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Dear Daniel I am so grateful that I had you as a teacher you’re my favorite teacher we are so blessed to have you on the last year you were teaching love Noelle  Rezvani

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Your classroom was such a nurturing, creative and happy environment for Charlotte.  Second grade was when she really fell in love with school.  We all remember you so fondly all these years later and wish you all the best in retirement!   Charlotte Goldstein and family.

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Dear Daniel,
We felt honored and lucky that Charlotte was in your class, especially during your last year. We cried when we read the email announcing your retirement. GFS icon! Thank you for all the love and devotion and dedication you gave your students. Charlotte came home from school every day (she didn’t miss one) to report all the activities she enjoyed that day. She often explains or teaches us what she learns. She says she wants to be a teacher when she grows up! When she was making you her goodbye card , the last week of school, she became so emotional that she tore it in half, removing the more sentimental part because I believe she was so moved. Best of luck to you! Your students will always remember you!
Kate Schelter and Chris Schumacher

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We feel so blessed to have had you be Sophie’s teacher especially in 2020! Thank you for teaching our kids about love, kindness, and patience. Thank you for reassuring them and meeting their emotional needs at the most difficult of times during the pandemic. Thank you for being a role model for calmness and being present. Enjoy retirement! Thank you for being such a good friend. You will be missed. We will bake bread and take it to Whosoever Gospel Mission to honor you every year. With Love, Sophie, David and Maryam

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Dear Daniel,
I remember the first time I looked into your classroom while I was interviewing at GFS. There were all of these amazing animal masks lined up, and I remember thinking that your classroom was a special place. For many years now,  I have known this to be true! The experience of being in your classroom is so rich- there are so many things to engage the eyes and minds and imaginations of the children. I have learned so much from you about the preciousness of childhood, and all of the kids at GFS have benefited from your advocacy. You have modeled slowing down,  and appreciating and delighting in children. Your influence has been great. You will be missed! 
Love,
Diana

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Thank you for always being so kind. I enjoyed our conversations in the faculty room. Enjoy your retirement. Best of luck.
Peter L.

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Dear Daniel,
Your are a terrific, patient, loving teacher and we are the richer for having known you. Memories of trips to the Whosoever Gospel Mission and making figures from corn husks are still bright years later, but what is incandescent and most enduring is your gentle and loving spirit.  May you experience in retirement much of the joy you gave to others!
With our lasting gratitude,
Tony, Tammy and Rebecca Pomeranz

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Daniel,
Knowing we were part of your last class will always hold a special place in our hearts. We will be forever grateful and will look back on this challenging year knowing Liam and his classmates were in the best possible hands. For a year where parents were not allowed in the classroom, we still felt your passion and care for our children. The impact you had will be felt for years to come. May this next chapter bring you joy and peace. Wishing you all the best ~ The Dunleavys (Liam, Johanna, Kevin and Keira)

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Daniel, thank you for being such an incredible model of what it means to truly live out Quaker values. I have been able to learn much from watching you. I wish you the best on the next leg of your journey!

Sincerely,
Natasha Labbé

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I remember the first time I looked into your classroom while I was interviewing at GFS. There were all of these amazing animal masks lined up, and I remember thinking that your classroom was a special place. For many years now,  I have known this to be true! The experience of being in your classroom is so rich- there are so many things to engage the eyes and minds and imaginations of the children. I have learned so much from you about the preciousness of childhood, and all of the kids at GFS have benefited from your advocacy. You have modeled slowing down,  and appreciating and delighting in children. Your influence has been great. You will be missed!
Love,
Diana

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Daniel - I will miss you. Walking into your classroom was like walking into my home away from home; warm, cozy, and lots of love.  Thank you.  Pam

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We feel so lucky that Idris was able to be a student in your last 2nd grade class ever!  Your warmth, kindness, and calm was more important than ever in this crazy pandemic year, and the kids learned not only their math, reading, and Lenape studies from you--but also how to be warm, calm, and kind even (especially) during hard times.  We will be forever grateful for you and wish you so much happiness in your retirement.  xoxo, Idris Ahmad (and Sarah, Faiz, and Rumi)

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Daniel, I am so grateful that Graham had you for second grade.  You are an amazing teacher, and Graham had an amazing experience in your class.  We still occasionally use the bread recipe to make the bread at home!  Your dedication and love for your students is obvious.
Stacey Cromley

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Daniel, thank you for sharing your enthusiasm for teaching with Halle and her classmates, 3 years ago. It was a wonderful year that we shall never forget. The smell of fresh baked bread will always bring fond memories of you and what it represented...a genuine fellowship with the Whosoever Gospel Mission. Thank you for demonstrating what ‘community’ really means. You will be missed. Enjoy retirement and be blessed.  -Wanda N.

