Thankful

     On Friday the nation was rocked with the horrible news of a tragic school shooting in Connecticut. All school shootings are tragic and gut wrenching, but this particular event truly stopped me in my tracks. I can't quite pinpoint why, but I'm thinking it's because it happened in an elementary school to students who are the same age as the students I see everyday. When you read what those staff members did to protect the lives of those kids they were entrusted to, you find yourself shaking your head in agreement. As I read the words and the scene plays out in my head I know that I would've done the same thing those staff members did. It's just simple, those kids in my room are not just students, they are my students. I've never met a single teacher who doesn't think the same thing.  At times like this though, we are forced to stop and rethink our priorities, AND change our attitudes. 

     This week before Christmas our district has a FULL week of school. Monday through Friday. I will admittedly  tell you I was a bit discouraged wondering how I was going to get my little friends to stay focused and keep their excitement about Christmas at a manageable level. Now, I will admittedly tell you that I wouldn't want to be anywhere else these next five days. I will take extra care this week and know how blessed I am with such a great group of kids. If I don't get a single point across to those kids all week, I still count it as a great week, simply because I am able to spend it with them.

      I will be thinking and praying for the staff, the families and all the lives that were affected by the tragic events. I can't even imagine their pain, and loss.