We asked our Central Office some daily gratitude questions. Here is what they shared.

What is a place you are thankful for?

Home is where the heart is! No matter what the day brings there is solace in coming home to a warm, cozy, safe space. It is where experiences and faith are shared, memories made, chaos, and mess are embraced. There is something special about creating a space that brings you joy and sharing that joy with the people you love. - Annie McKay, Student Support Specialist

I am thankful for both the beach and the mountains. Being outdoors provides me a time to recalibrate. Nature provides a way to feel small when things around me seem so big. So I am thankful to have the opportunity to visit the beach and mountains within a short drive from my home! - Patricia Monaco, Principal Preakness Early Childhood Center

I am truly grateful for Ryerson Elementary School, particularly for the amazing staff who make it such a special place. Every day, I am inspired by our dedicated teachers and support staff, who not only create engaging and nurturing classrooms but also foster a sense of belonging within our community. Their passion for education and unwavering commitment to our students shine through in their innovative lesson plans, caring attitudes, and countless hours spent organizing events that bring families together. It’s their collective effort and teamwork that truly transform our school into a vibrant haven for learning and growth, allowing each child to flourish. I appreciate them deeply for the positive impact they have on our students’ lives and the warm environment they help cultivate. - Deborah Foti, Principal Ryerson Elementary

I’m deeply grateful for any time spent outdoors, whether on the water or in the woods, and even more so for the moments when my family is all together. - Dana Sir, Director of Student Support Services

I would like to express my sincere gratitude for the incredible support I’ve received from the Wayne Board of Education. Working in such a collaborative and positive environment has made all the difference in my professional journey. The encouragement from colleagues, the guidance from leadership, and the shared commitment to the success of our students and school facilities have made my experience here both fulfilling and inspiring. I appreciate the opportunity to be part of a team that values each member’s contributions and strives to create an environment where we can all thrive and make a lasting impact. Thank you for fostering such a supportive and empowering workplace! - Linoshka Troche, Facilities Administrative Assistant

If you are feeling down and need to think about something happy, what are three things you think about?

1) My children - they bring me such joy & love! 2) My friends - I am very happy to have such wonderful and loyal friends 3) My faith - It is a journey I enjoy being a part of. - Patti Babich, Human Resources Manager

When I am feeling down, I take a walk. With each of the first five steps I take, I think of something for which I am grateful. By the sixth step I usually feel better! Another strategy I use is to smile for no reason at all. We smile when we are happy, but if we smile it can also make us feel happy! A third way to feel happy when I am down, is to think about my dog, Chloe, or spend time with her. She is so cute and loving - that works every time!! - Dawn Auerbach, Director of Elementary Education

My Family: Thinking about my family lifts my spirits. Their love and support mean the world to me. The memories we’ve made together, the laughter, and the moments of unconditional care always remind me of how blessed I am to have them in my life. My New House: Reflecting on my new home fills me with excitement and gratitude. It’s a place where I can create new memories, relax, and feel at peace. The thought of making it my own, filling it with warmth, and welcoming loved ones into it always brings a smile to my face. My Friends: My friends are such a source of joy and positivity. I think about the fun times we’ve had, their support, and the way they make me feel understood and valued. Knowing that I have such amazing people by my side always helps me feel better. - Georgianne Morgan, Facilities Administrative Assistant

Who were the last 3 people you said "Thank You" to? Why did you say it?

The last three people I said "Thank you" to (and why) were :

1. An ESL Teacher. They were doing such a fun reading assignment that the kids were engaged the whole time and learning from one another as well. Their classroom was also so enriching with pictures of the kids home countries and examples of thier work everywhere. I thanked the teacher because the students got so much from their time in the class.

2. A Counselor. The counselor was advocating for their student and working to find help for the whole family. I thanked them because they were personally making sure the family received help and support right away. I saw how much they cared so that deserved a big thank you.

3. A student in one of our classes. When I went in to observe, the student wanted me to play in their class game at the beginning of the lesson and share her thoughts after she responded to the writing at the end of class. The student went out of their way to make sure a visitor to her class felt included and welcomed. She did not wait for the teacher to ask, she connected. I said thank you because she was modeling kindess and inclusion without being asked. - Scot Burkholder, Director Student Support Services Federal, State, and Special Programs

Which friend are you thankful for?

I am especially thankful for my friend, Mrs. McGrath. She is the secretary at our school, Randall Carter. She helps me every day and is the sweetest person with whom I have ever worked. She goes out of her way to be helpful to everyone in our school. - Maureen Machado, Clerical Assistant