Friday, April 24, 2026

A great week to be a Bear!

What a great week it's been at work!

Wednesday was Administrative Professionals Day and I (along with the receptionist and the records/attendance clerk) received a lovely gift basket full of tulips and small gifts, plus a card signed by almost the whole staff. The sweet art teacher made us all candy bouquets, too. Three years in, and I still love my job and my coworkers. It doesn't get much better than that. 







Also on Wednesday, for the third year in a row our school was the top performer for this area in the American Heart Association Kids Heart Challenge. We have more family participation and raise more money than anyone in the district and our local AHA chapter head presented us with our third plaque and trophy.

But after all this excitement, yesterday was the absolute cherry on top. Our entire school gathered in the gym at 9am to watch the SCETV live stream announcing the winners of the state's Palmetto's Finest Award for 2026. Half the district office, the school board, the assistant superintendents all joined us and every waited with bated breath. (The superintendent watched the livestream from his office, citing his superstitious fear that watching at the school with us would be unlucky, haha)...

AND WE WON!!!!!!!!!!!!! Our school is this year's Palmetto's Finest elementary school winner! We all but raised the roof with cheers and applause and a spontaneous dance party!







Congratulations flowed in from all across the district (and even the state). Kids and staff high fived each other and hugged in the halls all day. Not much work got done, I can tell you that! It's such an honor. We're all very, very proud.

It's been a great week to be a Carver Bear!

35 comments:

Michael said...

Wow Jennifer! That is such great news! I went to the link about the Palmetto award. That sure is something so special for your school. The photos are great and everyone looks so happy. This post was a great one to read this morning. I will take happy wherever I can get it these days!!

Debby said...

3 YEARS!!!! I don't even know how rhat is possible.

Dave R said...

Copngrats!! Bask in the joy of success!

Debra She Who Seeks said...

Your school rocks! Happy for everyone there!

Ms. Moon said...

The top of the top! The cream of the crop! Congratulations! I love the children's faces when they hear the news.

Ellen D. said...

Congratulations to your school! What a fabulous honor! What a terrific week for you!
And thank you to your school for raising money for the American Heart Association! My son does cardiac research in Texas and he gets grants for his work from the AHA!

Boud said...

Wow, congratulations on all fronts!

Moving with Mitchell said...

This is all so wonderful. What a day! Congratulations!

Steve Reed said...

I love the photo of the kids' reactions to the announcement. Congratulations all around!

Librarian said...

Fantastic news all around, and what a great week for all of you! So soon after your birthday with gifts and cards you have once more been shown much appreciation at work, that is so wonderful. You look like Spring personified with that lovely smile of yours, the pretty top (dress?) you're wearing and the tulips!

Margaret said...

Congratulations! What an amazing honor and well-earned.

Mistress Maddie said...

By the end of the weekend you're going to be exhausted from all the celebratory events.

Susan Heather said...

Well done to your school and the three years has flown by.

Cro Magnon said...

What a great surprise. Well done to all concerned.

Yorkshire Pudding said...

Looking around the Carver Elementary children and the staff too, it's great to see that your school is so racially mixed. And what a great day you all shared! As for you being there for three years Jennifer - you know what happened to Pinocchio when he lied! It's heartwarming to hear that you still enjoy your job and remain grateful that you landed it.

jabblog said...

Congratulations. It was truly a week to be celebrated.

Ur-spo said...

Good for them I say ! We asked our boss what she wanted for the day and she responded just appreciation. I replied sure if you prefer that of things of real value.

Jennifer said...

Thanks Michael! I agree with you about good news being very welcome these days.

Jennifer said...

Same, Debby. It's frightening how quickly time passes!

Jennifer said...

It's nice to be at a "good" school for a change! The middle school wasn't top of any list unless it was top expulsions for fighting.

Jennifer said...

Thanks so much!

Jennifer said...

That first photo (of our 5th graders) is just wonderful! I still it from the district web page.:)

Jennifer said...

What important work your son does! You must be so proud. And actually, it's our fourth year of being the top school, not third as I originally thought.

Jennifer said...

Thank you!

Jennifer said...

It was a great day to cap off a great week! Thanks Mitchell!

Jennifer said...

Isn't that a wonderful photo? As I told Mary, those were our fifth graders and I think the district photographer took it.

Jennifer said...

Thank you Meike! It's a top (not a dress) and although I adore the color, the cut of it doesn't do much for me. Too bulky around the bust, which is exactly where I DON'T need any extra.

Jennifer said...

Thanks!

Jennifer said...

The weekend sure has been welcome!

Jennifer said...

Flown by like Amtrack!

Jennifer said...

Thank you Cro!

Jennifer said...

We are very racially mixed, staff and students alike, and I love it! I was hoping someone would notice and comment on it, so thank you!

Jennifer said...

It sure was!

Jennifer said...

Feeling appreciated is the best gift, but flowers and small tokens sure are nice!

Barbara said...

Wow! Congratulations all around! Love how happy and excited the kids are.
Xoxo
Barbara