11/25/03

Hello friends and families,

Thanksgiving is upon us! We enjoy taking this time to reflect on the people, relationships, and work that we are thankful for. Steve and I are thankful for so many things this year!

We are thankful for…

• An extremely committed faculty of teachers and staff. Lighthouse is only as strong as our teaching staff and we are constantly humbled by the dedication they show in making our school’s mission become a reality.
• Students who devote their time at school to learning and taking care of each other, who persist in the face of challenge, and who reflect on how to make their school better.
• A fully enrolled school with a healthy waiting list! This means people are dedicated to making Lighthouse their school of choice.
• All of our families who volunteer at the school — their day-to-day support sometimes goes unrecognized, but is vital to our school’s success.
• Our Berkeley and community volunteers who give so much of their time to make sure our students are learning the most they can.
• Community supporters and well-wishers who share in our vision to ensure that our graduates are prepared for college or a career of their choice.

For us, the holiday of Thanksgiving is also a time to reflect upon those individuals and groups of people who have been exploited and underserved in the past. It is a time to reflect on the continuous work that is essential if we are to be a part of a society that is more just and humane toward all peoples, regardless of their skin color, gender, culture, ability, language, or sexual orientation and toward all living things.

We hope that you join us in our reflection. Share what you are thankful for. Reflect and take action for those things you feel need to change. Have a wonderful four-day weekend!

Steve and Jenna

• Be careful parking in the yellow zone in front of school. Remember you are allowed to park there only for 5 minutes.
• 6^th and 7^th grade Chocolate Sale — to raise funds for their upcoming dance, we are asking students to participate in this sale. Please fill out the permission slip and return to school.
• K/1 after school sign-ups: Please fill out the brochure if you are interested in continuing your child’s after school program.