Monday Moanin Thoughts #185 What Is Your Thanksgiving Message For 2015?

What a snowy  Michigan Monday Moanin to wake up to. This week many of us will be celebrating Thanksgiving 2015. In a few days we will be having a wonderful meal with our loved ones and enjoying a well deserved break from the daily challenges we face.

As I began thinking about my blog and what to write this week, I couldn’t help but wonder,  What is your Thanksgiving message going to be to your staff?  It is always a challenge to be creative and inspirational in writing a message. Especially when you are tired and ready to just have a break.  However, I believe it is essential as a leader to write something.  As a result, published below are some prompts and excerpts that may be helpful as you begin writing. They are written by  principals and other leaders from the past several years. Hopefully they will help you.

• “I share this because as I mentioned at our faculty meeting, at Thanksgiving, I am often reminded of the importance of giving thanks. Giving thanks not only brings the positive things in our lives to the forefront, but reminds us our problems are not as big as they appear. When we thank others, it reminds us the act of gratitude is not entirely altruistic, as it make us feel better as well!  We have all worked hard to continue to ensure student learning and social and emotional growth of our students. For me, that starts every day with each of you.”
• “During this time of Thanksgiving, I want to share my gratitude and thank you for being such an important part of our children’s lives. I believe that helping children succeed is one of the most important things any of us can do. That is why I am so grateful to the employees of ___. They dedicate their lives to serving our children. They take each child’s success personally. They spend hours before and after school doing the extra things that few people see but that make all the difference for the children they teach. I see and feel their passion when I visit classrooms. I see the joy in the faces of our children, and I hear gratitude from parents who appreciate the difference our staff members make for their children. ” 
• ” Thank you for all that you do for all of our students. Over this Thanksgiving break enjoy your time with your families and loved ones. Use this time to appreciate those around you.”
• “I was recently challenged by a friend to change my attitude from one of complaining to one of gratitude. This took me by surprise, since my friend is also a public educator, and I felt entitled, almost, to a private pity party with the recent legislation, the politics of the past few months, and public perception that has appeared less than favorable toward educators. She reminded me that the simple act of naming for whom and what I am grateful can make a significant difference in attitude and outlook. Indeed it did. “
• “It is hard to believe that Thanksgiving is only two days away—how has the year hurtled forward so fast?!?! Fortunately, at the end of school on Tuesday, we will all be able to enjoy some well-deserved time away with family and friends.  This break is a much-needed chance to rest, recharge, and refill ourselves after all that each of you gives to our students, day in and day out.  In our calling as educators we dedicate our energy, passion, time, and efforts to our students, colleagues, and community.  This often comes at a cost to our selves and our families.”

I  hope this helps, have a restful, wonderful Thanksgiving break. Keep finding the good stuff.