Thankfulness

This has been one of those weeks where we all hug each other a little bit harder, try to connect with our kids a little bit more, and take the time to have a little bit more personal reflection on love, life, and questions none of us can really answer.  Though we can't ever know the reason why bad things happen to good people, especially those who are the most vulnerable among us, I do know that we can and should use these moments to not only reflect but also look ahead, and hopefully, come out on the other side as better people. 

Within the sadness we all felt this week over the Sandy Hook tragedy, we also kept things going for our own kids because, simply put, that's what schools do each day.  We do it because we love those we work with and we know they deserve to have goodness and joy still a part of their lives.  So that's what we did this week. 

Parents, such as Jay Plotkin and Moira Castanon, at school on Sunday, trying to get the staging set for Monday's student picture celebrating our 60th campus anniversary.

Third grade teachers engaging and facilitating the learning for their third graders with all things Medieval Faire, a great HP tradition that I hope lives on forever.

Kinder classes attending a special assembly by Creative Action, helping with the performance of The Shoemaker and the Elves.

And first graders in Ms. Ferguson's classroom, making a class list on all things they are thankful for this year.  I think it's an appropriate list to leave you with as we close out 2012 because we all do have much to be thankful for this holiday season, knowing there are others who are struggling - and rightly so - with finding reason to be thankful for anything.  Truly, lots of love and hugs your way.  Have a joyful season wherever you find yourself, see you in 2013, and know I continue to be thankful for each of you and the joy you bring to my life.

Ms. Ferguson – having a job at Highland Park and teaching this class of amazing 1^st graders

Zac – family, friends, shelter

Chander – Ms.  Ferguson

Jack S – food in our bellies

Ian – wonderful friends in this class

Solana – our school, nursing homes

Emmylou – friends, my family, teachers

Audriana – my family, friends, and that I am able to go to school

Megan – my mom and dad

Evan – my city and my teacher

Oliver – food and smartness

JP – family, food, my house and school

Jack F. – I’m thankful for us

Sarah – cars and a warm bed

McKinzie – my family

Matthew – friends, teachers, school and Ms. Workman

Leo –money

Cody – doctors and nurses

Victoria – the holidays

Lucky – my mom and brother Jazz

Emily – my family, friends, school and home