Gratitude Finds a Home

Gratitude is one of the hallmarks of Thanksgiving. Students in the Middle School took time before the Thanksgiving holiday to reflect on the many reasons for which to be they have to be grateful by working together to create a “Galaxy of Gratitude” bulletin board. The middle school’s school counselor, Jennifer Dietrich, designed the lesson as part of the division’s Friday Focus series. The series is a weekly advisory time to discuss character, community, life skills, and wellness. Each week, the Middle School focuses on a specific principle or practice related to those themes, and students had a wonderful time discussing the importance of gratitude. A gratitude practice is especially important for students as a proven way to improve self-esteem, lower stress, and increase resiliency—along with many other benefits.