Now Grateful by Elizabeth Vest https://padlet.com/elizabethvest/bui8xhpdn0ih The last few weeks have brought a new found appreciation for the small things in each day at school together that bring us joy. What has this experience brought to light for you? What are you most grateful for as it relates to your job? en-us 2020-04-06 13:23:43 UTC 2025-11-18 10:24:57 UTC hello@padlet.com http://bustedhalo.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/bigstock-Shamrock-close-up-118788626.jpg Thankful - Shauna Wells https://padlet.com/elizabethvest/bui8xhpdn0ih/wish/495233972 I feel thankful for (and miss!) all the spontaneous hugs from my kindergartners and first graders, the funny antics of my fourth and fifth graders, the sweet, shy smile of my second grader, the tenacity of my third grader, and the elation that comes when my newcomers start talking.  I miss all my kids and their fun, individual personalities, and watching their growth as English learners and little human beings.  

On a different note, I feel very grateful for the fact that I still have a paycheck. And I feel very thankful that I can stay in my home while many, many others must go to work in this scary time.]]> 2020-04-06 16:26:33 UTC https://padlet.com/elizabethvest/bui8xhpdn0ih/wish/495233972 Grateful JenniferDunlap https://padlet.com/elizabethvest/bui8xhpdn0ih/wish/495264505 Being on a forced pause, has caused me to realize how busy I actually was.  It is good have some time to be able to refocus on what is most important.

I am most grateful in my job for the relationships that I am able to build.  My role is very unique.  I am able to connect with parents, students, faculty and staff, as well as administration.  I absolutely love gifted education, and  I deeply enjoy being a connector to resources that provide challenge and enrichment.

Right now, I most miss my push-in writing classes and the discussions that I have with those students and teachers.  ]]> 2020-04-06 16:39:27 UTC https://padlet.com/elizabethvest/bui8xhpdn0ih/wish/495264505 Appreciative- Kayla Richards https://padlet.com/elizabethvest/bui8xhpdn0ih/wish/495422858 Since being at home the past few weeks I have a new found appreciation for things I have often taken for granted or some might call the "small things." Being able to stay at home and spend time with those I love most, playing board games and going on walks without distractions. 

