In 2014, the makers of Facebook worked to analyze what the people of each state were grateful for during the Thanksgiving holiday. When looking through the data, it became apparent that the citizens of Texas, and some of our neighbors, were in a drought and were thankful for the much-needed rain. People in other states were grateful for things ranging anywhere from faith to YouTube to Netflix. Some of the results were interesting. Take Illinois, for example. What was it that made them grateful for in-laws? Curious, right?
When analyzing the topics by individuals (rather than by state), gratitude looked somewhat different. I’ve been perusing the findings with the hopes of coming across people who are grateful for school superintendents. I’m still looking—I probably shouldn’t hold my breath.
As both a parent of children who attend our schools and the leader of the district as a whole, I am so very grateful to be a part of such a special place. It is incredibly important to celebrate the people who make a difference each day—when we do, we make an impact on their lives. It also allows us to feel the joy of bringing a smile to the faces of those around us. I am a firm believer in showing gratitude for others. It creates a ripple effect and enforces the core facets of our beliefs. It reaches every staff member, every teacher, every administrator, every parent, and every student. It is the Wylie Way.
From now until the end of school, our kids and teachers will become more socially savvy about the importance of showing and spreading gratitude. Specifically, we will facilitate opportunities for encouraging Wylie kids to be grateful to others while also celebrating the wonderful things taking place around them that make them happy, hopeful, and engaged.
Throughout this nine-week period, we are going to provide our kids, our campuses, and our families specific opportunities to express gratitude. We encourage you to take the time to talk with your children about everything they are learning.
Stay tuned for future blogs to include specific ways that we will continue to celebrate gratitude.
Be grateful—it’s the Wylie Way!
