Ms. Haynes
Principal
Research has shown that people who have an attitude of gratitude are happier people. We want to make it a habit of expressing appreciation and gratefulness for all things, big and small. There are many things we are thankful for but I have narrowed it down to a top 10.
Top 10 Things We are Thankful For…..
Students-- We are thankful for our students who show up everyday ready to learn. We are thankful for the funny things they do on a daily basis and for keeping us grounded. They are the reason we are here and we are grateful for the opportunities they provide us daily to grow as an educator as well.
Teachers and co-workers-- We are very thankful for our teachers/co-workers who have been asked to do more than any other year. They continue to meet this challenge daily and do it with grace. Our teachers help each other out by not only covering classes but assisting with lesson planning, providing ideas to each other, and are a shoulder to cry on or laugh with when things are not going as expected.
Custodians-- Our custodians are asked to do more and more every day. We are thankful for their can do attitude to tackle whatever gets thrown their way. From killing the 1,000th wasp this year in a classroom, to setting up for a wrestling meet, to cleaning up a mess in the bathroom, our custodians do it all with a smile on their face and a helping hand always.
Food-- We are thankful for our cafeteria staff who have worked so hard to not only serve breakfast and lunch in a fast, efficient manner but to also find ways to increase the meal choices. Students appreciate the home cooked meals and smiles from the “lunch bunch”. We also appreciate that we are providing meals even when we are closed. We are responding to our community's needs and I am so appreciative of these extra efforts to ensure our students are fed even on days we close school.
Supportive Parents-- We are thankful for supportive parents who partner with us to ensure their child is most successful. We know the school/parent partnership is vital and we appreciate the extra efforts that our staff and parents do to ensure the lines of communication are open for these relationships to happen.
Extra Work Time-- We are very thankful that our district administration and Board of Education have graciously given our staff extra time to plan and prepare lessons. Teachers have lost more plan time this year than ever before and having a full day to plan and prepare is a precious gift.
Activities-- We are thankful for the opportunities for our students to continue to participate in extracurricular activities. Extracurricular activities teach teamwork, perseverance, social skills, and other soft skills necessary to be successful in and out of the classroom. Participating in extracurricular activities can also help boost self-esteem and helps students feel part of something bigger than themselves. Of course middle school students appreciate the social opportunities as well. We know this opportunity can end any day and we treat each game/match as a gift.
Technology-- We are thankful for technology that not only enhances learning in the classroom, but allows remote learning to happen. Technology can expand our knowledge and we are very thankful for the opportunities that have been provided through it.
Opportunities to Give Back-- We know we have been blessed with many things. When we have the opportunity to give back we are thankful. Our student council hosted a food drive recently. We collected over 400 items that we donated to the local food pantry. Our choir is starting their annual choir service fundraiser. Our students and staff have donated thousands of dollars back to our community over the years. It is great to provide students opportunities to serve others and give back.
Our Families-- We are thankful for our own families. Our families are given the “teacher look” no matter where they are. Living with an educator is not always easy. Educators are constantly bringing their work home physically and emotionally. Our families love us unconditionally and for that we are eternally grateful.
7th Grade Basketball
8th Grade Basketball
