Marie Russell, Director of Communications, Family Engagement, and Outreach
This time of year many of our seniors are busy preparing for college applications. We love the new prompt from Penn that was highlighted in their President’s blog:
“Your application to Penn asks you to describe your achievements and aspirations. Those who write on your behalf tell us about your accomplishments, too. That’s good information that helps us quickly learn about your skills and how you might shine in our community at Penn. But… and this is *big*… we know there is so much more to you. To how you see yourself and those around you. To those moments that inspire meaning, motivation, and maybe even some relief from the busyness of your lives. So, this year, we’re inviting you to share an experience of thankfulness with us as part of your application. The research says that expressing it will make you feel good (!), and we get to enjoy connecting your gratitude to everything else we are learning about you. We know you are a focused bunch that may think very carefully and ask others for advice on what kind of answer would be best in expressing gratitude. You might feel anxious about what we hope you’ll say. That’s not what we want you to do. Don’t overthink it. There is no wrong way to respond to this prompt: Write a short thank-you note to someone you have not yet thanked and would like to acknowledge. (We encourage you to share this note with that person, if possible, and reflect on the experience!)”
We shared several posts on social media written by seniors in Katie Jeans's English class at Pitman High School. Here are a few more we received over the past couple weeks:
"I am thankful for my 8yr-old blanket because when I was born my mom covered me with it and it." ~Jose Munoz, Cunningham Elementary School
"I am thankful for my Grandma because she never gives up on me and always shows me the positive side to situations and makes sure I never let my head down for too long." ~Kiana Salazar, Roselawn High School
"Hello Mrs. Moreno,
I am from your 2021 to 2022 class and I wanted to say that my favorite years in school were in that class. I loved the fun activities we got to do and how we got to learn stuff in Mrs. Mendes's class. I loved what you taught us, and it was very interesting to hear. I also liked to watch movies, and I enjoyed going to Foothill Horizons. I liked that time. I loved and still love all those fun times in your class. Thank you." ~Liam Bennett, Turlock Junior High School
"Our paraprofessionals at Crowell work incredibly hard day in and day out to help students access content being taught in the classroom, model coping strategies and citizenship, facilitate social interaction, and collect data that drives instruction; all while making sure students feel safe and valued. They make a difference in students' lives with every interaction they have and they also make our tasks/roles as teachers more manageable. I am so thankful for my own team of paraprofessionals who promote inclusion and often work well beyond the expectations I have set for them!" ~Tami Compton, Crowell Elementary School
"I am thankful for the lunch ladies who prepare food for us every day." ~Fernando Melendez, Roselawn High School
"I am very thankful for my THS P.E. peeps! I work with 7 women and men whom I love being around, respect, and care about very much. We are a well-oiled PE machine!" ~Mary Krupka, Turlock HIgh School
"My amazing grade level." ~Marianne Vander Veen, Walnut Elementary Education Center
"My wonderful 10th grade PLC group of very talented and hard-working English teachers." ~Kristen Pontes-Christian, Pitman High School
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