Staff has plenty to be thankful for

Staff has plenty to be thankful for

staff report
November 24, 2020

Despite the oddity of this pandemic year, Ben Davis staff is entering Thanksgiving break with plenty to be thankful for.

We asked staff “what are you thankful for this year?” and got the following responses.

“I am thankful for all of the time I was able to spend with my three year old son and my husband during the spring stay at home period. I am thankful for a job that allowed me to continue to work during the pandemic. I am thankful for my health and the health of my family.” – social studies department chair Shannon Singleton

“I am thankful for my family and friends, job, and health. This past year, I have heard lots of heartbreaking stories. I have tried to find the silver lining throughout all of the chaos–this past year has brought me more quality time with my family and put lots of things into perspective. I am very blessed.” – assistant principal Jessica Earnest

“I am thankful for my health, my family — especially my beautiful grandchildren — and I am thankful for my job.  With so much suffering in the world right now, I am so thankful to be able to care for family during this time of great need.  I call or skype or facetime with my grandchildren everyday; they make me laugh and feel silly.  I do not know what I would do if I didn’t have somewhere to go and something to occupy my mind everyday.  My students are generous and oh so amusing.  I love to hear their opinions and see their ideas develop in tangible ways.  I will miss seeing them in person, but I am so very grateful to be able to meet with them virtually and hear their voices.” – English teacher Tim Payne

“I’m thankful for my family, especially my wife’s sisters and their families because they all live on our street and it’s made quarantine fun. I’m thankful for football. I coach for Covenant Christian and we made it to state (hopefully we will win state). I’m thankful for technology (when it works) and the ability we have to stay connected even when we are physically together.” – math teacher Evan Cottle

“I would like to add that I am very thankful to Teresa Williams and all the custodial staff whose cleaning procedures have helped keep us safe and who go above and beyond with little needs and requests.” – German teacher Kristen Dawn
“I am thankful that no one in my family has lost their job due to covid. I am thankful that no one in my family is currently sick with covid. I am thankful for my department’s friendship and closeness. The art department is like a little family.” – art teacher Cara Owens
“I’m grateful for my God, my family and my job. It has been a difficult year for every single person I know and these are the things I am clinging too.” – English teacher Paisley Kleinhenz

“I am thankful to have a job I enjoy. So many Americans have lost their jobs or are forced to make ends meet in careers and jobs they do not enjoy. I am thankful to get an opportunity to make a difference. I am not the greatest teacher in the world, but I know that I have the potential to help someone enjoy my subject area each day or to become a better individual. I am thankful for my family. We are a growing group, and I love them very much.” – radio teacher Jon Easter