Around this time of year, I think it is natural for all of us to take a moment or two to reflect on the things that we are thankful for.  As I was thinking about a post for this week, I decided that the most sensible thing to do was to share some of the things that I am thankful for.

1. The staff at RSI – First and foremost, I want everyone here at RSI to know how much I appreciate all that they do!  I’m consistently amazed by the commitment, time, and passion that you all put into everything that you do.  It is a rare day that I am the first person here, or the last person to go home.  When I come in on the weekends, I often see several of you here.  The dedication to your craft and your students shows in all that you do, and it makes me happy to be able to come here and be a part of that!
2. Our students – Here in HSE we have some awesome students.  Every day that I’m here, something happens with a student that makes my day.  Whether it be watching something click in their learning while they are in a classroom, counseling them through a difficult situation, or providing them with tools that will allow them to learn and grow more successfully, I love it!  One of the consistent messages of my posts this year has been the importance of relationships with our kids.  I look forward to the opportunity to continue to build meaningful relationships with the kids who walk through our doors each day.
3. Our families – It is rare that I have anything but positive interactions with the families of our students.  Most of the time I am able to pick up the phone, have a positive conversation about their student, and come up with a strategy that will allow them to learn and grow.  I always remind myself that the kids I’m talking to are just as important to someone as my kids are to me.  If I keep that in mind, and help the family understand that my goal is to help the kids in our school learn and grow, we tend to end up with a positive outcome.
4. My family – I wouldn’t be the person I am today without my family at home.  They help keep me centered.  No matter how difficult a day is here at school, I know that I can go home and see my wife and kids, and that stress just melts away.  The support they give me, the laughs we have, and simply time together is such an important part of my life!

I could probably continue this list, but it is almost Thanksgiving, and I don’t want to take too much of your time!  I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving break that allows you to get just what you need to recharge for what’s left of the first semester.

What are some of the things you are thankful for?  Feel free to share in the comments below!