As we reach Thanksgiving break here at Itasca ISD, we’ve asked all staff from all campuses what they’re thankful for to prepare for a week of rest, gratefulness, and filling meals!

Tasha Bell – District Math Interventionist: I am thankful for family, friends, and the students and staff of Itasca ISD!  I am proud to be a Wampus Cat again!

Rebecca Villarreal – Secretary, Elementary office: I am thankful for my husband, Lazaro, who provides for us daily. My children, Tito, Aydan, Isaiah, and Z, who make me proud every day. My family for always communicating every day with prayers and special moments. I am thankful for my work family who make coming into work every day full of laughter, love, and many lasting memories. I am thankful for our students who strive every day to be the best they can be, no matter their story. Forever thankful, forever blessed. 

Tanis Lemons –  Middle School English Teacher: I am thankful for God, my family, my pets, and my students. 

Kristin Mears –  High School Yearbook/PPP Adviser/Digital Media & Commercial Photography Teacher: I am thankful for God, my husband, Jake, and my four children: Tucker, Konnor, Kinzie, and Kaelyn. I am also thankful for my family,  friends, students, and Yearbook/PPP team!

Julia Grisham –  5th Grade ELAR: I’m thankful for my family and freedom, as well as my health and happiness.  

Ashlee Wilde –  Elementary Attendance Clerk: I am thankful for my daughter, husband, family, and wonderful friends. 

Michelle Cole –  Kindergarten Teacher: My family, job, and health.

Toni Rutherford –  Special Education Teacher/Secondary Life Skills Teacher: I am thankful for my family and friends.

Michelle Baker –  Paraprofessional at Elementary Campus: This year, I am thankful for my adoptive parents, Jim and Charlotte Eisenberg. They were both World War II Veterans who spent their lives helping others and making the World a kinder place. They were the first foster parents for Hope Cottage in Dallas and opened their hearts and home to 13 adopted children with special needs and more than 600 foster children over the years.  I feel so blessed to have been raised by such caring and strong people who left a lifelong impact on my heart. Their love and kindness inspire me every day to do better than the day before and make a difference, just like they did. 

Rachel Kethcum – Kindergarten Teacher: As we enter this season of gratitude, I want to take a moment to share how thankful I am for the wonderful people who make each day meaningful. I’m deeply grateful for my supportive family, caring friends, and the amazing students I have the privilege of teaching. Their energy, kindness, and curiosity inspire me daily and remind me why I love what I do.  

Stacey Washington –  Middle School Attendance Secretary: I am thankful for the family that God has blessed me with. I am thankful for God allowing me to be one of His servants. I am thankful for my life; I have been so close to death many times. I am thankful to be able to serve my students every day at Itasca ISD.

David McGarvey –  High School Coach and Teacher: I am so thankful for the Itasca community and Itasca ISD for being there for my family through the tough times we’ve faced over the past year. The Itasca ISD administration and my coworkers truly feel like family to me, and I am deeply grateful for the support my family and I have received. Itasca is a special place filled with special people.

Juana Torres – Quest Lab Instructor: I am thankful for my family, who grounds me; the union of our small school community, which uplifts us; and our office staff, who juggle chaos like true pros!

Paw Print Press wishes you a Happy Thanksgiving!

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