As most of us head into a much needed break, I wanted to say a heartfelt “Thank You” for all that you do for our students, their families, our schools and coworkers. As I stated in my newsletter in early December we need to remember what we are grateful for every day. Find the small things over break that make you happy. One of my favorite things in the morning is that first sip of hot coffee. I savor the taste and the warmth of the coffee. It’s small, it’s something I could take for granted, but I don’t. Last Wednesday when I left work to drive home and it was snowing I was happy. I love the snow. As I sat working in my living room that afternoon in front of a crackling fire and the snow was coming down, I lived in that moment. It was peaceful and quiet. When I woke up on Thursday it was just beautiful and then later that afternoon watching my 17 year old go out with her friends to build a snowman was incredible. One of her teachers gave them some extra credit to go out and play in the snow and build snowman. (Of course they had to take a picture see below) I thought what an ingenious way to get the kids out and acting like children again. They didn’t just build a snowman and be done. The threw snow at each other, they jumped in snowbanks and laughed. What an incredible thing to watch. (And they weren’t on electronics! Now that was the miracle.)
So your assignment over break is to express gratitude for the little things, laugh and enjoy moments with your families and most of all take time for yourself.
I know I say this a lot because I mean it. When I took this job almost 9 years ago, I wasn’t sure what was in store for me creating a new program and getting to know all of you, but I love doing it. When you find your true purpose in life it’s easy to love what you do and you all make that so.
No matter what you celebrate this holiday season, I wish you all well and look for better and brighter things to come in 2021.
Sincerely,
Carmen
