As we roll into the Thanksgiving holidays, a little crisp settling into the air, students, teachers, and all educators are breathing a sigh of relief as they contemplate turning off alarm clocks, time with family and friends, and turkey, a favorite side, or perhaps pie.

We work in a human-centered business and it is so important that all the people who make the work possible take time to breathe.

On Monday morning, the CAST nonprofit staff reported to CAST Med High School to support the teachers and administrative team there, doing cafeteria duty and presenting in the auditorium so the folks who normally work with young people could share a holiday meal.

CAST Development Director Nicole Amri, who is also an artist and a yoga instructor, among her many hats, led students in breathing exercises in the auditorium. Several members of our school team, including Dr. Carol Harle and Kathy Bieser, organized groups of 11th and 12th graders in a peer mentoring pilot with 6th grade students. CAST Student Experience Coordinator Eric Falcon began a focus group with 8th, 9th and 10th graders to get their feedback on some work CAST is doing to define the concept of youth voice and agency, and to capture when students feel as though it is present in the school experience. 

On Friday, our student advisory chose to spend their monthly meeting decorating turkey boxes at the Guadalupe Center; I am grateful for their spirit of service. I’m so grateful for the teachers, leaders, staff and students who make the CAST network an ecosystem of caring. 

I am thankful to be working with a group of empaths, people who jump in to help others when they see a need.

Jeanne Russell

Executive Director

CAST Schools