I feel as though this time in some ways has brought many people closer together.  I miss my students and colleagues and our conversations. I hope this time will help give the world a better perspective on whats important in life and how we all have so much to be thankful for.  ]]> 2020-04-06 17:52:33 UTC https://padlet.com/elizabethvest/bui8xhpdn0ih/wish/495422858 Appreciate the Little Things jenniferpeterson1 https://padlet.com/elizabethvest/bui8xhpdn0ih/wish/495517680 The last month has affirmed for me just how much I thrive on relationship. The relationships I have with my kids and coworkers make up such a special part of who I am and I am missing them both so much. I worry that the breakthroughs I've worked so hard to make with some of my kids will be gone when we return, but I'm ready to work hard to earn their love and trust all over again. 
I've learned that every interruption, whether it be a couple extra hugs in the middle of a reading lesson, another story about favorite video games, or questions about the world, fosters those relationships I value so much. My goal when we return is to no longer take those for granted, and to focus more on my kids than the material. ]]> 2020-04-06 18:40:18 UTC https://padlet.com/elizabethvest/bui8xhpdn0ih/wish/495517680 Grateful - Erika Taylor https://padlet.com/elizabethvest/bui8xhpdn0ih/wish/495523040
There are many, many big and little things I am grateful for and miss about being at school. One of my favorite things this year has been watching my students walk down the hallway in the morning and then seeing their faces light up when they see their friends in the classroom. This group of kids LOVES each other and has since day one. They are beyond excited to see each other every day, and it’s the sweetest thing! While I try to help them focus on unpacking and getting started on their morning journals, there have been more times that I just watch them run over to a friend to tell them something that happened the night before, drop off a note for a friend who hasn’t come in yet, check who the helpers of the day are and then excitedly tell them when they walk in, and give each other hugs. (They always got their work done too 😉.) It’s the best way to start every day, and I miss seeing these sweet interactions. I am also extremely grateful for my team and miss our morning walks to the office and lunchtime together. I’m thankful we have stayed connected over FaceTime, Zoom, and texting and love the funny things they share daily. They are the best group to work with!!! ❤️ ]]> 2020-04-06 18:43:13 UTC https://padlet.com/elizabethvest/bui8xhpdn0ih/wish/495523040 Grateful- Lauren Hitchcock https://padlet.com/elizabethvest/bui8xhpdn0ih/wish/495675911 I feel so grateful for and miss seeing all of kids so excited and happy to be at school. I am also grateful that I have a job  that I can be creative and share my love for art with students. Additionally ,I am feeling so thankful to have an awesome teammate (HEY CARLY! :) ) that I can bounce lesson ideas off of and during this strange time send silly memes back and forth with that make things feel a little lighter. ]]> 2020-04-06 20:20:19 UTC https://padlet.com/elizabethvest/bui8xhpdn0ih/wish/495675911 Grateful leannas1 https://padlet.com/elizabethvest/bui8xhpdn0ih/wish/495714298 I have so many things to be grateful and appreciative of when it comes to school. I miss seeing their sweet faces each morning at the door. Their hugs, high-fives, and fist bumps are one of my favorite times of day. Honestly, it's so quiet in my apartment, and normally my classroom is fairly quiet too, but I'm really missing the chatter of little voices working through an assignment, helping each other on a task if someone is stuck, or how they simply catch up with each other after the weekend. I've also come to realize, I'm not cut out to sit and work at a computer all day long. I need the relationships and daily interactions with people, both with children and adults. I thrive on my daily conversations with my teammates (thank you FaceTime), saying hello to colleagues in the hallways and office, and even the conversations when I pick my kids up at specials and lunch. 
While it's been nice to slow down and really refocus my time and energy on the important things in life, I'm ready to be "busy" again. I'm forever grateful of CCES for giving me a sense of belonging and for the relationships, both families and friends! ]]> 2020-04-06 20:50:10 UTC https://padlet.com/elizabethvest/bui8xhpdn0ih/wish/495714298 Gratitude- Carly Cambron https://padlet.com/elizabethvest/bui8xhpdn0ih/wish/497454092 Wow, where to start?! First and foremost I am so grateful to be at Clovercroft. I feel very lucky to have a job right now, but am particularly blessed that it is here with you all. I am thankful for our extraordinary staff and fantastic administrative leaders who inspire me to do my best. I am SO thankful for my specials team, I genuinely love each person! They have been so gracious, kind, and patient in showing me the ropes. I am especially thankful for Mrs. Hitchcock- our collaboration, sharing ideas, our struggles, and just sharing laughs. I have learned a TON from her! 

I am so grateful for my students- I miss hearing their giggles and their excitement to create! I miss the infectious enthusiasm and sweet nature of my youngest students, and the sharp wit of my older students! I get a little teary when I think of how eager they are to always help both their peers and teachers! I choke up when I remember how incredibly kind and complimentary they were to one another when looking at each other’s art. I am filled with joy when I recall their “oohs” and “aahs” when watching an art demonstration! While their energy can be very strong sometimes, 😂 I find myself really missing that now!  
]]> 2020-04-07 18:51:49 UTC https://padlet.com/elizabethvest/bui8xhpdn0ih/wish/497454092 Jennifer Doak https://padlet.com/elizabethvest/bui8xhpdn0ih/wish/497465382 I am grateful for the kind, caring and truly fun people I get to work with each day. While I appreciate this quite time, I miss getting in a good laugh at lunch! My own kids just don't think I'm all that funny... I'm looking forward to seeing you all in person again!]]> 2020-04-07 18:58:54 UTC https://padlet.com/elizabethvest/bui8xhpdn0ih/wish/497465382 Leslie Skinner https://padlet.com/elizabethvest/bui8xhpdn0ih/wish/497662284 I’ve come to truly appreciate the fact that I don’t have to go to work, I GET to go to work. I get to see those that have become great friends, I get to give and receive hugs from wonderful kids. I get to see how excited my kiddos get when they know they’ve accomplished a goal. I miss ‘IT’, the routine the unexpected and the joy.  ]]> 2020-04-07 21:31:54 UTC https://padlet.com/elizabethvest/bui8xhpdn0ih/wish/497662284 Stacy Meece https://padlet.com/elizabethvest/bui8xhpdn0ih/wish/498876451 First, I am very grateful for each of you. I find myself missing you and hearing about your day. What a blessing you all are! I miss talking to the TA's everyday at bus duty-hearing about the hilarious things the Kindergarten kids just said during Power Block or the things that happened during lunch. I miss the kids walking in the halls and the noise. There is a different type of noise at my house! I miss schedule and routine. 

