[0:10] (Music) Hello Hornet Family - November is a  time when many of our community members pause   [0:15] to reflect on what makes them grateful. We  have a truly special community here in Edina;   [0:21] I that I am grateful for the opportunity to lead.  This month I caught up with a few teachers and   [0:27] students from our award-winning  middle schools to talk to them   [0:30] about what they are grateful for  in our district. Take a listen. [0:34] Stacie: I really like to check  in with students and talk about,   [0:37] you know, what you're grateful for. [0:39] Michaela: I am really grateful for  the opportunities that we have,   [0:43] like things like Flex and just being able to have  the freedom to do the things that we want to do to   [0:50] be more successful. That's what I'm really  grateful for. It's fun to be a part of and   [0:55] it's a cool experience and I'm really excited  to go to high school and have more memories. [0:59] It's some of those little things that  help you really know that you're part of   [1:02] the community. Yeah, well that is fantastic.  Well, I want you to have a really good break   [1:08] and have a wonderful Thanksgiving.  Thanks for coming to talk with me. [1:12] Stacie: You're an 8th grader and so what are you  grateful for. Michaela: Unified has provided a   [1:18] lot of experiences for me. Like the events and  just the community that they provide and just   [1:25] seeing smiles on people's faces like when you  see them; and just makes my day every time.  [1:31] Stacie: Yeah, Unified program is such an  amazing program and I'm grateful for you,   [1:36] Michaela, that you you actually  participate in Unified programming. [1:39] Stacie: Is there someone in your  life that you're really grateful   [1:41] for? Leah: So I feel like there are so  many individuals that I could identify,   [1:46] but really a lot of my 8th  grade staff that I work with. [1:49] Anna: Someone that I'm grateful for is my mom,  she teaches at Valley View. Stacie: What are some   [1:53] experiences that you've grateful for? Anna: One of  my favorite experiences so far is chamber choir,   [2:00] I'm getting to know so many new people and getting  to be part of a great community. Stacie: Yeah,   [2:06] our music department is amazing, and  really being able to use your talents   [2:11] in order to help people have fun and  get to know people, that's fantastic. [2:16] Stacie: So what is something about the  school year that you're particularly   [2:20] grateful for? Tenzin: Every morning from like  9:20 to 10:18 we get to go to this one area   [2:28] where we will start to learn and like have fun and  do some cool stuff there. For me, the belonging   [2:33] Flex that I went to is with one of my teachers,  her name is Ms. Oberle, and I go with her to the   [2:39] preschool and help kids with work and have fun  with them. Stacie: Wow, I didn't know that you   [2:45] were coming over to the preschool, that's really  great. Maybe one day you'll be a teacher, Tenzin! [2:51] Sam: Just grateful for the students I have and the community at South View and it's really been amazing and I just feel like I'm finally at home. Stacie: Umm, well we feel like you're at home too because we are grateful for you; and you know, I do talk about Edina Public Schools being a family and so what are some things in the community that you're grateful for, who in the community are you grateful for. Sam: Yeah, I mean you talk about family, my sister works at South View, my mom works at South View in the Aspire program, but honestly, my art department feels like family and it's amazing and I love it and I'm so grateful for it. [2:54] As the Superintendent of Edina Public Schools, I am deeply grateful for our incredibly talented and capable staff for their dedication to each student and to each other. I am grateful for our parents who are passionate about our district and partner with us to ensure students are successful. I am grateful for our community partners, people who are passionate about education and creating opportunities for all of our students to thrive. I am most grateful for our talented students who define excellence, not only in their academics but also in their friendships, kindness and hard work. I encourage everyone to take time to reflect on the people that they are grateful for, and to let them know. [3:25] As we head into a season of hope and gratitude, I hope that each of you has a relaxing break. And for those of you who celebrate, have a wonderful Thanksgiving. Stay well, Hornets.