Frenship’s Mental Health Minute features a monthly theme and challenge. For November, the focus is on gratitude and practicing thankfulness.
This month, students are invited to reflect on three meaningful moments from their school year that they’re grateful for. They’re also challenged to share that gratitude by telling at least one person why they appreciate them.
Frenship families are encouraged to explore the many ways they can express gratitude within their own family, neighborhood, and community. Even simple moments of appreciation can strengthen relationships and create a more positive environment.
Jessica Sauls, Counselor at Heritage Middle School, shares that regular gratitude practices, like noticing three things each week, can impact a student's mood, mindset, and overall school experience.
“Taking time to be mindful of what you are thankful for can decrease negative feelings such as stress, anxiety, and depression. Practicing gratitude encourages students to take notice of other people’s feelings and, in turn, leads to greater empathy and kindness,” said Sauls.
This emotional growth also carries over into the classroom, influencing how students approach challenges and learning.
“Gratitude also helps academic performance, as students are more likely to approach schoolwork with a can-do attitude and feel hopeful about their future. Instead of only focusing on results, students tend to recognize the improvements and work they have put forth and can approach academics and life with greater grit and perseverance,” said Sauls.
For students who might struggle to identify things they are grateful for, Sauls recommends starting with simple strategies to help build the habit.
“Starting a gratitude journal and writing three things students are grateful for each week can help students focus on the positive aspects of their lives. Students can also write thank you notes to others and share with someone else how they have helped them. Creating a gratitude wall or gratitude art is a great visual reminder to see the joy in our everyday lives. Students can post sticky notes, artwork, or simply write what they are thankful for,” said Sauls.
She also challenges students to link gratitude with acts of kindness, reinforcing how one naturally inspires the other.
“I encourage students to practice small acts of kindness. Afterwards, students can consider how their act of kindness impacted their feelings as well as the feelings of those around them,” said Sauls.
Sauls believes it is important for teachers and staff to model gratitude for students because it fosters a culture where appreciation becomes a shared value. At Heritage Middle School, this mindset is woven into daily life through intentional systems designed to uplift one another.
“Each month, students are given the opportunity to vote for their favorite teacher and express appreciation for the incredible impact teachers have made on their daily lives. Teachers also vote for students of the month, taking time to celebrate the accomplishments, work ethic, and kindness of many of our students,” said Sauls.
Heritage families are also encouraged to join in by nominating staff members and sharing heartfelt messages of appreciation for the work they do each day.
“During the month of November, Heritage invites parents to submit a note of appreciation for the HMS staff members they’re thankful for as part of our THANKSgiving celebration. Staff are also invited to take a moment to share gratitude for someone, or several people, on the HMS team via Microsoft Form. The special messages will be shared with staff before the Thanksgiving break.”
By weaving gratitude into daily routines at home and school, Frenship is helping students build stronger connections, develop healthier mindsets, and embrace habits that support their well-being throughout the year.
For more information on Frenship’s Mental Health Minute, click here.