I pray we never take each other for granted and that we uplift each other at every turn when we get to be together again! 
Love you all!!]]> 2020-04-08 14:55:37 UTC https://padlet.com/elizabethvest/bui8xhpdn0ih/wish/498876451 Katie Cagle https://padlet.com/elizabethvest/bui8xhpdn0ih/wish/499405732 I am grateful for my job now more than ever. I am also grateful for my support system. It has been extremely difficult to move to a new city and not be able to meet anyone at this time. I am thankful for my team, my friends, and my family for continuing to reach out and check in on us.]]> 2020-04-08 19:32:43 UTC https://padlet.com/elizabethvest/bui8xhpdn0ih/wish/499405732 Grateful elizabethvest https://padlet.com/elizabethvest/bui8xhpdn0ih/wish/499729698 Where do I even begin...and I wrote the question! This whole experience has been tough, but through it all I've felt a sense of peace. That sense of peace comes from knowing that you all are #1 taking care of yourselves and #2 you each stand ready to do whatever is needed for each other and for your students. Through this we are all truly missing a big piece of our lives that makes us feel complete. School is all I've ever known in terms of work, and I just feel out of place not going there each day. You all give me energy, drive and perspective, so that's why seeing you on Zoom is the highlight of my week. This has been a challenging year for me personally and you all have been a constant source of peace and reassurance. I'm super grateful that my own children are able to be independent during the day and for the most part have gotten into a routine...weird as it may be. I value each of you and the role you play in our school community. I long for the day we get to open our doors again and just be "us". Grateful for each of you and the role you each play in making our school great. ]]> 2020-04-09 01:36:29 UTC https://padlet.com/elizabethvest/bui8xhpdn0ih/wish/499729698 Molly McGuire https://padlet.com/elizabethvest/bui8xhpdn0ih/wish/499750155 I’m grateful for the little things in my day at school.  Saying good morning to teachers as I walk in each morning, greeting the kids as they come up the front stairs, teaching, laughing with colleagues and kids.]]> 2020-04-09 02:04:50 UTC https://padlet.com/elizabethvest/bui8xhpdn0ih/wish/499750155 Jimmy Clark jamesclark1 https://padlet.com/elizabethvest/bui8xhpdn0ih/wish/499764891  I am finding myself grateful for the routines I used to take for granted. I miss greeting the kids when they enter the gym and watching them work hard to reach whatever expectation we have placed on their shoulders. I miss the end of the day high fives as they go down the stairs, their energy and positivity, and all of the questions about what we are doing this week, next week, three months from now, etc. They are always so interested because they genuinely care about what we are doing. That influence of contributing to their joy is something I am grateful for. I miss the challenge of planning logistics to school events, experimenting with new lessons and refreshing older lessons by teaching it a different way.  I am grateful for my administration, teammates, and staff members, who provide guidance, a sense of community, shared experiences, and care. There is a lot more to feel grateful for, like Padlet not having a character limit, but honestly, I'm just grateful to be a part of the CCES family. Miss you all! 

