'We're Thankful For...'

In celebration of Thanksgiving, Needham Patch asked local elementary school students to share some of the things they are thankful for this year. Here is what they had to say:

MRS. PETERSEN’S FOURTH GRADE CLASS—

I’m thankful for family and for my home and parents, food, soccer and transportation to get places. Jose V.

I am thankful for my mom and my dad.

1. They make me good meals.
2. They are nice and kind.
3. They tuck me into bed at night.
4. They get me treats.
5. Me and my mom and dad go on vacations.
6. They get my clothes for me.
7. They let me have play dates.
8. They invite my friends over.
9. They go on walks with me.
10. They love me.

Cooper O.

I am thankful for my family and house. I am also thankful for food and water that I can eat and drink. And skiing and sports. Cyrus K.

I am thankful for my family. They help me and support me. I am also thankful for my teachers. They teach me useful information. Jasmine J.

I am thankful for… all of my family members for supporting me at soccer games and giving me everything I need and even some I don’t need. I am also thankful for my friends for being there for me. Also my teacher. She helps me a lot and I learn lots of new things from her. I am also thankful to be able to live in a great house and safe town. Lily D.

I am thankful for… my family (cat included) because they are caring and helpful. I am also thankful for the school because without it I would not have a proper education. I am very thankful for nature and trees because my favorite thing to do is play outside and see the nice trees and grass and bushes and other assorted plants. Andy A.

I am thankful for my mom and dad because they care about me and they help me with homework. Lilly G.

I am thankful for my family and friends because they are very helpful, caring and nice. They make my life really fun and help me when I need it. Kelly K.

I am thankful for the Native Americans who found America because I wouldn’t be living here today. I am also thankful for my family because I love them. Regan L.

I am thankful for the whole world and its people because if we don’t have the world we couldn’t live anywhere and if we don’t have any people on earth I would not be able to be born. Alejandro D.

I am thankful for food, my pet Milo, my parents and all my teachers. Corinna K.

I am thankful for having a nice house and a great family, food, clothing, shelter and going to school to learn. Jared M.

I am thankful for family. They support me in everything and have always been there for me. They help me grow up and that’s very important to me. Elena O.

I am thankful for my family, friends, food and nature. But most of all I am thankful for peace, love and happiness. Emilia W.

I’m thankful for the gift of life, the house that gives me shelter and the food and water that keep me alive. Graham P.

I am thankful for all my friends, family, food, water, me, electricity, a house, clothes, blankets, money, a bed and a lot more. Rachel B.

I am thankful for my house and for all my belongings and special traditions. Ryan P.

I am thankful for my family, food, technology and clothes. I am also thankful for money, life and friends. Julia A.

I am thankful for my parents. I am thankful for my bed. I am thankful for the ceiling that is held above my head. Katharine K.

I am thankful for having food, family and a nice house to live in. Eric G.

***

MS. TORIAN’S SECOND GRADE CLASS—MITCHELL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

I am thankful for my family and friends. Kevin Ji

I am thankful for my big brother. Kendrick Medina

I am thankful that Needham has so many wonderful schools. Nicolette Gavlin

I am thankful for my family. Owen Berke

I am thankful for my loving family. Brooke Sylvia

I am thankful for the people that love me. Eleni Patsios

I am thankful that people love me. Luca Iriti

I am thankful for my goldfish. Danielle Freidline

I am thankful for the woman Sarah Hale who saved Thanksgiving and having a wonderful family. Maddie Ledbury

I am thankful for my wonderful mother, father and sisters. Lauren Rondini

I am thankful for my family and that they love and care about me. Drew Winkler

I am thankful that Needham schools have very good teachers. Michael Mortimer

I am thankful for that great woman who saved Thanksgiving named Sarah Hale. Jack S.

I am thankful for my dog and she is 91 and still alive! Evan James Long

I am thankful for having lots of books. Tucker B.

I am thankful that I have a great supporting family that will help when I am in need. Ellie Yonchak.

