Teacher: Amy Bauer

School: Fort Morgan Middle School

Website: middleschool.fortmorgank12.com

Address: 605 Education Avenue, Fort Morgan, CO 80701

Grade Level: 6-8 Character Traits/Integrity

Region: Northeast

Project Title: Gratitude = Happiness

Category: Social Emotional Learning

Funding Amount Requested: $550

Project Description:
Gratitude = Happiness is a project designed to provide materials for students to write thank you notes to anyone they wish. Expressing gratitude teaches middle schoolers the importance of empathy, appreciation, and consideration for others. It helps them learn that the world is bigger than just themselves, while also making them feel good. Writing thank you notes is incorporated into my Student Leadership class, a unique course I created that focuses on character traits like integrity, empathy, and gratitude. This class encourages students to acknowledge others and express appreciation in meaningful ways.

The Thank You Notes Station is part of our Centers Day, and it's incredibly popular with students. They choose from various cards, use stickers and pens to decorate them, and often ask if they can create more. The project allows them to focus on others and recognize the positive contributions people make in their lives. It's a simple yet impactful way to foster kindness and positivity in the classroom and beyond.

Photos:
Photo 1
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Photo 3

Impact:
This project will positively impact students by encouraging them to practice gratitude and develop stronger social-emotional skills. Writing thank you notes helps students think beyond themselves, recognize the efforts of others, and experience the emotional benefits of expressing gratitude. It also enhances their empathy and consideration for others.

Use of Funds:
- $180 for various types of English and Spanish thank you cards
- $70 for various envelope stickers
- $70 for all types of gel and glitter pens
- $50 for storage totes
- $180 for color printer (students like to print pictures to include in the cards)