Greetings Starfighters,
As we pause for Thanksgiving, I want to share my deep gratitude to all of you—teachers, leaders, thinkers, and innovators who dedicate yourselves to reimagining and improving education. Your commitment to creating meaningful, engaging, transformative learning experiences is inspiring. It takes immense courage, resilience, and creativity to abandon the well-worn paths and envision something better for our students.
In the words of Marcus Aurelius, "When you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive—to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love." Every day, you rise to this challenge, striving to build knowledge and a sense of belonging, curiosity, and purpose in your students. Your work matters deeply—to the children you teach, the communities you serve, and the future we all share.
Education is not just about lessons and curriculum; it is about fostering the human spirit, nurturing dreams, and creating the conditions for every student to thrive. This mission requires not just skill and expertise but also compassion, empathy, and an unyielding belief in the potential of every child. You do this work in the face of overwhelming challenges—limited resources, shifting demands, and the constant need to adapt and evolve. Yet, despite these obstacles, you continue to show up, innovate, and push forward because you know that what you do matters.
I am constantly in awe of how you adapt, whether by finding new ways to connect with students, turning setbacks into opportunities for growth, or collaborating with others to bring fresh ideas to life. You are shaping the future by imparting knowledge and modeling resilience, adaptability, and a love for learning. You are teaching students to solve equations or understand literature and think deeply, question openly, and care about the world around them.
As we gather with loved ones this Thanksgiving, I hope you take a moment to reflect on the incredible impact you are making. Every student whose life you touch is a testament to your dedication. Every moment of curiosity you spark, every bit of confidence you help build, and every dream you nurture adds to our collective hope for a better future. You are helping to create that future: one student, one classroom, one community at a time.
Thank you for your dedication, ideas, patience, and unwavering care. You are not just educators; you are change-makers. Rest, recharge, and know that the difference you make is real, and the world is better for it.
Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours.
MP