Thanksgiving Wishes from Dr. Ron Hattar

November 26, 2025

Dear Yorktown School Community,

As we gather with family and friends this Thanksgiving, I want to extend my deepest gratitude to our students, families, faculty and staff, and the broader Yorktown School Community for making Yorktown such a special place for children to learn and grow.

As I reflect on what Thanksgiving means to me, I think about the extraordinary generosity that our community demonstrates time and time again.  I think of the phrase choose kindness, a small phrase that has limitless impact.  This phrase is a powerful reminder that kindness doesn’t need to be grand to matter nor does it need public recognition to be validated.  Like a single candle lighting another and another--eventually we can brighten an entire room.

In Yorktown, we see these small candles lighting up everywhere--students who provide support to a friend during a difficult time, teachers who go the extra mile, staff who show care in ways big and small, and families who support one another.  These everyday acts create the warm, welcoming community we are fortunate to share.  It is an incredible part of our school district and school community.

As we head into the holiday season, I encourage all of us to continue choosing kindness--especially in moments when it’s not the easiest choice.  A kind word, a patient ear, or a simple smile can change the trajectory of someone’s day, and sometimes their life.

Thank you for the empathy, kindness, and generosity that define our school district.  I am grateful for each of you, and wish you a happy Thanksgiving with your family and loved ones.

Respectfully,
Dr. Ron Hattar