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I was determined to send my children to GFS because I knew they would have teachers like you. Except you exceeded even my expectations.  I will always be grateful for the gentle and deeply thoughtful  manner in which you taught Wyn and Tilda... and their parents too. Bon voyage! 

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I was determined to send my children to GFS because I knew they would have teachers like you. Except you exceeded even my expectations.  I will always be grateful for the gentle and deeply thoughtful  manner in which you taught Wyn and Tilda... and their parents too. Bon voyage! 

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Abbey Stace

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It is so awkward that you think you're retiring but you're going to have to come work in Maine at my new school so my daughter can have you for 2nd grade. I think visiting your class to read Roald Dahl-like original stories was one of my favorite memories at GFS. Having you in PWAT with Greta and Rachel was also one of my favorite times at GFS. I have loved every committee and group where I could benefit from your balanced, caring, generous, integrated approach to the task at hand. And we will always have our shared memory of the flagpole morning! That one, in particular, speaks to me of taking a stand that leaves a mark. Which you have you have you have. Take good care, Daniel, and please LET IN all the generations of love and gratitude coming your way as you start your next chapter.
Love, Sara Primo

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Dear Daniel,
Even though we taught in different divisions, I really appreciated the interactions we had whenever we had a chance to strike up a conversation. I will miss you. I truly wish you all the best as you begin the next chapter of your life.
-June

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Dear Daniel,  You have been a dear colleague, teacher to both of our girls, one in Kindergarten and one in second grade, mentor to our Victoria as she joins our profession and dear friend (and Friend) through the years!  Your quiet, peaceful presence will be deeply missed, but we delight in imagining you on your little island in the San Juan's, with more time for family (bees?) and nature!  Love from all of the Spaeths!

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Dear Daniel,  You have been a dear colleague, teacher to both of our girls, one in Kindergarten and one in second grade, mentor to our Victoria as she joins our profession and dear friend (and Friend) through the years!  Your quiet, peaceful presence will be deeply missed, but we delight in imagining you on your little island in the San Juan's, with more time for family (bees?) and nature!  Love from all of the Spaeths!

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When my children were in lower school we missed out on being in your class, but I'm so glad I had a chance to get to know you as a colleague many years later.  I wish you all the best on your next adventure.  You'll be missed.
Sincerely,
Jenn K.

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Being in your second grade class was a highlight of lower school for me. Thank you for helping me become the person and student I am today! Wishing you the best,
Ada Yeomans

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I wish you all the best in retirement! Your thoughtfulness and care for children is unmatched. Thank you for sharing your  light with all of us.

Best,
Charla

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What a gift it was to have you as a teacher.  We all have such fond memories. Best to you in your retirement!
Ben Spear and Sam, Molly, Bob and Jackie

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Best wishes for a relaxing retirement!
John Anagbo

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You will forever be a part of our village!  I believe God put you in our lives a the right time!  Happy Retirement Daniel!  We will truly miss seeing you on campus!

From,
Addie and Jordan

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10 Lessons learned from observing Daniel Rouse

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10 Lessons learned from observing Daniel Rouse

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1. Tending to the goodness and Light in those you interact with pollinates goodness and Light all around.
2. Being gentle is a mindset.
3. Noticing what's around you requires more than open eyes--it also relies on an open posture, heart, and mind.
4. Leaving questions unanswered can be a powerful teaching tool.
5. Chickens, bees, gardens, and young people are good for the soul.
6. Make storytelling a creative practice with those around you.
7. Pick some things that make you and other people happy, like breadmaking, and make them a habit.
8. Ride your bike and breathe fresh air.
9. Make things--anything.
10.  Living in accordance with your beliefs means finding concrete ways to practice them.

Thank you, Daniel, for your example. May the heaps of love for you in this community accompany you and Light your retirement.

Hannah

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From the moment I joined GFS you have been an inspiration as someone who approaches their work with children with such spirit and peace. Thank you for sharing your light with us all.
Wishing you joy in your next adventure.
Heather

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Dear Daniel,
Thank you so much for everything you did and gave for/to me and so many other kids who were lucky enough to be in your class. I have so many amazing memories from second grade- they're all coming back to me now as I write this and I'm smiling just thinking about them. From sitting in the patio to reading books as a class (I remember reading about a wolf in a book and you gave me the opportunity to tell my classmates what I'd learned about wolves- I felt very proud), building a wigwam, and of course Paddle to the Sea (Not sure why I look so depressed in the photo below, I promise I had fun), I look back on second grade more fondly than any other year in my time at GFS. Thank you so much for everything. I'll never forget my time in your class.
Turner

