A Special Friends-Giving

December 6, 2024
As we approach the holidays at Parker, we like to pause and reflect on our gratitude for all that we have, both in school and beyond. One of the absolute greatest things about being a student at Parker is the love and support that flows into our school from our broader community. The importance of our wider community in nurturing the lives of our students cannot be understated. Knowing that parents, grandparents, and special friends value their school helps children feel emotionally and physically safe while learning. This promotes a stronger sense of self and connection, allowing students to develop social abilities and have a sense of sharing and caring for each other. 
Our Parker community always gives in abundance, and last week that giving showed up in the form of our Special Friends. Whether our Special Friends gave of their time by showing up in person to visit, or gave of their talents to send a decorated card, it was abundantly clear that our Parker students are beloved.

Special Friends Day is an exciting tradition as it allows us to widen our umbrella of community and welcome loved ones who may not otherwise have reason to visit our students in school. The enthusiasm and warmth our Special Friends exude is moving, and everyone leaves for the Thanksgiving holiday sated with feelings of love, joy, and community.
 
Practicing gratitude leads us to focus on things outside of ourselves. It helps us build social relationships, form friendships, appreciate our families, and connect with teachers. This is the work our students do each day. This “other-focused” quality of gratitude allows children to acknowledge another person’s gift to them. Looking outside of oneself and recognizing the power of connection leads children to want to help others as they have been helped. This ultimately creates a web of humanity connected by good deeds, kindness, and appreciation.
We are so grateful to our Special Friends for the outpouring of love and support that you shared last week. We are profoundly thankful for our community and the ways in which you show up again and again for our children.