Giving Thanks
Last year, in writing a similar holiday week message, I offered that more than a few times in the days preceding March, 2020, I caught myself wishing I had a few extra minutes, hours—even days to step away from my schedule. Never could I, or probably anyone else for that matter, have imagined that the onset of the pandemic and its aftermath could present such a significant shift in the pace of our lives. Yet, it has.
Like many people, I seek and enjoy the chaos of fitting as much as possible into every day. My job demands it and my desire to also be a good husband, father, son, brother and friend keeps me pushing the limits of a 24-hour day. Then the roller coaster ride of this pandemic took over. So much of what was written on “To Do” lists, on calendars, and schedules went by the wayside and was replaced with the necessity to prepare for the rapidly changing scenarios driven by a virus, a mutation of that virus and the continuing impact that it is having on our students, staff, families and country.
However, even during the most challenging times, we have tried to point out all the things that we are thankful for—perhaps even convey a new appreciation for those that many took for granted. That initial pause in early 2020 allowed us to reexamine priorities; to schedule and value dinner times without rushing to the next activity—even pause to watch a few minutes of the Fighting Irish on TV. As the pause lessened, the temptation for “normal” began to stress these new priorities.
As I wrote then, I feel a tremendous sense of responsibility for every student and staff member in the district and each aspect of district operations. I read hundreds of email messages every day from staff and parents—most written for a specific purpose and many requesting a specific result. Rarely can I comply with the wishes of each writer. Yet, I have concluded that both I and the district’s administrative leaders work hard to fix what is broken, create what is possible and celebrate every opportunity that has been presented. Just being able to enjoy concerts and the Drama Club’s presentation of “Almost Maine” in person seem like gifts—some we weren’t sure we would be able to facilitate this year (and I need to add that our students in the Drama Club were excellent— so much talent). I can’t allow this holiday to pass without expressing my gratitude and that of our staff, for your support as we recreate “normal” for the thousands of students who look to Springfield Local Schools for more than academics.
I read recently a quote from Cornel West, who once said, “I cannot be an optimist but I am a prisoner of hope.” As we enjoy all that Thanksgiving and the following holidays bring into our lives this year, I hope, too, that you allow hope to imprison all the hectic aspects of your lives. I hope, too, that you allow yourself to simply pause each day to enjoy the special moments that happen randomly, by plan, or because you or someone you care for has wished them. That’s the kind of “normal” we can all get behind.
