Gratitude in Action: Strengthening Relationships at Pathfinder School
At Pathfinder School in Pinckney, Michigan, students and staff have created a meaningful new tradition. As part of a Positivity Project (P2) lesson focused on gratitude, students were invited to write thank-you notes to Pathfinder staff members who have made a positive impact on them.
The idea was developed by a team of two teachers inspired by a video on the news last year. After thoughtful planning, the activity has become a cherished Pathfinder tradition.
Each teacher receives five or more notes with specific and sincere reflections from students. These letters reinforce the value of intentional acts and the lasting impact they create within a school community.
Watch the Gratitude Project in Action
Some students chose to take an additional brave step by reading their notes aloud directly to staff members. These moments captured the courage, thoughtfulness, and sincerity of Pathfinder students. Hearing appreciation expressed in students’ own words was deeply meaningful for staff and reflected the strong relationships that exist throughout the school.
“Since implementing P2, students and teachers communicate with more trust and mutual respect. This specific activity helps students see adults as role models,” said Pathfinder Principal Lori Sandula.
Strengthening Emotional Intelligence and Student-Teacher Relationships
While writing their notes, students paused to reflect on the character strengths they see modeled by the adults around them. With guidance from teachers, students focused on specific strengths and leadership qualities, practicing empathy, emotional awareness, and thoughtful communication.
“Students feel more connected to staff and more confident in expressing strengths like gratitude, bravery, and teamwork. The character strengths are so relevant to the choices they make and tasks they accomplish in school every day,” said Principal Sandula.
Principal Sandula’s comment echoes research by Dr. Justin Garwood. In his article “Change in Teacher-Student Relationship Quality During a Tier-One Character Education Intervention,” Dr. Garwood found that students and teachers “experienced higher rates of closeness and lower rates of conflict” as a result of The Positivity Project. (Read the journal article summary here)
At The Positivity Project, we love seeing the creative ways our Partner Schools bring character strengths to life. We love watching students continue to grow in character and relationships and practice strengths like gratitude in authentic, meaningful ways.