Dear Colleagues,

With the Thanksgiving holiday upon us, I want to take this opportunity to express how grateful I feel to be part of such a special community of educators and change-makers.

This is the time of year when we pause from our busy lives, to reflect, to rest, and to gather together to give thanks. Despite the turbulence the pandemic continues to cast over our daily lives, I hope that you will join me in reflecting on what we have overcome and accomplished together.

There is no question that this year was challenging for all of us. Yet, our system came together (again) with tenacity and a spirit of teamwork to do more for one another, our students, and communities than one could imagine. Each of you have worked diligently to help transform our institutions to ensure students receive the best educational experience possible while protecting the health and wellbeing of our communities. That is what makes our system a special place and I am grateful to be surrounded and supported by all of you.

I am also grateful that our Governor has granted us an extra vacation day on Friday. I hope you use your time away from work to rest, rejuvenate, watch football, take a walk in the beautiful fall weather, and enjoy heavy-carb meals and sweet treats with loved ones.

Thank you for all that you do, and have a safe and happy Thanksgiving holiday weekend.