I am thankful for Christmas. Jaclyn Mercado

I am thankful for having a wonderful family who always helps me. Chloe Berg

I am thankful for having a nice family. Maggie Berkley

I am thankful for having a comfy bed and great food. Claire Mao

I am thankful for my teacher. Matthew Kurdziel

I am thankful for my family and friends. Sophia Wolin

 ***

MRS. KAEFER’S SECOND GRADE CLASS—JOHN ELIOT SCHOOL

I am thankful for Thanksgiving and I’m thankful for Thessaloniki. Because I celebrate Thanksgiving with my family and I eat yummy food. And I am thankful for Thessaloniki because I see my grandparents and because they love me. Demetra

I am thankful for Gregory because he was my friend from the time I was born. Gregory is my best friend. Paul

I am thankful for my family because they are nice to me and they care about me. Jack

I am thankful for my mom and dad because my mom brings me to play football and my dad reads to me. James

I am thankful for my mom and dad because they took very good care of me. Joey

I am thankful for books because they’re easy to read. Gerald

I am thankful for my family because they do so much for me and care for me and teach me stuff like cooking. Once I cooked brownies for my dad on his birthday and they were the yummiest but my dad found them in the car the day before. Eve

This year I am thankful for my family because I am nice to them and they are nice to me. They are also taking me on trips, roller coasters and vacations. I like my family also because they got me a warm house for us to live in. Victoria

I am thankful for holidays because of celebrating with my family. Colin

This year I am thankful for my family because I love them. Zach

This year I am thankful for my friends because they help me with a lot of stuff like homework, finding stuff, drawing, cleaning up, putting stuff back together and they go with me to a lot of places and they introduce me to their friends. Noa

I am thankful for reading long chapter books because I like reading chapter books. Chapter books are also exciting. Arseniy

I’m thankful for Thanksgiving dinner because my parents cook Thanksgiving dinner every year and I want to surprise my family and cook Thanksgiving dinner for them. Izzy

This year I am thankful for my family because they care about me. Sydney

I’m very thankful for my mom and my dad because they took very good care of me and they take me on trips. Sophia

I am thankful for my family because they take care of me. My dad reads with me. Steven

This year I am thankful for my mom because we get to go on trips with my family. We went to Florida with my grandma, aunt and sister and cousin. Ramon

I am thankful for the animals because they are fun to have around. Melissa

I am thankful for my dad because he takes care of me because he cooks dinner. Derek

I am thankful for my whole family and my house because my family takes good care of me. My house gives me shelter also. Ellie

I am thankful for my family because they care about me.  Grace

This year I am thankful for my family because they are nice and they take care of me and they are fun to hang out with. Emma

***

MRS. ABBA’S FIFTH GRADE CLASS—MITCHELL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

I am thankful for shelter. I am thankful for shelter because if I didn’t have shelter then I wouldn’t have a house or I couldn’t store clothes, toys, food, furniture and a bathroom. But since I do have all that it makes me what I am today. I am lucky that I have a shelter because it wouldn’t make me who I am today and everything would be different. Everyone that has a shelter should thank the people that make the home or bought the home (parents). Danny K.

I am most thankful for my family, my friends and my teachers. They are all kind, caring, loving, funny and they all teach me things I need to know. If I need help and I’m struggling they’ll help me. My family is always there for me, no matter what. My friends are loyal, fun and they make me laugh. My teachers teach me important topics while making it fun, too. I love my family, friends and teachers and I wouldn’t know what to do without them. Natalie M.

I’m thankful for my parents. I’m thankful for them because I know that millions of kids in the world don’t have parents; either their parents died or they gave them away. Millions of kids in the world don’t get love. I’m thankful that I get love from my parents and they give me what I need. My parents always make sure I’m happy and healthy. My parents are kind to me and they always have my back.

I’m thankful for my community/town (Needham, MA). My town is safe and always gives me what our town needs. Some towns aren’t the safest and bad things can happen and Needham always tries to prevent that. I’m thankful for this in so many ways.

I’m thankful for my education. About one year ago I heard a story about how kids in Africa don’t have very good education and how they take sticks and write in the dirt. I feel that I’m lucky that I can go to school every day and have a principal and teacher that really care and want us to learn. Bergan L.

I am thankful for a close water reservoir. My cousin went to Rwanda and Tanzania to build a well. The mothers there had to walk 5 miles to get to water. Daily, they walked 20 miles, which gives you a lot of exercise but is ridiculous. All I have to do is walk to the sink. I would hate to have to live a life like the Tanzania residents do. Samantha K.

