Dear Parents,

In the spirit of American Thanksgiving this weekend, I would like to share about the power of gratitude. I would also like to take a moment to share my gratitude for our community. I truly appreciate that you trust your precious children to us on a daily basis and am thankful for your partnership. Thank you. 

In the difficulties of everyday life, it's easy to overlook the simple positive things that surround us. However, amidst the challenges and demands of growing up, fostering an attitude of gratitude in our children can have a profound impact on their overall well-being.

Gratitude, the act of appreciating the good things in life, is not just a fleeting feeling; it's a powerful emotion that can shape our children's perspectives and influence their emotional, social, and even physical health. Studies have shown that cultivating gratitude in children can lead to a range of benefits, including:

• Increased happiness and optimism: Children who practice gratitude tend to have a more positive outlook on life, experiencing greater levels of happiness and contentment.

• Improved mental health: Gratitude can act as a buffer against stress and anxiety, reducing the risk of depression and promoting emotional resilience.

• Enhanced social skills: When children express gratitude, they strengthen their relationships with others, fostering empathy, compassion, and a sense of connection.

• Strengthened self-esteem: Recognizing and appreciating one's own blessings can boost self-confidence and self-worth, leading to a more positive self-image.

As families, you play a crucial role in nurturing gratitude in our children. By incorporating simple practices into our daily routines, we can help them develop an appreciation for the good things in their lives, big and small. Here are a few practical ways to foster gratitude in your children:

• Practice gratitude together: Make gratitude a regular part of your family's conversations. At dinnertime, go around the table and share something you're grateful for that day.

• Keep a gratitude journal: Encourage your child to keep a simple journal or notebook where they can write down a few things they're thankful for each day.

• Express gratitude for others: Model gratitude by showing appreciation for the people in your child's life, such as teachers, friends, and family members.

• Engage in acts of kindness: Encourage your child to participate in random acts of kindness, whether it's helping a neighbor, volunteering in the community, or simply saying thank you to someone who has made a difference in their life.

By instilling gratitude early on, we can help our children develop a positive mindset that will serve them well throughout their lives. Remember, gratitude is not about ignoring life's challenges or pretending that everything is perfect. It's about acknowledging the good amidst the difficult, and finding joy in the simple things. As we nurture gratitude in our children, we are not just teaching them to be appreciative; we are empowering them to cultivate happiness and well-being for themselves and those around them.

Yours,

Michelle

With the unexpected rain on Sunday, several parents reacted to students playing in the rain in What’sApp groups. Only three parents reached out to us to share their concerns or support for our rainy day guidelines. Based on the feedback from the parents that contacted us, we reviewed our guidelines. Below you will find our updated rainy day guidelines (in italics). Please also note that we encourage families to reach out to us when they have concerns. Conversations on What’sApp groups are not supportive as we continually reflect on how to improve our practices at school.

We believe that outdoor play is essential for children's physical and mental health, so we want to provide opportunities for students to go outside as much as possible, even on rainy days. Should students prefer to stay indoors during rainy weather, they will be allowed to visit the LC, Wonder Room, or a grade level classroom that is designated for a quiet indoor activity. 

Students that choose to go outside during inclement weather should be keeping to our promises of being safe, kind, and responsible:

• Bring appropriate clothing.

• No splashing or rolling in puddles.

• Choose games that ensure safety and responsible expectations on surfaces. 

• Notify a duty teacher if they would like to go inside. 

To maximize outdoor play time, we ask that you please send your child to school with weather-appropriate gear, including:

• Raincoat or poncho

• Rain boots or waterproof shoes

• Hat

• A Change of Clothes

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