“Notes of Gratitude Project” Brings Joy, Smiles, and Good Health to Orchard Valley Middle School Community

For Immediate Release
December 2, 2024

WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP – At Orchard Valley Middle School, a month of giving thanks and practicing gratitude closed with the Notes of Gratitude Project, created by the OVMS School Counseling Office. Through this project, school counselors Natalie Stokes, Sarah Doherty, and Dan Jedwabny noted the importance of practicing gratitude and encouraged the OVMS community to take a moment or two to reflect upon an OVMS staff member who they would like to thank. 

The OVMS School Counseling Team sent a message to all OVMS families, students, and staff. The message included a description of the project, a PDF file with information about the many health benefits of practicing gratitude, and a link that enabled respondents to easily create a personalized Note of Gratitude to be shared with a staff member at OVMS. School Counseling Office secretary Rebecca Burr processed the responses, and on Tuesday, November 26th, the School Counseling team collaborated to print and distribute nearly 450 Notes of Gratitude to staff mailboxes.  

“We are hopeful that this project brings smiles to staff, when they receive their notes, and helps all involved to remember how practicing gratitude daily can bring numerous physical and mental health benefits,” said school counselor Dan Jedwabny of the project.   

Added school counselor Natalie Stokes: “Recognizing and expressing feelings of gratitude can increase our appreciation of those around us and improve relationships we have in our school community. Practicing gratitude can also help increase our empathy, improve physical health, and decrease stress.”

- WTPS -