]]> 2020-04-09 02:26:05 UTC https://padlet.com/elizabethvest/bui8xhpdn0ih/wish/499764891 https://padlet.com/elizabethvest/bui8xhpdn0ih/wish/499766590 Lindsey Denton 
What I’m most grateful for and what I truly miss is that no matter what kind of morning you’re having, you can’t help but smile when you see your students walk down the hall. You can’t help but be fueled by the energy they bring to the classroom. I also miss adult interaction! My teammates are some of my closest friends. They know me better than most people, and I miss the fun, love, and laughs they bring each day! ]]> 2020-04-09 02:28:34 UTC https://padlet.com/elizabethvest/bui8xhpdn0ih/wish/499766590 Angela McKeown https://padlet.com/elizabethvest/bui8xhpdn0ih/wish/499781349 I am grateful for so many things at Clovercroft. I miss my students most of all. I miss teaching them new things, and I miss hearing their stories about what is happening in their daily lives. I miss my teammates......especially my partner! I can't wait to be with my Clovercroft family again!]]> 2020-04-09 02:49:11 UTC https://padlet.com/elizabethvest/bui8xhpdn0ih/wish/499781349 Shantel Watson https://padlet.com/elizabethvest/bui8xhpdn0ih/wish/499791075 I really miss interacting with my K-5th grade small groups each week.  They are such amazing kids -so incredibly smart and engaging!  I also miss eating lunch with Marty and sharing a peppermint afterwards!!!  She's been such a blessing in my life!  It's hard not seeing people face to face.  Zoom has been helpful, but just not the same.  Can't wait to see y'all in person!]]> 2020-04-09 03:02:09 UTC https://padlet.com/elizabethvest/bui8xhpdn0ih/wish/499791075 Kristie Breeden https://padlet.com/elizabethvest/bui8xhpdn0ih/wish/499793676 Among all the things I’m missing at school… are those faces!  Seeing my kids each day…their expressions, their smiles, and the ways they show their love and appreciation for learning each day.  It is all right there in those sweet faces that we are not able to see while at home. I miss seeing everyone through the day at school, and the conversations in  the hallways.  Our days are busy, so the little moments matter. The parents have been such a blessing during this time. They have cheered me up and made me laugh with their messages…so positive and kind.  
Although I am missing school, I’m finding so many things to be grateful for at home during this time. I’m a big believer in being "present" where you are. What a blessing to be healthy at this time and able to attend to my family, to rest, to be still, to pray, to listen to music while taking time to cook something other than a quick weeknight meal for two.                I appreciate the little things like the trees in bloom, taking long walks and waving to neighbors, sitting on the porch with my husband, listening to my sister, my sons, and my friends for hours on the phone.  I am grateful for every day we are given to enjoy life with those we love. Life is a gift.


]]> 2020-04-09 03:06:09 UTC https://padlet.com/elizabethvest/bui8xhpdn0ih/wish/499793676 Rachel Biggs https://padlet.com/elizabethvest/bui8xhpdn0ih/wish/500486244 This time away has deepened my gratitude for my job and my love for my first graders. Gosh, kids are the best. They bring so much light, joy, and positivity to my life. I am inspired by their eagerness to learn, their accepting and forgiving ways, and their enthusiasm about the little things in life (losing a tooth, family movie night, going to Chick-fil-a for dinner, counting down the days until a birthday, etc.). 

I am also so thankful for my team. I treasure our lunches together-I will never take that for granted again! 

