Principal's Post
Dear Thunderbolt Families,
As we approach Thanksgiving, I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude for our wonderful school community. I invite you to reflect on the blessings in your lives, even as we navigate challenges and witness unsettling events in the world around us. While life may bring its share of struggles, it is also filled with moments of connection, love and resilience.
May this Thanksgiving be a time for celebration, gratitude, and hope for brighter days ahead. On behalf of our entire school, I wish you and your loved ones a peaceful and joyous holiday filled with gratitude and togetherness.
Warm regards,
April Margaritis
Middle and High School Principal/K-12 Curriculum Director
Mio AuSable Schools
SCHOOL FIGHT SONG
After School Events
We are thrilled to offer a variety of after-school opportunities for our students, such as Study Sanctuary, Art Club, Robotics, athletic practices, and more.
These programs allow students to explore their interests and enhance their skills in a supportive environment.
However, we kindly remind you that once these activities conclude, there is no supervision available for students who are not actively participating in another program.
Recently, we’ve noticed some students waiting on campus for friends or family members who are engaged in other activities. For the safety and well-being of all, it is important that students are picked up promptly when their activity ends.
We greatly appreciate your understanding and cooperation in this matter.
Thank you for helping us maintain a safe and productive environment for our students!
Thanksgiving Break
Middle & High Schools Students Attend School – November 25, 26, & 27
If you know that you will be taking your student out of school during the week of November 25, 2024, please have them complete a Pre-Planned Absence form located in the middle/high school office prior to the absence in order to excuse it.
How to help kids show (and feel) appreciation (Written By Child Mind Institute)
1. Set an example
Kids learn a lot from watching their parents. Show them what it means to be grateful by offering a genuine “thank you!” to a waitress who serves your food, a helpful neighbor, someone who holds the door open for you. But don’t stop there — include your kids, too. Thanking children for doing things that are helpful, even when they are chores like putting away toys, reinforces the behavior and lets them know they’re appreciated.
2. Point out generosity
Call attention to it when people (including your kids!) do things that go beyond what’s expected — helping without being asked, being especially thoughtful, or taking extra time to do something because it’s important to someone else. Send the message that you will notice if they knock themselves out for you, or for someone else.
3. Have a talk
For some kids, especially young children or those who have trouble understanding emotions, it can help to have a talk about how showing appreciation makes other people feel. Try asking your child how they feel when people say thank you to them for doing something nice, and then how they feel when they don’t. Going over his own feelings will help them understand how his behavior affects others and make it easier for them to understand the emotional benefits of being grateful.
4. Find fun ways to say thanks
There are lots of ways to show gratitude. If your child isn’t comfortable talking to strangers or has a hard time expressing themselves in writing, work together to come up with a different way for them to show their appreciation. They could try giving a smile or a thumbs up if someone holds the door, or show grandma how much they love their new coat by drawing a thank you picture (or taking a smiling selfie!) instead of writing a card.
5. Share the love
Encourage kids to think of people who help them, from coaches to neighbors to the local firemen, and say thanks with cookies or cupcakes. Making them and giving them are fun, and they help kids see how connected we all are.
6. Put things in perspective
Talk to your kids about those who are less fortunate. Don’t scare them, but don’t keep them in the dark either. Understanding that not everyone has the same advantages will help them develop compassion for others and gratitude for their own privileges.
7. Let kids choose
Encourage kids to turn their interests into action. Whether it’s a fundraising drive at school, a bake sale, or a run for charity, expressing their interests and using their skills for a good cause is a great way to boost their confidence and give them a chance to give back at the same time.
8. Get involved
If kids are too young to go alone or aren’t comfortable dealing with strangers solo, make giving back a family affair. Find places where you can volunteer together or let your child choose a charity to donate to. Giving and gratitude go hand in hand, and doing it as a family will bring everyone closer and help you make some great memories.
9. Make gratitude part of bedtime
When you tuck them in at night, ask your child to tell you three things they’re grateful for. Even if they’ve had a bad day it will help them — and you — end each day on a positive note.
10. Give kids credit
Be mindful of the fact that your child may have their own way of expressing gratitude, even if it doesn’t fit your expectations. Different kids communicate in different ways. For example, your child may be more comfortable giving a hug than a verbal thank you, or might show their appreciation by helping out around the house or drawing you a picture. Tuning in to your child’s unique way of being thankful will let them know that even as they’re learning new ways to give back, you see and appreciate the thoughtful person they already are.
