Hey friends:
Every year, to thank you, the incredible teachers who make up this community, I create pre-written gratitude emails for you to use.
I know that you are all capable of writing better than me, but I do this to save you time and effort and provide a gentle reminder to show gratitude for the people that enrich your work life.
As we approach the 2024 Holiday Season, I thought I would once again share this simple offering as a gesture of thanks and a reminder that I know how hard you work.
As always, these are templates. You can copy and paste as is, or modify to suit your individual needs or writing style.
READ TILL THE END TO OPEN THE MOST IMPORTANT EMAIL OF ALL!
Happy Holidays, friends.
Scott
p.s. I tried to be as inclusive as possible in my writing to celebrate all people in all ways. If your school community reflects certain traditions or celebrations, feel free to ad and include.
p.p.s. I provided "hint's and highlights for you to consider and change.
EMAIL #1: To site administrators:
Subject line: A long overdue not of thanks.
Dear Admin Team:
As we approach the end of the semester and the Holiday break, I just wanted to drop you a quick note to tell you how much I appreciate you and your daily efforts on our behalf.
Every day, you're not just leading from above; you are there in the trenches with us, working hard to ensure that WE and OUR STUDENTS are experiencing success. You do it without fanfare, accolades, or much gratitude.
In recent years, schools and education have become more politicized. The toxicity, disrespect, and intolerance shown towards administrators are sometimes unbelievable. Through it all, you keep your cool (as far as I can see), and show yourself and our school to be the shining example that it is.
I will never fully see or understand WHAT you do every day, but I do see HOWyou do it, with intelligence, grace, compassion, and integrity. You fight for us and serve as an example of the professional we all strive to be.
As an employee, colleague, member of this faculty, and fellow human being, I just wanted to say "Thanks."
Have a restful and relaxing Holiday break. You deserve it.
Sincerely,
(insert name)
(title)
Dear parents, guardians, friends, and families (insert other):
I hope this email finds you happy, healthy, and SANE!
Teaching young people is tricky at best and a nightmare at worst. So, I can only imagine what raising them must be like.
Your kids are wonderful... to me. I doubt that at home, they are as delightful as they are for me here at school.
They are wonderful to be because:
You taught them to be that way.
You gave them an example to follow.
You set the standard and held them accountable.
You reminded them to be their best selves whenever possible.
You loved, cared for, and supported them in everything they do.
Even when it was hard, YOU were the parents!
As we approach this season of joy, I wanted you to know how much I appreciate your continued support - the instruments, the lessons, carpool, reeds, sticks, etc. You do so much for your children, in and out of music, and I am confident that while it may seem underappreciated, I assure you it is not.
I usually am able to acknowledge and thank you (the parents) at meetings, concerts, and events. But, I wanted to make sure that I connected with each one of you and shared the following...
I appreciate you. For the things I see you do and the things I don't. I appreciate your support, patience, and understanding. I appreciate your willingness to allow, encourage, and insist that music be a part of your child's life. It will be worth it in the end, for you and your children.
So let this email serve as my personal "Thank you" for all you do as a parent of a child in music.
Sincerely,
(insert name)
(title)
Email #3 - Email to Your Board/Superintendent
Subject line: A sincere note of thanks.
Dear Board Member/Superintendent (Insert names and titles):
I would not want your job. The toxicity and politicization of our schools leave you in an unenviable, if not impossible position. As I said, I would not want your job, but I am glad you do!
As we approach the end of the semester, I want to let you know that I appreciate you and your efforts to ensure that every child has access to a good (music) education.
I believe that music is more important than ever for every child. Music and the arts are not just creative outlets; they are safe spaces and facilitators of excellence that will guide children long after they leave our halls.
As you continue making the hard decisions regarding our schools, please know that your support of our arts and music programs has played a vital role in helping students grow as academics and as young humans. You had an important role in making this happen. And for that, I thank you.
As we approach the Holiday break, it seems appropriate to end this email with a simple, but well deserved, "Thank you!"
With great sincerity,
(insert name)
(school)
(title)
Subject line: You make this job easier...
Hey (insert name):
Today, I sat down to write some notes of thanks to the people who have helped me along the way. I do it to thank those who typically don't receive it, and remind myself that there are those who have helped me along the way.
And then I got to you...
I want you to know that you make this incredibly difficult job just a little bit easier and the difficult days just a little bit less hard.
I could list the dozens of times you came to my aid. But, that wouldn't reflect the dozens of other times you weren't there, but just knowing I had some support made me feel better.
You are amazing - and during this season of giving, just know that I give thanks to YOU for being YOU!
Have a great break my friend. You deserve it!
(insert name)
Subject line: You make the world a better place!
Dear Scott,
Yes, now it's your turn. No copy and paste, just sit, read, and smile.
As things return to "normal, " it's easy to forget what you did (and are still doing) to return to normal. Because of your tireless efforts and boundless energy, kids feel as if things ARE back to normal, when you and I both know that we are not quite there yet.
Whatever it took, you never stop TEACHING. You meet kids where they are at, assess what they need, and adjust on the fly. You make abnormal seem NORMAL - which, for many of your students is the best Holiday gift of all.
As most of you know, I spent 16 years in the classroom and another 20 traveling from music room to music room, which is what makes me appreciate you even more. I see how hard you work, and know how much you sacrifice. And, if we're being honest, I don't think I could do what you do. At least not as well as you are doing it. YOU are the better teacher. YOU are the harder worker. And YOU are making a more significant difference than I am.
So...
No coal for you! Your stocking will be full this year. Being an Elf (insert short joke), I checked Santa's list, and YOU ARE AT THE VERY TOP OF IT!
As we heard towards the Holiday break, I can't think of anyone who is worthy of my gratitude more than you. You are a role model, sherpa, and shining beacon of light for young people . YOU ARE A MUSIC TEACHER!
And that is the greatest gift you can give to a child.
Your biggest fan, and Elf on the Shelf,
- Scott
Through the Holiday season, I match and donate all Patron memberships to the Patricia Allen Pediatric Recovery Wing at Children's Oshei Hospital. This is my way of giving something back to people who gave something to my family.
Please consider becoming a Patron, or giving it as a gift.
© SCOTT LANG LEADERSHIP 2023 - all rights reserved