Modeling Gratitude
Source/Author: Mike Murphy, Headmaster
April 10, 2020
Many of us have heard from counselors and crisis managers that expressing gratitude is an effective way to cope with stress and to put into perspective our current and, hopefully, temporary positions. Many families go around the table and allow family members to state what they are grateful for that day. We can be grateful for something as important as our family’s health to as simple as our favorite dessert being served with dinner.
The Shorecrest faculty/staff and I are grateful for SCA. SCA did not wait until our current crisis to show appreciation for teachers. SCA did not wait for a special Teacher Appreciation Week. Our Shorecrest Community Association spent the entire year showing appreciation for the work of our teachers and staff. On top of providing programs to enrich the lives of our children, like Fall Festival and Book Buddies, SCA leaders extended themselves to provide families with support in the form of Uniform Sales, Supply Sales, Greenery Sales, Grandparents Day and of course, Shorecrest Cares. From Box Tops to Grandparents Council, SCA volunteers continuously work to strengthen our community.
For example, SCA volunteers helped Experiential School and Lower School teachers every week with support from Helping Hands volunteers. SCA members lifted the weight from faculty and administration by supporting us as Car Greeters. Our newest members to the community were supported by the fabulous families who served as Parent Ambassadors.
We did not need a crisis for SCA to provide teachers with car washes from Mr. Bert Simmons and massages provided by Massage Envy, sponsored by the Plattner Family. Our Shorecrest Community Association has focused on faculty throughout the year
And now, when we are all experiencing the fallout from the COVID-19 crisis, SCA is there more than ever before to lift the spirits of teachers, who, like many of our families, are juggling their jobs while staying at home and balancing the lives of their children and families. SCA leadership has found a way to acknowledge teachers with gift cards to help lighten their loads and to show appreciation for the amazing transition from teaching and learning on our beautiful campus to distance learning. What once was going to be a spring happy hour for faculty and staff has evolved into personal thank yous.
Similarly, just two weeks ago SCA donated $45,000 to our school. The plan is to save that money until students return for the 2020-21 school year. The generosity will provide a kick-start to the new year.
I sit in our almost empty campus and write this note of thanks and express the gratitude that the faculty and staff and I feel for all of the parents, family members and students who have embraced us throughout the year. Shorecrest is a special place to go to school and a wonderful place to work.
With Gratitude and Cheers!
Mike