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Dear Daniel, out of all the years of Lower School, second grade is the one that I remember most vividly. I remember listening to you read Measle and the Wrathmonk while other girls braided my hair, and you said "This isn't a hair salon!" but we all knew you weren't really mad. I remember having a stuffed animal party, hanging out in the wigwam, lugging my disco ball to school, crying while we watched the Felicity movie, and smiling when I read Shel Silverstein's poem "Hug-of-War" to the class. And of course I remember throwing my Paddle to the Sea into the Schuylkill, where it promptly got stuck in an eddy for ten minutes before drifting away. I still know all the lyrics to that song. You helped me feel comfortable being myself, and I will always be thankful for that. <3 Sadie

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Dear Daniel,
When we think of you, we think of family. Daniel, you have been a part of Faruq's life since he was 7 years old in the 2nd grade and a part of our village ever since. We are glad to call you a friend —all the very best to you, Daniel.

With Love,

The Adgers (Faruq, Khaleel, Bianca, Faysal, and Yemaya) ❤️

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Thank you so much for being the greatest teacher a 2nd grader could possibly ask for. I'll never forget how much I enjoyed being read to by you. I hope you enjoy your next chapter.
- Tilda Stace :)

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Enjoy the next phase of your life! We will never forget 2nd grade with you, baking and delivering bread, launching boats, writing stories, your calming influence, and the way you made every student feel listened to.
- Graham and the rest of the Kohns

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Dear Daniel,
Bread making for WhosoeverGospel , floating the wood boats at Schuylkill River, Animal play and all other numerous activities from your class left wonderful learning memories for Juliette and our family.
We will miss you so much!!! Wish you the best to the years ahead❤️Sincerely,  Thomas & Jane Kang

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Thank you for making my 2nd grade so fun and special. I loved learning to read with you! - Allison Kurath

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We feel so fortunate that your spirit touched and influenced the lives of two of our kids (Ada and Josiah).  Knowing our kids were under your care and tutelage was a reassurance to us everyday and at teacher meetings we could tell that you KNEW our kids. I still have vivid memories of the paddle-to-the-sea launch down at the Waterworks, and my parents still talk about it.  With much gratitude.  You've helped us launch them as they paddle to the sea!

Peter Yeomans, Kate O'Shea

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Dear teacher Daniel, before I started second grade I heard rumors about you being the best teacher ever. And those rumors were right. You were so kind, and fueled my love for history. So I want to wish you a happy retirement! You will be remembered forever.
Sincerely, Gabe

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Dear Daniel,
I'm glad I was in one of the groups you taught. You're an amazing teacher!
Cleophee K

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Thank you so much for being my teacher. You were the BEST teacher I have ever had and will still be.We will always miss you at GFS. I remember the first time I walked into your classroom and ever since I have always been welcome! Love, Zohar Pinto

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Daniel, I did not get to work with you much since we are in different divisions. However, one memory stands out -- the 2nd grade play. I was new at GFS, and working lights and the sound board for the play was one of the first times I was flying solo in the booth. You were so kind and welcoming and immediately put me at ease. I admire your calming and centering energy as you nurtured our young learners and encouraged them to shine their light in the play. I wish you the best for this next exciting chapter of your life!

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We now have 3 kids at GFS and have been in the community for 11 years but when Ada was in 2nd grade, she was our only GFS student and it was just our 2nd year here.  Just walking into Daniels room , we knew we were in the room of a master of his craft.  His gentle and kind demeanor created such a loving environment for our child.  Adas class was one of the last (?) to participate in the journey to the sea.  I can still visualize her reciting her poem and throwing her lovingly crafted vessel over board.  As we look back on 11 amazing years at gfs, in the end, there are only a handful of memories that stand out.  Daniel has created these kinds of memories for hundreds of children and families. In the deepest gratitude, Kate and Pete

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Daniel, our family appreciated the nurturing environment you created for our Asher and his cohort.  You should also know that you have had a lasting impact on our Thanksgiving traditions.  After having the venison stew as part of your study of the Lenni Lenape People, Asher requested/demanded that this wonderful dish should be added to our Thanksgiving repertoire.  Every year since, we've eaten venison stew as part of our holiday celebration.  Thank you for all and best wishes in the next stages of your journey.

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Daniel, our family appreciated the nurturing environment you created for our Asher and his cohort.  You should also know that you have had a lasting impact on our Thanksgiving traditions.  After having the venison stew as part of your study of the Lenni Lenape People, Asher requested/demanded that this wonderful dish should be added to our Thanksgiving repertoire.  Every year since, we've eaten venison stew as part of our holiday celebration.  Thank you for all and best wishes in the next stages of your journey.

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Michele and Craig