Happy Thanksgiving: Giving Thanks in the Midst of It All

Happy Thanksgiving: Giving Thanks in the Midst of It All 

By Nathan Paul 

Things haven’t been normal this year. We’ve had to wear masks, our classrooms are socially distanced, and we’ve had to learn how to get the hang of a lot of new technology. There’s no hiding that PCA has looked different this year. 

But in the spirit of Thanksgiving, let’s take a look at some things we can be thankful have always stayed the same. As the digital marketing assistant, I had the privilege of observing many of the ins and outs of the activity on campus this year. Here are just a few of the things I’ve noticed and that I hope you too, will see in the footage I’ve captured: 

The first day of school was just as exciting 

  • To be together and in-person again after emergency remote learning in the spring was something we prepared long and hard for over the summer. And after being apart for so long, we could tell that there was much joy in being together in community again. 

Our Upper School still continues to build community. 

  • Even despite health and safety protocols and regulation, our Upper School students continue to work hard stay on campus by staying within Covid guidelines, stepping up as leaders to cultivate community in new ways and support one another in and out of the classroom. 

The playground is still a place to run and laugh. 

  • I’ve been blessed to see that even in a time of change, students are still afforded the space to learn to play, to find joy, and to develop their friendships. 

Our Junior High students are still able to learn more about themselves and each other. 

  • In a time of such transition and growth, our Junior High students are still being equipped by their teachers as they prepare for not only the Upper School, but to young adulthood, through executive function skills and building connections with their classmates. 

Mr. Stevens is still teaching music with Mr. Nana. 

  • Even with the complications with health and safety, we still were able continue to creatively cultivate our young minds through Fine Arts classes, like Music with Mr. Stevens! 

The 3rd grade still got to direct squid – and some students even got to join from home 

  • EHL and our dedicated teachers have allowed us to continue learning hands-on in exciting ways (even if those ways may have smelled a bit funny)! 

The Upper School still went bird watching out on the dock. 

  • Even with social distancing, we’ve been blessed with a great outdoor classroom space! Our dock has allowed our students to directly see, reflect, and engage with God’s creation! 

And Mr. Foley still managed to get laugh after laughafter laugh. 

  • We continue to be thankful for the ways our teachers commit to connecting with our students…caring for them, nurturing their potential, and bringing them joy! 

Life has been disorienting, uncertain, and at times frustrating for many. But it’s important for us to take a step back individually and collectively to truly show thanksgiving for one another and for what God is doing in the mind and souls of students, faculty, and parents here in the halls of Portsmouth Christian Academy. 

Colossians says, “Let the peace of God rule in your hearts, in them which also are called in one body, and be ye thankful.” 

So, from all of us at Portsmouth Christian Academy, Happy Thanksgiving! 

Written by Nathan Paul, Digital Marketing Assistant at Portsmouth Christian Academy 

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