My Gratitude Journal
My Gratitude Journal
"A lesson taught with humor is a lesson retained." ~The Talmud
I remember learning this one at around the age of twelve. How about you?
My Gratitude Journal
My Gratitude Journal
"Be present for all things and be thankful for all things." ~Maya Angelou
https://www.gwenwesterman.com/
Poetry can capture our attention, sometimes like no other form
of communication. It's often the root of music or melodies that
convey the beauty, praises, and heartaches of life.
https://poets.org/poem/give-away-song
"I love discovering new, poignant ways poets share pictures of our world that speak of
heartfelt passion and desire."
~Rose West
My Gratitude Journal
"Give yourself permission to be a beginner."
~Julia Cameron
Learning has a "starting point" that can turn
out to be awkward, clumsy, or exhilarating. So why not
cheer for one who makes an effort to launch into the unknown?
"It's delightful to witness attempts to
fulfill challenges, no matter how
daunting they might appear."
~Rose West
My Gratitude Journal
"To take children seriously is to value them for who they
are right now rather than adults-in-the-making."
~Alfie Kohn
Doing the important work of reading, thinking, and
choosing to reframe what the craft of teaching should accomplish.
"Thankful for the time, the resources,
and ideas shared by others to improve
things in school, for children."
~Rose West
My Gratitude Journal
"Happiness held is the
seed; happiness shared is the flower."
~John Harrigan
Looking at a neighbor's collection of flowers
that are carefully tended and no doubt loved,
I know all the world deserves such beauty.
"Cultivating living things in
creative ways is an ultimate truth."
~Rose West
My Gratitude Journal
"If you truly love Nature,
you will find beauty everywhere."
~Van Gogh
"The poetry and the mystery of
our earth is indeed, wondrous."
~Rose West
My Gratitude Journal
The place that honors peace, family,
and tradition appears different to each of us.
May we honor the homes around us
with the knowledge that each one is unique and worthy.
"Families vary across our world, yet
their memories hold eternal treasures."
~Rose West
My Gratitude Journal
(Back Row) Dean Phillippe, Elliot Gerritson, Molly Hughes, Madalyn Wells, Ava Cessna
Allyson Helregel, Elise Crawford, Sophie Snyder & Aubrey Russell
Meet our Student Leadership Team
Promoting academic excellence, honor &
respect for all in our school community, yes!
They're "teaming up" to support others
in developing habits that lead to personal success.
10. She's faithful.
9. Joyce is resourceful.
8. She is sincere.
7. Her networking skills benefit others.
6. Kindness is a priority with her.
5. Her honesty is unparalleled.
4. She's an avid reader, always a good thing.
3. Joyce is punctual.
2. She's a caring individual.
1. Humble & kind, those qualities are hers.
Parkside celebrated a special woman last week, Joyce Potts. There's no doubt about her commitment to serving others in our elementary school. She's worn many hats during her career, starting with helping set up an elementary school library in St. Francisville, Illinois. Being a new teacher, Joyce welcomed me to that very school. She introduced me to the staff, answered my queries, and helped me negotiate the varied responsibilities.
What's something Joyce can tackle with speed and accuracy? Registering new students, organizing medical records, communicating with school across the U.S. for information, or assisting teachers or administrators with tasks? Has she answered countless questions, and pulled different duties across the building if necessary? The answers are a resounding "yes."
During the past year, it was Joyce who helped distribute lunches to families who came to Parkside for a meal at noon; even the Covid pandemic didn't cause her to "skip a beat." All these things define the kind of person she is: a helpmate, a compassionate individual you trust, and an asset to our school community in countless ways. Yes, she's a big deal!
March 5th marked the day
she completed 55 years of service
to Community Unit School District #20.
I hope you have a Joyce in your life. Even more, perhaps we can be more like her and make positive differences for others.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=awzNHuGqoMc
Her official title is Elizabeth the Second, by the Grace of God of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and of Her other Realms and Territories Queen, Head of the Commonwealth, Defender of the Faith. In my lifetime, no one has defined "leadership" in quite the same manner.
I first became interested in learning more about Elizabeth and the history behind her ascension to the throne after reading a brief mention of her in The Diary of Anne Frank. Young Anneliese Frank, a German-Dutch child of Jewish descent, faithfully maintained a diary describing hiding along with her family to escape persecution for their faith, while Germans occupied the Netherlands during World War ll. Being nearly the same age, the young diarist was a fan of then Princess Elizabeth Windsor and her sister Margaret Rose. Writing in April of 1944 Anne mentioned Miss Windsor in her diary, on the eve if Elizabeth's 15th birthday. Anne mused about how the British princess would celebrate her special day and if, somehow, there would there be a handsome prince in Elizabeth's future.
Anne Frank's school picture, 1941
Tragically, Anneliese perished in a German concentration camp along with her sister and mother. But Anne's diary survived and was published posthumously by her father. The mere mention of Elizabeth Windsor by Anne Frank piqued my interest to delve into facts about the woman. Since that time I've been a student of her history, fascinated as to how Elizabeth has served as monarch, for nearly seven decades. My husband claims I'm obsessed with "The Queen," as he refers to her. However, he graciously adds to my personal library by purchasing literature that feeds an insatiable quest for discovering more information about this leader.
Certainly Elizabeth Alexandra Mary's mannerisms were shaped by circumstances beyond her control. Ascension to the British throne would ultimately be her destiny. This came about when her father, George VI, became King after his older brother abruptly chose to abdicate and relinquish his responsibility as British Monarch. Before that decision in 1936, known as "The Year of Two Kings," it was highly unlikely Elizabeth Windsor would ever sit on the British throne. History tells us a different story.
Echoes of service, respect, honor, and recognizing that relationships are essential for cultivating progress and the well-being of others have all emerged during Elizabeth's reign. She's been quoted as saying, "Families, friends and communities often find a source of courage rising up from within. Indeed, sadly, it seems that it is tragedy that often drowns out the most and the best from the human spirit."
Forthright, dedicated to her responsibilities, dutiful beyond what many would imagine, Elizabeth ll exemplifies remarkable qualities. A skilled practitioner, she's dedicated her life to the church, her country, and upholds a heritage of British monarchy in a manner that has made her a compelling figure. To date, this woman is the longest current-reigning monarch on earth.
Was this royal woman privileged beyond what we can comprehend? There is no doubt of that! However, I recognize the sturdy, thoughtful determination that characterizes The Queen is shared by many of the men and women of her generation. My parents grew up around the same time as Elizabeth; indeed these individuals who were born in the 1920's negotiated countless challenges, setbacks, and hardships as they matured from youth to adulthood. With hopes and dreams, history shows they persevered in the face of whatever obstacles lay in their midst. I admire such sturdy resolve; it often enables human beings to get on with their lives and make valuable contributions to society's well being. That strong characteristic of personal resilience is as important for us today, as it ever was.
"She walks at the pace of the slowest moving individual.
In so doing, Elizabeth ensures that they will never be
abandoned or feel they've been left behind."
