Service Learning Leadership is always planning something for the community. From making no-sew blankets for children’s hospitals to hosting a variety of events for World Kindness Day, we always make time to show our gratitude, despite our busy calendars. On Thursday, one student presents to the class who they want to thank. It can be anyone, from an old school teacher to their parents.
At the beginning of the year, our teacher does a Thank You Thursday (TYT) as an example for the rest of the class on how it’s done. Last year, she thanked the nurses on campus for all that they do for our school with flowers and a card everyone signed. They left her a voicemail saying their hearts were touched and were very happy for the thoughtful gift! One student last year even went out of their way to thank one of the security guards. She got him a green soccer ball and had the class sign it. He loved this act of kindness. She really brightened his day! There’s so many people that were affected by TYT and have felt gratitude for what they do.
So how did this all come about? One of the inspirations behind TYT was a Ted Talk by Jarrett Krosoczka. He talks about the story behind his children’s comic book series, Lunch Lady Graphic Novel series. He mentions running into his old elementary school lunch lady, and noticed that they don’t get any recognition for making school lunches for so many kids. He got inspired to give more gratitude to these hard working ladies and started writing the graphic novel series. It stars a super lunch lady, who fights off bad guys in every installment and ends each book with the catchphrase “Justice will be served!”. It launched School Lunch Hero Day, which is where kids give thanks to the lunch ladies with hand-crafted cards and thank them for their dedication. His old lunch lady told him how their department felt swept under the carpet and didn’t even feel like they even existed before this day. Now, that’s completely changed and the lunch ladies are excited to go to work everyday! Jared's thank you inspired a movement.
Teacher's note: TYT is a great way for students to get to know each other and learn about each other's lives. It can actually be a little emotional for students to share about the people who make a difference in their lives. Students do everything from write a thank you note, to buy flowers or other token gifts to getting the whole class involved when the TYT receiver is known in the school community. Check out the TYT assignment here