NOVEMBER | 2017

IN  THIS ISSUE
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Gratitude
11 TIPS FOR INSTILLING GRATITUDE IN YOUR KIDS  

By Andrea Reiser as posted on www.huffingtonpost.com

Teaching our kids to say "thank you" is important, but truly instilling a sense of gratitude in them is another matter entirely. Gratitude goes beyond good manners - it's a mindset and a lifestyle.
A recent Wall Street Journal article about raising kids with gratitude acknowledged a growing interest in the area of gratitude in the younger generation. The piece cited studies showing that kids who count their blessings reap concrete benefits, including greater life satisfaction and a better attitude about school. Sounds good, right?
But before we get to the how, let's explore the why. What's the big deal about having an attitude of gratitude anyway?
First of all, gratitude is healthy for us. Believe it or not, gratitude benefits adults and kids alike on a very basic level. In fact, a study conducted by Dr. Robert A. Emmons of the University of California, Davis, reveals that cultivating gratitude can increase happiness levels by around 25 percent. It can also cause individuals to live happier, more satisfied lives and enjoy increased levels of self-esteem, hope, empathy and optimism. Other studies have shown that kids who practice grateful thinking have more positive attitudes toward school and family. 
Gratitude also grants perspective - even in kids. When you take into account the sheer amount of opportunities, privileges and material possessions most kids enjoy through no effort of their own, it's easy to see why many of them feel entitled. After all, they get used to getting stuff without knowing or caring where it comes from. Practicing gratitude, on the other hand, underscores the fact that all those toys and lessons and creature comforts don't just pop out of thin air. When kids recognize that the things they own and the opportunities they have come from someone other than themselves, it helps them develop a healthy understanding of how interdependent we all are - and they may be more inclined to treat others with genuine respect.
In addition, gratitude improves relationships. Think about it: would you rather show up at work every day to colleagues who freely acknowledge and appreciate your contributions, or colleagues who take your efforts for granted with a perfunctory grunt of thanks? The appreciative co-workers, of course. It's a simple principle: gratitude fosters stronger, more positive and more genuine relationships.
Finally, gratitude counteracts the "gimmes." Ughhh. Think Veruca Salt and her constant refrain of "Don't care how, I want it now!" Fundamentally, gratitude is about being aware of who or what makes positive aspects of our lives possible, and acknowledging that. When kids learn to think in those terms, they can be less apt to make mindless, self-centered demands. Plus, they begin to appreciate what they have rather than focusing on what they wish they had.
So how can we help our kids learn to live gratefully? Gratitude starts at home, and here are 11 tips to help you start growing an attitude of gratitude in your own household: 
To read the rest of the article about instilling gratitude in your kids, click here
StarWars
STAR WARS PREMIERE TICKETS 
                                                   STILL AVAILABLE! 
CLICK HERE TO ORDER YOURS NOW!

Can ' t wait to see the last jedi?
 
Take advantage of this opportunity to see this highly-anticipated movie one day before its official release at Emagine in Novi.

Be among the first to see it!  No waiting in line for tickets!

 

Three theaters reserved exclusively for Northville Educational Foundation:

NEW  Super-EMAX theater Tickets:  SOLD OUT! 
         -  EMAX Tickets: $30 each ($15 is tax deductible)
         -   Standard Tickets: $25 each ($12 is tax deductible)

Opportunity to save $3.25 on the Concessions Pack, which includes One Regular Popcorn and One Regular Soda.

 

Limited number of tickets still available!
ORDER TODAY!
Online* at www.SupportNEF.org or
at the NEF office between 10 am - 4:30 pm 
at 501 W Main St, Northville, MI
(*A $1.00 online processing fee will be added to each ticket.)
NEFDirector
NEF HAS A NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Northville Educational Foundation (NEF) has announced that Christa Howley will become their next Executive Director. Howley had been working as the Foundation's Assistant to Jennifer Roosenberg, when Roosenberg announced that she was leaving to become the Executive Director of the Oakland County Bar Association.
 
"We were all surprised when Jennifer gave her resignation, but after the shock wore off, I knew I wanted the opportunity to lead the NEF," said Howley.
 
Howley, a 14 year resident of Northville and University of Michigan graduate, had a career in management consulting at Deloitte after earning her MBA. She took a break from her career and corporate life to raise her family. She quickly began channeling her energies into volunteering. She started the Motor Moms & Dads Program at Ward Preschool. With three kids working their way through Northville Schools, she assisted in the classroom, chaperoned field trips, monitored lunchrooms and helped with reading programs. Beyond the schools, she volunteered with and led a local Girl Scout Troop and helped run programs at her church. She even volunteered at a few NEF events.
 
She said she always knew that when she returned to the workplace, it would be in the non-profit sector.
 
"During my MBA program, I had an internship at Focus: HOPE in downtown Detroit. It was an amazing experience. After that, I knew that eventually I would end up at a non-profit. When the time was right, I started looking."
 
When the position of Assistant at NEF became available, she applied immediately.
 
"I love our community and our schools so when the opportunity arose to work here, I jumped on it. It is a non-profit that benefits every child in the Northville Schools, including my own. It was a win-win situation. Then when Jennifer left, I approached the President, Mark Knoth about the opportunity to become Executive Director."  
 
Howley said that one of her goals is to get more people involved in NEF.
 
"Strong schools build strong communities. We have a top-rated school district, which prepares our students to become leaders in the workplace and in our communities."
 
"Right now state funding for schools is not keeping up with inflation. NEF is still needed to help the district to keep pushing the needle forward," Howley said, "I would love to help make Northville schools the best in the state. If you would like that too, call me. Together, as a community, we can continue building strong schools."

Christa Howley can be reached at 248-344-3503 or howleych@northvilleschools.org

Sponsors THANK YOU TO OUR 2017-18 CORPORATE SUPPORTERS THUS FAR!

Northville Educational Foundation  |  248.344.3503  |  www.SupportNEF.org
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