After the flurry of schoolwork before fall break, students finally return home to enjoy a well-deserved week of rest. Teachers, too, leave classrooms with an extra pep in their step, awaiting a week filled with cherished traditions from cooking Thanksgiving dinner to cheering for their favorite football teams.
For many teachers, fall break is spent reconnecting and spending time with their families. Math teacher Melanie Clarke has her husband’s family visit every Thanksgiving season, gathering a total of seven kids between the ages of 12 to 16. Her family also frequents Balboa Island, where they hit off early Christmas celebrations by admiring sparkling holiday lights.
“I’m always the most thankful for my family, my kids and husband,” Clarke said. “Growing up, I always wanted to have kids, so when I finally had them I was like “‘Oh my gosh, this is everything I wanted,’ so they’re always my highlight.”
One special tradition in the fall for social studies teacher James Ferrel takes place on Thanksgiving Eve, when his family gathers for a lively poker game stretching late into the night. On Thanksgiving Day, the celebrations take a creative twist: each year, the family selects a different activity or theme, such as barbecuing or special macaroni and cheese flavor sampling.
“Thanksgiving gives me the time to be reflective of the things that I can be thankful for— my health, my family and my home,” Ferrel said. “I’m just really thankful to be able to be a part of such a great community.”
Meanwhile, dance director Samantha Gardner celebrated thanksgiving at her husband’s house this year, in which she alternates Thanksgiving celebrations between her husband’s family and her own each year. When she is with her family in her hometown, Las Vegas, they often celebrate with a casual buffet style hangout rather than holding a traditional sit down Thanksgiving dinner, much like they did in her childhood.
“When I was a kid, there was one Thanksgiving that was unusually warm,” Gardner said. “I have a vivid memory of playing in the backyard in the grass, barefoot. I remember seeing the parents through the window still lingering at the table while playing outside in the warm air with all my cousins in Las Vegas.”
In true Thanksgiving fashion, fall break is never complete without tons of delicious food. In particular, Clarke and Gardner enjoy all the appetizers, such as the cheese, crackers and spinach dips. On the other hand, Ferrel holds a more specific dish close to his heart.
“One of my most favorite things is cranberry sauce but not in the can,” Ferrel said. “It has to be fresh cranberries. My mom puts orange juice and orange peel in it so it’s really zesty and citrusy. It goes well on almost any other Thanksgiving food.”
From friendly family competition to sweet bonding moments, fall traditions allow teachers to share their gratitude for the many blessings in their lives. Their appreciation and joy shine through in their teaching, inspiring students and the school community.
“This year, I am thankful for the positive energy in the dance department with my colleagues,” Gardner said. “Last year was just a little bit of a difficult year for a variety of reasons, and it feels like I have a renewed energy this year as a teacher.”
