November 21, 2024
The PNW rainy season is upon us at BASIS Independent Bellevue, which means fall is officially in the air! The weather may be gloomy, but we are taking time this month to celebrate our Character Theme of the Month – Gratitude! The American Psychological Associate defines this phenomenon as a sense of happiness and thankfulness in response to a fortunate happenstance or a tangible gift. Some additional research describes gratitude as the willingness to expand our attention so that we perceive more of the goodness we are always receiving (Pratt, 2022)
Gratitude is more than just saying “thank you”; it’s about appreciating the big and small moments that make life special. Studies show that practicing gratitude can improve our physical health, calm our nerves, strengthen our relationships and generate greater happiness in life (Pratt, 2022). This month, we’re excited to create opportunities for students, staff, and families to embrace gratitude in meaningful ways.
On – Campus Gratitude
- Mountaineer Mondays
Each Monday, during our Academic Enrichment periods, our students participate in Mountaineer Mondays. Mountaineer Monday is a time for students to start their week by reflecting on important topics and learning what it means to be a Mountaineer. This month, the focus of Mountaineer Mondays is Gratitude! Students will be engaging in grade–level activities such as writing a letter expressing gratitude for themselves and creating a tree filled with drawings of what they’re grateful for.
- Renewal Food Bank Food Drive
To express our gratitude to our local community, the staff and students at BASIS Independent Bellevue are holding a Food Drive for Renewal Food Bank. We are collecting nonperishable food and hygiene items to give back and help others. With the support of our School Counselor and Student Affairs team, our teachers will be having meaningful discussions with students about food insecurity and empathy during this month. Additionally, members of our National Junior Honor Society will have the opportunity to visit the Food Bank and volunteer while bringing in our school donations. We are so proud of our students for their dedication to showing compassion and care for others!
- Cookies with the Counselor Notes
Every month, our School Counselor, Ms. Olivia, hosts a Cookies with the Counselor event during recess periods. This is an opportunity for students to come by and have a sweet treat with our Counselor while engaging in an activity aimed at developing Social-Emotional Wellness. This month, students will be writing cards of well wishes to accompany our donation to the Food Bank.
- Staff notes
Our reflection on gratitude does not only come from our students. In the staff lounge this month, teachers have been writing down what they are grateful for on leaves and posting on the wall as a reminder to stop and reflect. Additionally, we will be hosting a Staff Potluck and providing an opportunity for the staff to gather during lunch while sharing a delicious meal.
- Coffee and Cocoa
As a final show of gratitude to our campus, our Operations Team organized a “Coffee and Cocoa” event for both students and staff. A barista was sourced to come in and provide delicious, caffeinated beverages for our teachers, and yummy hot cocoa for students. It was the perfect event for the chilly fall weather!
What is our community grateful for?
We surveyed our staff to discover what our community members are grateful for this year, and to get to know them better. Check out their responses!
Ms. Grear, Director of Admissions – “I am so grateful to live in the beautiful PNW for most of the year, while having the opportunity to return home to Buffalo, NY and spend time with my loved ones for the holiday season.”
Ms. Chaffe, French Subject Expert Teacher – “I am so grateful for our students because the are energetic, motivated, and always on task. They give me new perspective when it comes to approaching culture and languages. I feel like I learn from them as much as they learn from me!”
Mr. Tyler, History Subject Expert Teacher – “Our Mandarin Expert Teacher, Ms. Pan is the best cook! She is always bringing food for the staff and I am grateful for that.”
Ms. Rakotz, Director of Academic Programs – “I am thankful for the opportunity to be a part of the Mountaineer community. Throughout the hardships of the most recent big storm, our community came together to support one another by reaching out to each other, opening up our homes and making sure we were all safe and supported. The Mountaineer community feels like a true family that always supports each other. It is a privilege to be able to watch our students do the same.”
Mr. Pitak, Auxiliary Programs Coordinator – “I am thankful for my fiancé. We recently got engaged and we are looking forward to a bright future together.”
Ms. Campos, Front Desk Coordinator – “I am so thankful for my family. They are always there for me and support me in any way that they can. I saw them recently and we had a movie night, did puzzles and colored together. I feel grateful to have such a strong support system.”
Mr. Diambri, Associate Director of Admissions – “I am grateful for loving friends, good health, and a great place to work!”
Ms. Rieger, History Subject Expert Teacher – “I’m thankful for my coworker, Mr. Hui-Peterson. We share a room and he has been so supportive of me in my first year here. He always answers all my questions and helps in anyway that he can. It is great to have that support”
Mr. Hui-Peterson – “I am thankful for power and the internet! You don’t realize how much you take it for granted until you don’t have it anymore. The recent storm was hard on everyone and I’m so grateful we all got through it.”
Ms. PV, Math Subject Expert Teacher – “I am grateful that my extended family is coming to visit for the holiday season. We are going to have theusual holiday celebrations, but this year is extra special because I am hosting a baby shower for my sister-in-law. I can’t wait to be an auntie!”
Gratitude teaches us to focus on the good in our lives, even during challenging times. By practicing gratitude, students learn resilience and empathy—essential skills for personal growth and success. At BASIS Independent Bellevue, we’re proud to nurture these qualities by modeling it in our own lives to help our students become thoughtful, compassionate individuals.
