Embracing Gratitude and Wishing You a Restful Thanksgiving Break

When the school bell rings today, our schools will officially be on Thanksgiving Break - a time to rest, rejuvenate, and give thanks. I look forward to the holiday season every year, but I want to acknowledge that this year it’s a difficult time for many of us here in Oakland. The pause in SNAP benefits at the federal level caused food insecurity for many in our community, while proposed changes to health care are an ongoing cause for concern as well. More recently, gun violence has left us shocked and brokenhearted and ICE activity in our neighborhoods has instilled fear. Any one of these events happening in our community is distressing and when they’re all happening at the same time, it can feel overwhelming.

Feelings of gratitude might not be at the top of the list when we are hurting, but I would argue that it is precisely during difficult times that we should lean in and find joy and gratitude in the little things. Opposing forces and feelings are parts of life: beauty and ugliness, joy and sorrow, kindness and hatred. And it matters where we focus our attention.

See what some of our students are feeling thankful for this week:

As for me, these are a few of the things I’m feeling grateful for today:

• The sound of children giggling with joy and delight at our preschools
• The way our staff, families and community partners have stepped up to ensure families in need have food
• How a student's face lights up when something clicks and they understand a new concept
• The true connection and partnership that our educators forge with families
• Community members standing up for their fellow Oaklanders with love and support
• People like Coach John Beam; inspiring, committed, and absolutely devoted to young people

I encourage everyone to pause over the next week and consider the things that bring us joy and gratitude. I hope you have the opportunity to rest, recharge, and spend quality time with loved ones.

Schools are closed all of next week, while district offices and child development centers are closed on Thursday and Friday. We look forward to welcoming our students back to school on Monday, December 1.

In community,

Dr. Denise Saddler
Superintendent