A Litany of Thanks

 I know 2020 is a challenging year for everyone on many levels. But November is the month to remember reasons to be thankful. It's a matter of where you choose to place your focus. I could focus on the recent spikes in COVID cases leading to another round of partial business shut downs, the crazy political climate of the country, or even the wet weather with the sun setting before 5:00pm. But what will that accomplish? Instead, here is a list of things for which I am thankful.

• My student who was missing over 20 assignments turned in all of her late work last week.
• The adult sister of my student whose anxiety prevents her from participation in lessons or asking questions has jumped into help. We have scheduled daily check ins that have already improved work completion and the student's comprehension.
• I picked up a new virtual tutoring student based on a referral from my current student's family. The email that connected me to the new family included the words, "my son's awesome writing tutor!"
• I received a set of fabulous thank you cards from my students this week (did you know it's teacher appreciation week?) - heartfelt and funny. They made me smile, laugh, and cry.

• I have been told by a couple of co-workers that they are hearing positive things about me from the parent community, including how clear it is how much I care about the kids.
• I got to share my DIG Field School experience with my students as part of the anchor phenomenon to our new science unit.

• There are no lessons to plan for next week because it is fall conferences followed by Thanksgiving.
• On the last day of restaurants allowing dine in customers prior to the current shut down, my oldest child requested dinner at The Old Spaghetti Factory. Just the two of us ended up a nearly empty restaurant for dinner and had fantastic conversation. My 18 year old is funny, observant, thoughtful, and reflective.
• The funny positions my 16 year old has always chosen for working or reading.

• Eight months into working from home during a global pandemic, my husband still makes me laugh nearly every day. 
• I get to hear my husband literally laughing and clapping during work meetings on a daily basis.
• Students posting connections between lessons and their real lives in Google Classroom.

• A friend recommended a mutual friend ask my advice on navigating the behavioral health system on behalf of their adopted child. My advice was well received.
• I have been reconnecting with my friends in California during the pandemic.
• Being told I'm having a "good face day on Zoom" by a parent during a meeting.
• Being told by a fellow teacher that she took a class on building relationships during remote learning and she kept thinking of me because she feels I do this well.
• Social media has allowed me to keep seeing the faces of family and friends in other states and countries.