Dear New Bedford Public Schools Community,
The multi-colors of the season can be seen everywhere. The beauty and the excitement of fall is here along with the cooler temperatures and the welcoming of the holiday season. Thanksgiving is very special as we take the time to express gratitude to those around us. It is important that we keep in mind the words of former President John F. Kennedy,
“As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.”
We may choose to celebrate Thanksgiving in many ways, but I believe that we all can agree that it is about being kind. We can make a positive impact on those around us every day. Kindness is being overshadowed by the negativity that is highlighted and humanity sometimes takes a back seat to self-centeredness and selfishness. We must counter this by taking advantage of the opportunity that the Thanksgiving holiday affords us by expressing our gratitude to those around us and closest to us.
I want to express my most sincere gratitude to each of you for your support of our children and for your compassion and commitment to their success as learners and as people. Your individual set of skills and experience uniquely impacts young lives in very positive ways every day.
Let’s take some time for personal reflections on what and who we are most grateful for. Each of us, in our own small but thoughtful ways, can be an UPSTANDER instead of a bystander and use our own sphere of influence.
Enjoy the time in a way that makes you feel the most at ease and appreciative for what you have. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Sincerely,
Thomas Anderson
Thanksgiving Note Parents 2019.doc