Being thankful...

 As most of the leaves have fallen and temperatures continue to drop, snow flurries, as pretty and sparse as they are right now, remind us that winter is about to descend upon Cambria County. I don’t know if you will agree with me, but I’m always thankful to live and work in an area with such extremes in clime.

At this time of year, we at CCSD have many things for which to be thankful.  We saw many athletes and teams at CCSD excel this year; various clubs and extracurricular activities have been very active.  I’m impressed by the way our students are able to participate and contribute to so many extracurricular activities while managing their classroom assignments and grades.  Speaking of which, I’m excited to see this year’s theatrical performance; every year, these young thespians and their coaches do remarkable work in a short span of time!

As we are in the holiday spirit, with Thanksgiving upon us, I would like to dedicate this blog to the victims of the super storm Sandy, particularly to those on the East Coast.  Many have gone for weeks without heat or power; with the loss of their homes, some will live in shelters for many months to come.  This storm showed how cruel and powerful Mother Nature can be despite the efforts we take to prepare against such destruction.   I have attached some pictures of the trip.

Our District wanted to show its support for the victims of Sandy.   CCSD’s transportation director devised a plan to “Pack a Bus” for the East Coast.  First Student, our transportation provider, immediately offered to assist by providing a bus, and several drivers volunteered to make the trip.  The media publicized the effort and the community, students and staff responded with overwhelming generosity.  Two buses were loaded with almost seven tons of supplies for the Neptune City, NJ area; an area hit very hard by the storm.

Our district coordinated the trip with the Red Cross, who put us in touch with a food bank in that area.  I joined four district employees, High School principal Kim McDermott, Cambria Elementary School principal Luke Lansberry, Transportation Director Becky Klezek, as well as five community members, First Student manager Deb Ley, and 13 First Student volunteer drivers who made the 6.5 hour trip to NJ.  We arrived at the Food Pantry around 12:30 on November 11 and proceeded to unload the packed buses.  

Our buses then went to the local First Student terminal to fuel up (gasoline was also donated by First Student) before going to Bradley Beach, an area badly destroyed by the storm.  It was heartbreaking to see the devastation up close.  I can’t even come close to expressing the depth of appreciation and regard I feel toward all who contributed supplies and made the trip – and of course, none of this would have been possible without the generous support of this trip offered by First Student.

During this season, let’s all take time to give thanks for all the blessings and good fortune we enjoy, and to remember those who have lost their “home for the holidays.” I wish for all staff and students a happy, relaxing, and fulfilling holiday.  Cherish those close to you in the spirit of the season. Share fond memories—and make new ones—with family and friends. (And watch lots of football!)

Until the snow starts,

Dr. D.