Embracing gratitude for the 2025-26 school year

In today’s world, gratitude is often overlooked. Amid all the struggles and obstacles of daily life, many have become more focused on what they lack rather than what they have. The constant chase for success and glory takes hold of one's mind and becomes all people can think about.

Yet, when we pause to acknowledge the little acts of kindness, whether that is the simple sharing of a snack with a friend or holding the door for a stranger, we find that the small blessings can help us recognize how that feeling of gratitude can shift our perspective. It grounds us, making our problems feel not so worrisome after all. Gratitude holds the ability to shine just the right amount of light needed to pass through the dark tunnel and guide us toward the right answer.

The school board has chosen “gratitude" as the district’s theme for the 2025-2026 school year. To the school board and community, gratitude recognizes the small accomplishments of each student.

It is about acknowledging every teacher for always finding new ways to improve. English teacher Mr. James Foster says that, to him, the meaning and theme of gratitude is “understanding the grace that others are willing to offer you.”

The students' experiences at school not only involve educational learning, but moral learning as well. Junior Ayla Zepeda mentions how gratitude is “finding appreciation for the thoughtful gestures of one another.”

What the school board aims to achieve with this theme is to become more aware and grateful for our progress and to recognize how far this district has come in education and appreciate those small, but certainly significant, accomplishments that enhance the learning experience.

Ultimately, gratitude reminds us that even the smallest actions can hold the greatest meaning. By learning to recognize and appreciate these moments, we shape not only our own lives but also the people around us. Gratitude is more than a theme for the school year; It is a practice, a mindset, and a choice that can guide the community forward.