Sunday, November 17, 2013

Being Thankful

What is more "November" than being thankful?  I've seen friends on Facebook posting daily one thing that they're thankful for.  As we approach the last seven student days before the Thanksgiving Break, I've been thinking about what's important to me and what I am thankful for.  Here, in no particular order, is what has crossed my mind. 

  • My Family - the love, encouragement, and support that I receive is the bedrock for the professional work that I do. 
  • The MPS Administrative Team - Pam Arnold, Adam Bunting, Chris Hennessey, Mary Lundeen, Mike Martin, and Cindy Rossi have cultivated a thoughtful, fun, student-centered instructional leadership team that works steadfastly on behalf of the children and adults in Montpelier.  We enjoy each other so much that My Bride calls Tuesday my "Laugh Morning" because of how much humor is present during our weekly Team Meetings.  
  • The Adults of MPS - In the past few weeks, I have been inspired - truly inspired - by stories I have heard and what I have witnessed first hand from the adults in Montpelier Public Schools.  From award winning teachers remarking thoughtfully about the importance of relationships over content to the dedication of instructional assistants tirelessly working with their students; from the preparation of food in our cafeterias to the consistent presence of our administrative support staff; from the visible demonstration of stewardship over our facilities personnel to the commitment to community well being by the Recreation Department to the vision of public education set by our Board of School Commissioners.  
  • The Students of MPS - what can I say about this amazing group of young people?  They are tremendous.  They model sustainability in Vermont - that's why Deborah Markowitz (Secretary of the Agency of Natural Resources) came to Main Street Middle School this week to unveil the State of Vermont's new recycling logos.  They inspire - click on The Wise Owl (UES Principal Chris Hennessey's blog) to see how student centered our elementary school is.  They are leaders - regularly I see adults listening to students at MHS.  This week's upcoming Board meeting will begin with a student presentation from MHS students.  I am grateful that in MPS, when students talk, adults listen.  
Reflecting on those people, I am reminded of John F. Kennedy's quote about being thankful: "As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words but to live by them."  As we approach the holiday season, I encourage you to find a way to say thank you to others, which for me are the two most important words in the English language. 

To the readers of this blog, I thank you for sharing some of your free time with me and my thoughts.  I wish you a wonderfully enjoyable holiday season!

6 comments:

  1. I am very thankful for the thoughtful and reflective teachers I work with and for. They keep me thinking about best math practices in order for our children to have their future pathways open to whatever their dreams are.

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  2. I am thankful for all the students who work hard each and everyday, to those students who persevere and take responsibility for their learning, and for those who make me smile each day, reminding me that this is why I teach.

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  3. I'm thankful for our "foremothers and forefathers" who had the wisdom, generosity, and community commitment to construct Main Street Middle School, Union Elementary School, and Montpelier High School. These buildings, as well as the former East State Street and Barre Street Schools are testament to a community attitude the looked to the future and valued children and their education. Lowell VanDerlip

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  4. I am thankful that I was able to read out loud with a student for half the class while the other students read on their own.

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  5. I am thankful for having amazing colleagues at both MSMS and MHS. The people I work with are thoughtful, creative, humorous, and insightful professionals who "get it". The "it" being what makes most sense for a student or family at the time. It is an honor and gift to be a part of the team!

    I am also thankful that both my daughters love their school and find learning fun. Their fondness of school is a direct result of the enthusiastic and divine teaching community at UES! Thank you Union!!!!

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  6. I am Thankful for all the amazing Instructional Assistants (Pattie, Phil, Jane, Carlos, Corinne & Katrina ) and Carole N. that support the students we share. They are a remarkable group of people! They challenge themselves, students & me in ways that do nothing but reach to teach, support & care. I consider myself to be truly blessed. I am also Thankful for having the opportunity to be a part of the Montpelier School District Community. Happy Thanksgiving to all!

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