We have plenty to be thankful for at MUSD

In MUSD we have been exploring Artificial Intelligence as a tool for education and work productivity since OpenAI released ChatGPT in November 2022. I used AI to find a deeper word that expresses my gratitude for our MUSD learners, team, and community.  While it didn’t provide the word that I could say -- “yes! That is it!” it did assist me in gathering my thoughts. Here is my conversation with the live version of Google’s AI, Gemini:

Me: What's another word for gratitude that expresses so much more -- the burst of endorphins my heart feels for MUSD and our community? 

AI: You could try words like "devotion" or "adoration." These words get across a strong sense of admiration and loyalty. Or, if you'd like something a little less formal, you could go with "I'm totally psyched about" or "I'm super into" the Milpitas school district community.

Me: But I really want to express the gratitude part.

AI: Okay, in that case, I'd say something like "I'm truly thankful for" or "I'm deeply grateful for" the Milpitas school district community. If you want to sound a little more poetic, you could try "My heart overflows with appreciation for" the Milpitas school district community.

After a few more exchanges, I landed on the word “profound.”  Why?

Measure Q passed at 71.2% -- our community values the well-being of our learners, opportunities to explore technology pathways including AI, professional learning for all educators, recruiting and retaining exceptional teachers and classified support staff, and bolstering our athletics programs.  

MUSD high school and adult school pathways for learners have expanded this year -- computer science, engineering, 9th grade bridge, medical careers, early childhood education, partnership development with SJSU, SJECCD, and UOP for dual enrollment in college and high school, and CalRegional, NovaWorks, City of Milpitas, to name a few. 

MUSD middle school learner centered clubs and community impact projects -- learners have opportunities to delve into issues and subjects that interest them outside of the typical classroom experience and the teams are deliberately implementing strategies to enhance a culture of belonging. 

MUSD elementary and preschool expansion of learner engagement strategies -- project based learning, preschool thru 3rd grade alignment, inclusion practices for learners with special needs, and family centered events during the school day to increase attendance and deepen connection between home and school. 

MUSD support team readiness and initiative -- immediate response time for school site needs such as power during outages, on site support when it is not expected, and dedication to persistent growth and support of all team members through listening and learning opportunities.

MUSD Board governance team focus on vision, goals, and resources -- garnering partners for MUSD outside and inside Milpitas, pushing through challenges with and on behalf of our students and team members, and being present in the community to support MUSD’s evolution as a World Class Education district.

Yes, I have a profound sense of gratitude that takes my breath away as I think of the many ways that our learners, team members, families, and community express the desire, regardless of any obstacles that come our way,  to Build a Culture of We. 

May your Thanksgiving be deeply satisfying and wonderfully joy filled by the love of those all around you,

Cheryl Jordan
​Superintendent of Schools

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