(SAMPLE Letter to Administrators—Gratitude Works Program)
Dear [SCHOOL/DISTRICT ADMINISTRATORS/SCHOOL BOARD MEMBER]:
Students at [school] 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 prosocial 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.
In addition to the Gratitude Works program, SOME BRIEF STATEMENT ABOUT EFFORTS TO MEET THE
NEEDS OF THE WHOLE CHILD IN YOUR SCHOOL OR OTHER SCHOOL PSYCH AWARENESS ACTIVITIES.
Consider activities to follow up on the letters, such as presenting them, reading them aloud, or mailing
them to recipients.
On behalf of our school psychological staff, I hope you will join us in recognizing the students and
teachers who took time to share written messages of gratitude.
Please let [ME/US] know if you have any questions or if [I/WE] can provide any further information.
Thank you for supporting your staff and quality psychological services.
Sincerely,
YOUR NAME
TITLE
CONTACT INFORMATION