Going from teaching in our classrooms to supporting our parents and students from home has been a big adjustment. It has taken lots of patience, time. and trial and error. My team has been amazing at figuring out how to best make use of our online resources! I am so impressed with my teammates’ tech skills and their determination to make things as easy as possible for parents. I can say with 100% certainty that I would NOT have been able to create an assignment in GO Math without the help of my team! 😂😂😂 ❤️ y’all! ]]> 2020-04-09 13:12:59 UTC https://padlet.com/elizabethvest/bui8xhpdn0ih/wish/500486244 Hannah McElveen https://padlet.com/elizabethvest/bui8xhpdn0ih/wish/500620609 I am grateful for a job that I LOVE and MISS so dearly and for the feeling of yearning to see all of you again and all of my students, past and present, again. I have never doubted that I was called to be a teacher but boy has this time away reassured that. This experience has made me realize how rewarding those daily interactions with each of you and each of my students (although sometimes they seem monotonous) truly are and how blessed I am to be doing what fills my soul. I can't wait to get back to it with you guys , I hope sooner than later!]]> 2020-04-09 14:18:32 UTC https://padlet.com/elizabethvest/bui8xhpdn0ih/wish/500620609 Grateful-Sarah Tall https://padlet.com/elizabethvest/bui8xhpdn0ih/wish/500705431 I am happy to realize that the things I miss the most are the relationships and daily interactions with my students and coworkers. I miss seeing the kids every day and hearing about their weekends. I miss walking through day to day happenings with my team. And I miss the ease of following a routine and schedule/calendar at school. I'm having to figure out new ways to keep up with scheduled events/meetings since I can't see my teammates grabbing their things as they head downstairs or rely on all of us yelling reminders from room to room during planning. :) ]]> 2020-04-09 14:57:59 UTC https://padlet.com/elizabethvest/bui8xhpdn0ih/wish/500705431 Lauren Baker https://padlet.com/elizabethvest/bui8xhpdn0ih/wish/500748010 I am grateful for my place in this community that is Clovercroft. I am thankful that each day I get to spend it with people I love, and not just the little people. I miss that sense of connection that we are all striving to do right by the ones entrusted into our care. I miss the smiles, hugs, but mostly the music. Hearing those sweet voices lifted in song is balm to my soul. So let me leave you with this. “When we all get together, what a day of rejoicing that will be!”]]> 2020-04-09 15:17:22 UTC https://padlet.com/elizabethvest/bui8xhpdn0ih/wish/500748010 sydneylenthall https://padlet.com/elizabethvest/bui8xhpdn0ih/wish/500769071 This time has really made me realize and appreciate the small things that we often take for granted. I am very grateful to have a job and students that I love dearly. I think on of my favorite things about teaching is that it keeps my brain "moving." Teaching new lessons & seeing what "sticks" is so fun for me and even when things don't go as planned I miss getting a good laugh after its all over. I'm grateful to have Jimmy as my partner in this & am thankful that he embraces  my new ideas (no matter how crazy they may be.) Although I am just in the early years of my teaching career, I pray for continued years of learning & the enjoyment that comes with it. Personally, I feel like I won the lottery when I got hired at Clovercroft. Looking back I think its kind of ironic that our theme for this year was "everyday all day," because even in these weird times I still feel like we are here, every day all day, for one another & for the kids even now when things look so different. I'm looking forward to time were we can all be back together agin. ]]> 2020-04-09 15:27:30 UTC https://padlet.com/elizabethvest/bui8xhpdn0ih/wish/500769071 Paige O'Neill https://padlet.com/elizabethvest/bui8xhpdn0ih/wish/500882914 Through this time away, I have realized I miss feeling "needed" and having a greater purpose. Granted, I have relationships with my teammates, my family and friends, but there's something more fulfilling knowing you are making a difference in a child's life. Knowing how much I miss just simply being around my students has affirmed my decision of becoming a teacher (not that I ever doubted it). I miss my classroom and having my own little space, and the little smiles to share it with. I definitely miss my team as well and am so grateful for them as we all try to navigate and do our best from home. ]]> 2020-04-09 16:23:33 UTC https://padlet.com/elizabethvest/bui8xhpdn0ih/wish/500882914 Sandy Cooper https://padlet.com/elizabethvest/bui8xhpdn0ih/wish/500892905 I miss my whole class.  I miss seeing them come in each morning and giving a hug or hello.  I miss singing all the fun songs (that i would die if i had to sing alone).  I miss their individual personalities.  I miss celebrating their school accomplishments but also holidays, birthdays, and school fun days.  I know they are safe and still learning but I just want to hug them.  
Even though my team texts daily, and zooms often, I miss their family stories and eating lunch.  I miss the crazy shows some watch and getting excited to order lunch out.  I miss planning our outfits waiting for someone to ask "did ya'll plan that?"
I miss all the staff that we pass daily in the hall.  I miss CCES.


