(SAMPLE Letter to Parents—Gratitude Works Program)
Dear Parent:
Your child has been invited to take time this week to write letters of gratitude to individuals who have
made a difference in their lives or the lives of others for whom they care. These letters were written as
part of the national Gratitude Works program, an effort to help students develop a more positive outlook
on a life and school experience by increasing their capacity to appreciate others. Sponsored by the
National Association of School Psychologists (NASP), the Gratitude Works program seeks to reinforce
students’ practice of gratitude as one of many pro-social behaviors that can foster individual resilience
and well-being as well as contribute to overall positive school climate. Over [XX] students in grades [X]
through [x] wrote letters as part of this program.
School psychologists, teachers, and students in the district are participating in the Gratitude
Works program as part of National School Psychology Awareness Week. Addressing the
whole child is essential to meeting the needs of the diverse school environment. Promoting
positive attitudes, such as gratitude, helps students become more aware of the strengths in
themselves and others. Research has revealed that children who feel and express gratitude
express more positive views of both home and school and improve their academic performance.
School psychologists work to lower barriers to learning and promote school success through a
variety of wellness promotion, prevention, academic and behavior intervention, and mental
health services. The Gratitude Works program helps students as well as staff identify and honor
teachers, administrators, parents, students, and other educators or community members who
contribute to their ability to achieve their best. Some students have chosen to write letters of
gratitude to people who they do not even know personally, such as military servicemen and
women who dedicate their lives to defending our country.
There are numerous things that you can do with your child at home to help foster gratitude:
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In addition to teaching your child to say “thank you” when they receive a gift, explain to them why
they should say “thank you.” Virtues like gratitude are acquired behaviors that will develop with
consistent support and encouragement from adults.
Encourage your child to be mindful of people, events, activities, and things for which they can and
should be grateful. Gently remind them, without nagging, about the many positive aspects of their
lives, particularly in comparison to other children who may not be as fortunate.
Encourage your child to write thank you notes when they receive gifts from relatives and friends, and
to write in their notes why they are thankful for the gift. Also, encourage your child to write thank
you notes to teachers and other school staff members who made a particular impression on your
child or who helped him/her in some way. Have your child reflect on why he/she is grateful for this
person, and have your child communicate this in the note.
Please let me know if you have any questions or if [I/WE] can provide any further information. Thank you
for supporting your school, staff, and quality psychological services.
Sincerely,
YOUR NAME
TITLE
CONTACT INFORMATION