The holiday season and especially Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on the things you are thankful for. As we gather together with our families and friends, Save our Schools wants to take a moment to express gratitude for our communities, schools, and advocates.
“Gratitude is when memory is stored in the heart and not in the mind.” – Lionel Hampton
Our gratitude and thanks during this season is a byproduct of the dedicated educators who create memories that touch the hearts of our students and families. As Lionel Hampton said, “gratitude is when memory is stored in the heart and not in the mind.” Students don’t just remember their times at the schools, they feel the joy, happiness, love, and hope that is the foundation of their memories. Families don’t just remember the productions their students were in, but the community and support that surrounds those memories. These feelings are why we are thankful.
We are thankful for our dedicated teachers and staff who love on and pour everything into their students. They remain steadfast on the frontlines, and are still making their kids' year as normal and supported as possible.
We are thankful for our students who give us smiles and inspiration every day. They are the reason we are fighting for equitable education. We want the best opportunities for all students to live their fullest lives.
We are thankful for the businesses and companies who donate to our teacher appreciation and student programs. They help recognize the efforts of teachers, and, today, they continue to advocate for our staff as part of our fight to save schools.
All this gratitude rejuvenates us. It reminds us why we are fighting and what is worth fighting for. As we celebrate the holidays, take the rest you need in your family, but remember our fight is not over.
"As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them." – John F. Kennedy
We must act on this gratitude. We have education events coming up, school board meetings, and student events, we must continue to show up. We must fight for equitable education and show city officials we have not given up. Take this time to rest, but we are still working, we are still caring, we are still advocating, and we are still educating.
Happy Thanksgiving everyone. Remember what you are thankful for and take this time to express that gratitude.