Be Happier By Giving Thanks

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By Michele Barkley, Coordinator of Early Learning 

The word gratitude is derived from the Latin word gratia, which means grace, graciousness, or grateful and is a thankful appreciation for what we receive. Gratitude provides us the opportunity to acknowledge the goodness in our lives that often lies outside ourselves. 

The Mary Kay McNeill Early Learning Center has much to be thankful for, and we would like to share the gratitude we have for our students, their families, and for each other.

Our Students
Educating the youngest students in our district is a privilege. Watching them grow and develop the skills that they will need to be successful in school and in life, is an experience that each of us holds dear to our hearts. We are grateful for the resilience of our students and their ability to adapt and persevere through challenges that have been placed before them. At a young age, our students have proven that they are capable of overcoming these challenges all the while continuing to smile and laugh along the way. 

Our Parents and Families 
Our parents and families have had to accept the role of teacher during remote learning. The support, encouragement, and dedication to their child’s education is invaluable. We are grateful for our parents and families because they ensure that learning continues at home and our work would not be possible without them. 

Each other
Our staff expresses an immense amount of gratitude given the opportunity to be part of a small, but mighty team. Our ability to adapt and adjust has required a considerable amount of collaboration and teamwork. We are thankful to have one another to lean on for support as well as to celebrate our successes. 

Gratitude is strongly associated with greater happiness and helps people feel more positive emotions, improve health, overcome adversity, and build strong relationships. Be happier by giving thanks and sharing what makes you grateful.