Modesto elementary school students give thanks for ...

Editor's Note: These letters were written by students in Carol Ovalle's class at Everett School in Modesto.

Thankful for family, home

I'm thankful for my family because they love me and help me with homework assignments. I'm thankful for my house because it cools me in the summer and warms me in the winter.

I'm also thankful for fun video games because they entertain me and give me a challenge. I'm thankful for my health because when you're healthy, you don't have to go to the hospital often.

I'm also thankful for food because it keeps me alive and it tastes good.

KEVIN TIFFIN, grade 5

Grateful for holiday season

I'm thankful for our family, shelter, emotions, holidays and research.

I'm thankful for family because they're always there for you, and they love us. I'm thankful for shelter because I know that I have a house to live in and I'm protected.

I'm thankful for emotions because we can show how we feel and express it!

I'm thankful for the holidays because we're celebrating special events, each with their own meaning.

I'm also thankful for research because it can help find cures for people who are sick, and it can help the world.

MARQUIS HUNTER, grade 6

School, parents at top of list

I'm thankful for my school because without it I would not know anything or have an education. I am thankful for my parents because they give me food, shelter and love.

I am thankful for food because it keeps me healthy and a dog to have fun with. I am also thankful for freedom; it's what lets us keep our opinions.

CINTHIA HERNANDEZ, grade 5