]]> 2020-04-09 16:28:59 UTC https://padlet.com/elizabethvest/bui8xhpdn0ih/wish/500892905 Jenny Jaggers https://padlet.com/elizabethvest/bui8xhpdn0ih/wish/500915123 I miss seeing my team and having a weekday “routine”. I miss the structure! I’m grateful for my students and their personalities. Someone is always able to make me laugh, even on the hardest days. Can not wait to see everyone again!]]> 2020-04-09 16:40:43 UTC https://padlet.com/elizabethvest/bui8xhpdn0ih/wish/500915123 Amy Christian https://padlet.com/elizabethvest/bui8xhpdn0ih/wish/500915947 This has brought to light that I LOVE working at CCES more than I already thought I did. It showed me that I actually enjoy the challenges that the job brings. Instead of feeling overwhelmed when things happen to take a breath, slow down, and figure it out. I’m grateful for relationships built along the way. ]]> 2020-04-09 16:41:11 UTC https://padlet.com/elizabethvest/bui8xhpdn0ih/wish/500915947 Marie Miller https://padlet.com/elizabethvest/bui8xhpdn0ih/wish/501259476 These last few weeks makes me realize just how much I love and need my family, class, my partner, the friendships I've built at CCES, routine and structure, but most of all I've remembered to be grateful for what I do have instead of thinking about what I don't have. I just pray that everyone stays healthy, so we can be back together soon! ]]> 2020-04-09 20:37:23 UTC https://padlet.com/elizabethvest/bui8xhpdn0ih/wish/501259476 Grateful kchood00 https://padlet.com/elizabethvest/bui8xhpdn0ih/wish/501300944 Like you all, I am so grateful to have a job, get paid, and be able to have an influence in children's lives still. Now, more than ever, I think my connection with parents is very strong. We both are learning new roles and a strengthening appreciation for each other. I am so grateful for a team that wants to do the best for children every single day, no matter what! I am so grateful for my partner! She is my rock at CCES! ]]> 2020-04-09 21:20:47 UTC https://padlet.com/elizabethvest/bui8xhpdn0ih/wish/501300944 Sarah Jenkins https://padlet.com/elizabethvest/bui8xhpdn0ih/wish/502091713 I too am grateful for many things that have been mentioned by you all; the ability to work, friends, family, the many blessings of being a teacher and our kids. Lately, what I have found myself most thankful for is growing up in a happy healthy home with parents that loved me and gave me every opportunity to be a great human with a big heart, ever flowing compassion, to be successful and change lives. I have been so worried that many of my kids do not have this same environment and may not be safe in the own home and their own lives. I am so grateful that I, as do all of you, have the ability to make such a big or even the smallest difference with life altering impacts. From hugs, kinds words, to providing a safe and stable environment every day. Please pray and keep those kids and families in your daily prayers... I know I do. ]]> 2020-04-10 14:33:09 UTC https://padlet.com/elizabethvest/bui8xhpdn0ih/wish/502091713 Janet Byers https://padlet.com/elizabethvest/bui8xhpdn0ih/wish/502135837 I don't do well with staying home, being still and limiting time for students, friends and family.  However, there are silver linings I appreciate:  noticing birds that live around my house, bonus time with my family, and a life pace that makes mundane household chores seem sacred as I do them more out of a sense of love than out of frantic necessity.  School-based physical therapy is a unique setting among my PT colleagues--one in which my personal safety is not generally risked, compared with most any medical setting for PT rehab during this pandemic. I am thankful for that safety that extends to my family at this moment.  I ask for your prayers for our parents who have children with special needs of all ages.  Most of these parents will not get any kind of "break" for the foreseeable future.  I  miss the CCES SSS team, teachers, staff and our precious kiddos!  Much love to you all!  

]]> 2020-04-10 15:05:32 UTC https://padlet.com/elizabethvest/bui8xhpdn0ih/wish/502135837 Rebecca Pfahl rebeccapfahl1 https://padlet.com/elizabethvest/bui8xhpdn0ih/wish/502377043 I am grateful for having the opportunity to join this wonderful team this year. I miss all the relationships I have made with co-workers and my students. I miss them (my students I work with) terribly, and I look forward to the day I can work with everyone again. This is a challenging time and I love that I am able to spend quality time with my family at this moment in time. I defiantly miss the “routine” of the days before quarantine happened. I am certainly blessed with my family and friends while this is happening. Also, I am soooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo ready to come back to work]]> 2020-04-10 18:25:40 UTC https://padlet.com/elizabethvest/bui8xhpdn0ih/wish/502377043