In a world that feels fast and uncertain, helping children slow down and notice what’s good—what’s steady, what’s kind—is more important than ever. Gratitude gives them grounding and connection, and it’s one of the most meaningful gifts we can offer them.

At Countryside, gratitude is woven into the rhythm of our Montessori classrooms. Through Grace and Courtesy, children learn how to greet others, offer and accept help, and express thanks with sincerity. It isn’t about prompting a polite “thank you”—true gratitude grows from what children see, not what they are told. When parents, teachers, and mentors model appreciation in real and everyday ways, children absorb it naturally.

You notice it in the smallest moments: a child holding the door for a friend, a 5th grader thanking a classmate for help with a math problem, a kindergartener quietly showing a younger one how to roll a mat. These tiny gestures create a culture where gratitude is lived, not performed.

And when children practice gratitude at school, they bring it home. Families feel it. Our community grows stronger.

As we approach Thanksgiving, I am especially grateful — for your children, for your partnership, and for this extraordinary place we share at Countryside.

Wishing you and your family a warm and peaceful Thanksgiving.