Notes from Principal Dunham: November 2018

This past week and next leading up to the Thanksgiving Break it is fitting that our focus is on the character trait GRATITUDE. As a building we have been discussing what GRATITUDE is all about:

“GRATITUDE is the quality of feeling and expressing thankfulness and appreciation. It is an affirmation that there is goodness in other people and the world. GRATITUDE is not ignoring the negative aspects of life; it's simply being aware and thankful for what is good."

"The single greatest thing you can do to change your life today would be to start being grateful for what you have right now"

- Oprah

"When you have an ATTITUDE of GRATITUDE you wake up saying 'THANK YOU'."

- Maya Angelou

At home we encourage you to have a conversation with your child about GRATITUDE and think about the different ways that we can express our gratitude for the things and people that we are grateful for. To help you make connections here is the link to the Positivity Project Character Card For GRATITUDE.

Students of the Month

Staying on the theme of positivity and things we are grateful for, we recognized our new ‘Students of the Month’ as we turned the calendar to November. We continue to have students, who through their actions and character, help to create a positive school environment. Choosing ‘Students of the Month’ isn’t about grades and athletic or musical prowess, it’s about demonstrating all of the qualities that we value and celebrate - exemplary work ethic, citizenship, character, compassion, honesty, trustworthiness, responsibility, optimism and/or leadership in creating a positive school environment. As a school community we are extremely grateful for students who day in and day out show up, work hard, do their best, and make our school a better place.

This month we recognized 6th graders Garrett Bleskoski, Gracie Burns, Tori Hulbert, and Chris Watkins, 7th graders Gary McLane, Claire Petty, Benjamin Pietrafesa, and Leah Todeschini, and 8th graders Jaden Mattimore, Nani Ross, Caleb Williams, and Yingyuan Zhang. Well deserved and congratulations to all!