Please use this link to access the full version of the November newsletter
With November’s arrival, the holiday season, and the flurry of activities that comes with it, begins to take shape. Between full calendars, to-do lists, and special events, our students often find themselves balancing both responsibilities and excitement. In the midst of this busy pace, taking time to focus on gratitude can offer a welcome sense of calm for all of us.
Have you taken a moment to appreciate the good in your life? A simple expression of gratitude can shift our outlook, brighten our mood, and help us make sense of the challenges we face. As November arrives, it brings with it a natural reminder to reflect on the people, experiences, and opportunities that enrich our lives.
Studies continue to show that gratitude isn’t just a seasonal idea, it’s a habit with meaningful, lasting impact. Regularly acknowledging both the small and significant positives in our lives has been linked to reduced stress and anxiety. Some research even suggests that a single thoughtful act of gratitude can boost happiness by 10 percent and decrease depressive symptoms by more than a third.
At USC, helping students build gratitude into their daily routines is a key focus throughout November. Through our Social Emotional Learning program, Everyday Speech, students learn about thankfulness and other emotional wellness strategies each Wednesday. They are encouraged to begin each day by identifying three things they are grateful for, a simple practice that can make a big difference.
Families can join in, too. Taking a moment to share what you’re grateful for with your child can become a meaningful routine you both look forward to and one that brings more positivity into your daily lives.
I'm grateful for our USC students and all they are learning each day. I'm also thankful that our students have great parents, teachers, and caretakers that show how much they care about our students.
With Gratitude,
Jen Bye
High School Principal