[thangk-fuhl]: adjective 1. feeling or expressing gratitude; appreciative.
There may be nothing controversial, innovative, groundbreaking, novel, or unique about expressing gratitude this time of year, but that does not make it an insignificant or wasted expression. Time spent counting our blessings and expressing thanks is always time well spent.
What is PA Virtual thankful for this year? Our CEO Dr. Joanne Barnett, sums up PA Virtual's gratitude simply and succinctly...
“I am thankful for the opportunity of school choice and that it allows PA Virtual to exist.”
Our staff also wanted to share some of the things they are thankful for this year. Overwhelmingly, we are thankful for wonderful families and friends, and look forward to sharing turkey with our loved ones. We also have some other wonderful things to be thankful for:
My supportive fellow teachers, and students who amaze me every day.
—Tammy Bacon, High School Academic Support Teacher
I am thankful for educational choice in Pennsylvania!
—Sara Myer, Parent Ambassador Regional Coordinator, East
I am thankful for the variety of funky-colored wigs I have collected!
—Cindy Willits, 6th grade teacher and avid wig/hat collector
I am thankful for a dedicated K-2 faculty! It makes me excited to know that our students are in good hands and will be able to demonstrate steady, forward progress.
—Michelle Verga, Elementary Principal Grades K-2
I am thankful for the wonderful families I am working with this year.
—Jackie Sieber, Teacher-Grade 4
I’m thankful for music! I love to listen to all types of music, and I love that music can help me express my feelings. It helps me feel better when I’m stressed or sad, and it is always fun to listen to when I’m happy and feeling good! It is very therapeutic for me. Music helps to make our world a better place!
—Christy Ansell, First Grade Teacher
Sunshine and 70 degrees in November!
—Kathy Anderson, Music Teacher
And last but not least, a particularly poignant entry from Diane Eversmeyer, Tutor for Intermediate/Middle Math:
This year has been a year of ups and downs; it has felt like a roller coaster. To say that I am not thankful just for my family being here would be an understatement and something that is hard to put into words. Close family members are battling and have battled serious health issues, but Thanksgiving is here and so are we. All of the pain and strife that everyone must go through in his or her life has made us all stronger, and a family that takes nothing for granted. My children have grown into loving adults and parents through all the bumps and bruises with wonderful children of their own. Life couldn't be more of a blessing, and things couldn't be more peaceful. Though sickness comes and hits all of us hard there is a light at the end of that tunnel. It is always good. Life will always move on, and on this Thanksgiving, I give thanks for all the little blessings I can count in my life everyday. They may not always shine bright, but if I look for them I know I will always find them.
Pass the tissues along with the mashed potatoes. Thank you Diane, for helping us remember to count our blessings not just today, but every day.
We'd love to hear what you are thankful for, too. Please share with us in the comments. And we at PA Virtual wish you and your loved ones a warm, wonderful Thanksgiving.
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