I am thankful for a million things, such as my family because they’re always there for you whenever you need them. It’s the same with friends. Friends and family will always be there in times of need. All of my family cares about me, and I know there are people whose families don’t care about them, so I’m very thankful for that.

Something else I’m thankful for is the money we have. I’m not greedy but we need money to stay alive. If people don’t have money, they won’t be able to afford the food they need to survive. They won’t be able to afford a good shelter, clothes, education and a job. Money is useful, but we need to spend it wisely. Money is just one of those things that if we don’t have it, we don’t stand a chance.

Those are some of the things I’m most thankful for and there are many more, but to write them all down would take up an entire school day. Thankfulness kills greediness, like curiosity kills the cat. Liona P.

I am thankful for living in a free country. It would be horrible if we were stuck to strict rules. We are free to do whatever we want. Everyone old enough has the right to vote. We don’t live under fear.

I am thankful for animals. Without bees our crops would die. Without cows there would be no milk, cheese or butter. Without chickens there would be no eggs. Without people I would never be here to tell you my opinion.

I am thankful for family and friends. My family and my friends help me through hard times. My mom is the one who made me alive. She nursed me back to health when I got sick. She cared for me when I was a baby. She taught me how to read. My dad helps me when I need help on math. My friends make sure I am never lonely. They play with me and laugh with me. Make sure I’m never sad. Isabel

I am thankful for being alive because if I wasn’t, I would never have been born, which means no life or soul and you need a soul to live. Also, I could never have seen and have opportunities to see the world.

Another thing I’m thankful for is family. They feed you, take care of you when you’re ill or hurt. Family is also something everybody needs to have in their life, and lastly, family is everything to 99 percent out of 100 percent of the world!

Last, I’m most thankful for shelter and clothes. Shelter and clothes protect you and keep you dry and warm. Without these, you can’t survive. This is why I’m thankful for them and a lot of others are, too. Ben A.

I am thankful for animals and art. I am thankful for animals because they give us fur, meat and sometimes beverages. Also, humans are animals. Humans do a lot to help us in this world. They build us things, work hard for others and so much more. I also would like to give a little heads up to my family for helping me with things.

I am thankful for art because the world would only be gray, white and black if it were not for art. Art shows our personality, too. No personality, no uniqueness. I am thankful for a lot of things. These are the things I’m most thankful for. Brooke B.

I am most thankful for friends and family. I am thankful for family because family lets you be yourself. You don’t have to try to be different. Family also takes care of you if you’re feeling down or hurt or sick.

I am thankful for friends because your friends are there for you when you need them. If you’re hurt, not feeling well or sad, friends will make sure you’re OK and cheer you up. Friends are also very helpful. If you need help, your friends will help you until you get it. I love my friends and family. Meghan S.

I am thankful for friends/family, food, shelter and school. I am thankful for school because learning is awesome. I want to learn something new every day. I am also thankful for school because Mrs. Abba is the coolest teacher ever. I’ve never had a teacher better than her. Fifth grade rocks!

I’m also thankful for shelter. Without a roof over your head, surviving winter would be hard. Lots of people don’t have shelter and have to live on the streets. In addition to having shelter I have electricity and heat. Those are a few things I’m thankful for. Lily M.

I am thankful for smart doctors. Last year, I accidentally punched my hand through a glass door and got a large cut on my arm. After being mistreated at Beth Israel Hospital, I was taken to the Newton-Wellesley Hospital a few weeks later. The hand doctors there performed surgery on my arm and fixed it. Tyler O.

I am very thankful for the adventures I’ve been to in my life. All the countries I’ve traveled to are once-in-a-lifetime opportunities. These places are also where my family and friends live. For example, when I was in Finland, I saw my older cousins, Peter, Joel and Elias, and met my cousins, Lev and Neili. I also had never been to Finland before and I probably won’t travel there many more times. Jesse L.

I am thankful for my family. One reason is because they provide me food, shelter and love. My dad taught me biking, basketball, baseball and football. I love my mom because she got me into tennis and a lot of food I now like. Guess what? She had me try them! And my brothers love to play with me, and I love to play with them. Matt P.

I am thankful for many things, but I am most thankful for my friends and family. My family gets me food, water and a place to live. But most importantly, they love me. My parents don’t fight a lot and they care for me and I am very thankful for it.

My friends and my brother are people to hang out with. Without them, I would be lonely all the time. I am very thankful for my friends and family. Jackson S.

