“The best thing for being sad is to learn something. That's the only thing that never fails. You may grow old and trembling in your anatomies, you may lie awake at night listening to the disorder of your veins, you may miss your only love, you may see the world about you devastated by evil lunatics, or know your honour trampled in the sewers of baser minds.
There is only one thing for it then — to learn. Learn why the world wags and what wags it. That is the only thing which the mind can never exhaust, never alienate, never be tortured by, never fear or distrust, and never dream of regretting. Learning is the only thing for you. Look what a lot of things there are to learn.” ― Merlin to King Arthur in The Once and Future King by T.H. White,
As we approach the time of year when students have a special Thanksgiving lunch, and families make plans for their big four day weekend, here at 4 Public Education we are thankful for many things:
For our families,
Since last Thanksgiving, there have been many graduations, weddings, moments of health stress, and joyous rites of passage for the 4 Public Education team and our families. We are glad to have shared them all and hold one another’s lives with thoughtfulness as we continue to navigate life and our work.
For our communities,
Regardless of the crises at any given moment, we have always met people who stood to protect all students’ right to learn. From national sister organizations to religious communities, to neighborhood parents and local community groups that are active in our schools on a daily basis, partners have supported our schools and the students in them with kindness, consideration, and generosity.
For our schools themselves and the students who learn in them,
Our grateful thoughts extend to the staff and policy makers whose life’s work is to support the chance for students to learn.
Most of all we have watched in allied awe as students across Virginia participated in the defense of their own schools. Students have rallied, spoken at school board meetings and state board of education sessions, formed their own organizations, campaigned for pro-public schools candidates, and gathered friends for walkouts and protests. Most of all, they have continued to learn. In spite of pandemics and culture wars, beyond controversies and intrusions into their learning spaces, students have pursued their studies and allied with anyone who would help them protect and defend their right to learn. We are grateful for their wisdom, activism, and dedication to learning.
So at this Thanksgiving holiday season, we at 4 Public Education wish you and yours a bounteous harvest of learning, plenty, and care.
We invite you to join us as we all pause to count our blessings.