Gratitude Gathering 2024

Natural light poured into the room through a soaring glass wall as the Seabury School community, from teachers to parents to family members to staff, gathered to give thanks for school, family, good health and … chicken nuggets.

That’s the beauty of the annual Seabury gratitude gathering. As the microphone passes from one student or family member or teacher to the next, there’s no telling whether to expect a heartfelt response or a quick quip.

“The moment that we start passing the mic around and every person has a voice to share what they are grateful for is magic,” said Katy Moon, pre-k teacher. “We are all there with a shared purpose – to celebrate life and these incredible children.”

Held every November, the gratitude gathering is a longstanding Seabury tradition. “It is a time to get a little peek into the hearts of those in our community and hear how much we matter to each other, how important our school is to this community and how grateful this community is for the world in which we live,” said Mimi McGilliard, kindergarten teacher.

This year’s celebration – held in the sanctuary of Browns Point United Methodist Church – was the first for new Head of School Rob Scotlan, but he was already aware of how special it is based on what he learned about favorite Seabury traditions during back-to-school planning

“The gratitude gathering was probably at the top of the list,” said Scotlan.

Scotlan also learned that no gratitude gathering would be complete without everyone singing and dancing to “The Banana Slug Song.” With a bouncy tune that brings to mind “La Bamba,” the song salutes one of nature’s otherwise unsung heroes.

She’s got just one foot
But she ain’t got no toes
She just hangs out in the forest
Helpin’ it decompose

The duo of Scotlan on guitar and performing arts teacher Dirk Gorre on guitar and lead vocals got the audience rocking. “I’m not kidding. I was kind of nervous about the entire event,” Scotlan said.

No worries. “The Banana Slug Song” plus a musical performance by the pre-k and kindergarten classes left everyone with smiles on their faces while the expressions of gratitude from the audience filled everyone’s hearts.

“I’m grateful for finding a school that’s such a great fit for my daughter,” said a parent.

“I’m grateful for Seabury letting me be myself,” said a student.

“I’m grateful for my mom who is sitting right next to me, “said a student. “Now everyone give her a big clap.”

“My heart is so full I can barely speak,” said a family member.

And then there was the student who let his tummy do the talking. “I’m grateful for chicken nuggets,” he said.

The sincerity and occasional hilarity is why gratitude gathering “might be my favorite day of the school year,” said Stephanie Woodruff, who teaches fourth- and fifth-graders. “As a teacher, it is so rewarding to hear how grateful parents and families are that their children feel seen and heard and truly loved.”

The gratitude gathering is a priceless reflection of what Seabury is all about, said Josephine Monu, pre-k classroom assistant.

“It reminds us of who we are,” she said. “We’re a family and not just a school.”