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Pine Grove Elementary's Window of Thanks reflects thoughtful messages

 
The Window of Thanks, made of paper attached to the cafeteria window, is meant to promote positive thoughts, said third-grade teacher Sarah McKenzie, who came up with the project.
The Window of Thanks, made of paper attached to the cafeteria window, is meant to promote positive thoughts, said third-grade teacher Sarah McKenzie, who came up with the project.
Published Nov. 29, 2013

BROOKSVILLE — A "Window of Thanks" graced the front of the Pine Grove Elementary School cafeteria, over three large panes of glass, to remind students and staffers of things for which they should be grateful.

The idea for the project came from third-grade teacher Sarah McKenzie.

"I thought it would be a nice way for everyone at Pine Grove to participate in something that promoted positive thoughts," McKenzie said.

She said that with the help of co-workers, more than 700 notes of thanks were cut out and distributed to the appropriate people.

Students wrote things for which they were thankful on leaves; bus drivers, custodians, paraprofessionals, support staff, administration, teachers and cafeteria workers wrote on butterflies. Parents, too, were invited to participate if they came to the school's Thanksgiving lunch.

"This went hand in hand with celebrating the national- and state-declared Parent Involvement Month," McKenzie said.

"Everyone has enjoyed reading the words of thanks. It's uplifting to see what people are thankful for. The positive thoughts help to remind us all what we are blessed to have in our lives."