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Season of Giving

I'm always grateful when the holiday season approaches each year.  It helps me put things in perspective.  Although all of us have challenges and stresses in our lives, it is good to think about things we are grateful for.  As a staff at Bel Aire this past month, we have been trying to practice starting the day with something we appreciate.  It can be something as simple as the sunshine or water.  Then, each time we notice the thing we appreciate, it gives us an opportunity to pause and experience for a moment the feeling of gratitude and appreciation. 

I have been reflecting on and appreciating all those helpers that come forward when there's a crisis or tragedy.  We see it often in our own community and have seen it with the recent wildfires again in California.   We also had helpers in our own school community, inspired by their IB unit about how taking action is part of what it means to be human.  All the 3rd and 4th grade classes, chose and researched an area of need and took action together.  With the help of our technology instructional coach, Ms. Burns, they put together this video that details some of their action.




The best thing is that this has created an outpouring of desire from so many students to do something for someone else.  One of my favorite things is to meet with students who come to me with an idea for a project or a way to show kindness to others.  This has inspired me to think of ways that I can be of service to those around me during this holiday season.   The mission of our school is to use education to create a better, more peaceful world.  I can't think of a better way to spread peace than to give of ourselves and enjoy that feeling that comes from helping others.  I wish you all a happy season of giving!

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