I am thankful for my wonderful school, Mitchell. I am a lucky person to get an education. Mitchell School has kind and encouraging teachers. If somebody doesn’t understand something, there’s always a teacher to help them. Not everybody is lucky enough to get as wonderful of an education as I am. Alice B.

I am thankful for friends and family. I am thankful for my friends and family because without friends. I wouldn’t be able to have any fun. Without family, I wouldn’t have anybody to take care of me. I am glad that I have friends and family. Jason S.

I am thankful for lots of things. I am very thankful for my house in Maine. I am thankful for the house because it’s where our whole family catches up and plays with each other. I am also thankful for it because I have friends that live around the house. It’s within walking distance of the beach where we go almost every weekend in the summer. Without that house our family might not get to see each other as much and we would all be bored on weekends. That is why I am thankful for my house in Maine. Jordyn C.

I am thankful for: no school days, technology and many other things. No school days are fun because we can use technology and so have fun with friends. Technology has useful purposes and fun ones. Some useful ones are: heating and telephones; fun ones include video games, computers and television. Max S.

One thing I’m thankful for is my friends and family. My family Karen, Dennis, Matt and Julia. They take care of me really well. They help me when I am hurt and cure me when I am sick. My best friend Isabel really cares for me, too. If I don’t want to tell my family, she’s there for me. My family and friends are just one thing I’m thankful for. Ally M.

I am thankful for food because we would all starve if there was no food. And some foods taste so good. I am also thankful for oxygen. Without oxygen, we would not be here right now. Oxygen is what keeps us alive. Oxygen is like the gas that goes into a car, except it goes into us. Jack T.

I am thankful for my family and friends. Without them my life would be dull and boring. Without friends I would always be bored. I wouldn’t have anyone to share laughs with and play games with. Without family I’d just be lost. There would be no one to ask me how my day was or eat dinner with. I wouldn’t know what love is. Sachi G.

I am thankful for my family because they always are kind to me even when they are mad. If someone is teasing or making fun of me. I always have a shoulder to lean on. My family makes me feel special. I think I am so thankful for my wonderful loving family. Anna S.

I am thankful for my family, for my dad for bringing me to places and for keeping me safe. I am also thankful for my mom for helping me with homework. Also my brother for helping me with football and lacrosse. Also my sister for taking me to places. Unfortunately she is in Greece.  Chris N.

I am thankful for having a strong army to defend my country. Every single man or woman makes a difference. We would be lost without them. Leah M.

***

MS. VARGAS’ THIRD GRADE CLASS—

I am thankful for Airheads. P.S. I mean Airheads the candy. Aidan G.

I am thankful for clothes because it is getting very cold outside. Zoe B.

I am thankful for my pet dog, Carrie-Anne. Olivia C.

I am thankful for my fish, Tyedye. Julia C.

I am thankful for my pet rabbit, Oatmeal. Sophia D.

I am thankful for my good looks. Watch out! Marcus E.

I am thankful for my pet dog, Athena. Evan F.

I am thankful for shoes because my feet don't get all muddy. Dylan M.

I am thankful for just me. Kaitlyn R.

I am thankful for my hair because bald isn't a good look for me. Bryn H.

I am thankful for my pets Baci, Gracy, Midnight and Petunia. Sam S.

I am thankful for my family and friends. Nava M.

I am thankful for my toys and family and also their company. Gabrielle R.

I am thankful for Notch, the creator of Minecraft. Jacob P.

I am thankful for my family and friends as well as my home. Srimath M.

I am thankful for my house and my dog. Chris L.

I am thankful for my teachers, my parents and my dog. Andy L.

I am thankful to have a roof over my head and food on my table. Lexi G.

I am thankful for my family and friends. Sabrina G.

I am thankful for books, especially from the fluency center. Conner B.

I am thankful for having enough food. Conrad W. 

I am thankful for Hershey Park and my family. Sebastian M.

I am thankful for my bright and hardworking third grade class, for being able to teach alongside great friends at the Eliot School, and for my adorable children, Ella and Julian. Ms. Vargas

I am thankful for my wonderful third grade class and my favorite coworker, Ms. Vargas. Mr. Meade

Got something you or your kids are especially thankful for this year? Share your letters of Thanksgiving in the comments below.