. They would also like Mrs Holiday to tell Kip more about herself, and make some connections with her. Some students also wanted Mrs Holiday to let Kip know she appreciated how much effort she put into her writing and that she loved Kip sharing her thoughts with her. A few also thought Mrs Holiday could give Kip feedback on her writing to help her improve.

    To me, the responses highlighted how important relationships with student are, and all students want to feel connected to, and valued by, their teachers. I was also encouraged by how empathetic their responses were.

    This was a great activity for the students, but also an insightful one for me as a teacher. Thanks for including it.

    Mrs Caswell

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Hello Students of 4K/F,
      Thank you so much for your insightful feedback! I can’t wait to edit Mrs. Holiday’s letter to Kip using some of your ideas!

      As I look at the student comments for this chapter, I agree with you and with Mrs. Caswell. It is good for teachers to see how important good relationships with teachers. Thank you for sharing your great input!

      Love,
      Mrs. Apsey

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  20. A bit short, but a good chapter. Sorry, haven’t written in a while, should probably do that before my grades plummet. Nothing I can do to, “really influence this book,” but I think that The Serendipity Journal is going to go great. I can’t wait to read it,
    Langston
    Langston T.
    LT
    LTH
    Langston T. H.

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  24. Hello Mrs. Apsey. I think it would it be a good idea for Mrs. Holiday would say something like “see me”. Then when Kip came to her desk, she would have her elaborate on the letter, just like what Mr. Daniels did to Ally in Fish in a Tree. I really enjoy reading this so thank you 🙂

    Lily

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Hello Lily,
      Thank you for the suggestion, I hadn’t thought of that idea. It might work toward the end of the book. I am so glad you are reading The Serendipity Journal.
      Love,
      Mrs. Apsey

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  25. Hi!
    I love how much Kip wants to see what Mrs. Holiday wrote. I think Mrs. Holiday should write some advice about how Kip should adjust to the school.
    Can’t wait to keep reading!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  26. I think that Mrs. Holiday should have some way to relate to Kip as in maybe she moved when she was younger, then they would have something to bond over.

    Liked by 1 person

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  27. I would like Mrs.Holiday to write that she hopes Kips situation gets better and that she would like to get to know Kip more throughout the school year.She seems the type to care about her students and what they are going through.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  28. If you were Kip, what would you like to hear from Mrs. Holiday? What do you hope Mrs. Holiday wrote to Kip, from Kip’s perspective?

    I would hope that Mrs Holiday wrote something about how she hoped that things would get better for kip and her family

    Liked by 1 person

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  29. Dear Ms. Apsey,
    In my opinion, I think you should write a more generic reply for kip’s journal entry, something like” I am so glad you like the serendipity journal! I know You’ll be a great student in the future! I just know it!” I think this will reflect how Mrs. Holiday and Kip will get along finely.

    Liked by 1 person

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  31. If you were Mrs. Holiday, what would you write back to Kip in the Serendipity Journal?
    If I was Mrs. Holiday, I would tell Kip things she may have in common, like “I don’t like having a topic chosen for me either!”

    If you were Kip, what would you like to hear from Mrs. Holiday?
    I would want to hear things we have in common.

    I love the book so far!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  33. Dear Mrs. Apsey,

    I like this part of the chapter. I only have one suggestion. Instead of having what Mrs. Holiday says in chapter seven, maybe you could combine what Mrs. Holiday says in chapter seven in chapter five so that you can write something else in chapter seven. Otherwise I so far like both parts of chapter five.

    Liked by 1 person

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  34. Dear Mrs. Apsey,
    If I was Mrs. Holiday, I would write something to make Kip feel empathy. Something that would make her smile. If I was Kip, I would want to hear some hard things that Mrs. Holiday had to go through. That would make me/Kip feel a lot better about her situation.

    Liked by 1 person

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  36. Dear Mrs. Apsey,
    If I was Mrs. Holiday I would compliment Kip on her handwriting and letter, and I would also share a common experience with her (Kip) moving to Jackson. I can’t wait to read Mrs. Holiday’s response!

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