The leaves are changing color and the mornings are becoming cooler. This means that Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and we have so much to be thankful for!! The students have settled in and what a joy it is to watch them as they change and grow. We have read “The Outsiders” in one Language Arts class and “Murder on the Orient Express” in the other. It is wonderful to watch their minds open up, ask questions and enjoy the art of reading!! They keep asking, “What are we reading next?” To see a student who has expressed they do not enjoy reading to then asking to read, I know they are comfortable and feel safe enough to read out loud in class, with no hesitation!! I am thankful!!
The students are working hard on their writing skills, also. They have written personal narratives, persuasive essays and are now working on argumentative essays. They are embracing the different styles of writing and understanding the steps and process of actually writing an essay. The more they understand the process of writing, the complexity of their writings show their interests and desires to write, I am thankful!!
Every day when the students walk into class, I am thankful that they are here at Woodfield where they belong. It is great to watch them excited about being where they are, socializing with old and new friends, feeling comfortable in themselves and their work, but most of all knowing they trust us as teachers to know we are guiding them in directions in order to become the best version of themselves. I am thankful!!
After teaching at Woodfield for twenty years, it is still a joy to come to school everyday and work with each student. It is a joy as I watch them grow, become confident in themselves and excited about what is in store for them down the road. It is a joy as they come into class and ask if I had a good night or a good weekend, knowing they truly want to know, giving those sweet smiles and occasional hugs. It is a joy to know I have touched them in some way and know that they are learning to love how to learn and to love themselves. I am thankful!!

At the end of the day, I know I have worked hard with each student, only wanting the best for each of them. I am thankful and truly blessed!!

Iris House