By John Monfredo, retired Worcester Public Schools principal and teacher and former Worcester School Committee member
Mr. Monfredo, this summer. photo: R.T.
“Give thanks not just on Thanksgiving Day, but every day of your life. Appreciate and never take for granted all that you have.” – Catherine Pulsifer
The above quote is a reminder to all of us about the true meaning of Thanksgiving Day. This day is more than a special dinner, watching parades and traditional football games. It’s a day to call for action! Thanksgiving is composed of two words … Thanks and Giving!
Let’s face it, we all live in a negative society! All you have to do is listen to the news or just tune into a political campaign or watch a meeting. As an educator I would encourage schools to step up and address the problem.
Many teachers in the past have changed the world every day in their teachings, by the actions they take and by establishing projects within their communities. Let’s do it again, if we are to show our students the meaning of compassion, empathy, understanding and respect. Let’s tie it into the true meaning of Thanksgiving!
Since coming back from the pandemic many schools have seen a rise in bullying and a general lack of respect for others. What if during this holiday season the true meaning of Thanksgiving takes place? What if kindness and compassion are taught in our schools? Could this be a step in the right direction? Remember: adult modeling is essential! We would do well to remember this little poem:
If a child lives with criticism, he learns to condemn.
If a child lives with hostility, he learns to fight.
If a child lives with ridicule, he learns to be shy.
If a child lives with shame, he learns to feel guilty.
If a child lives with tolerance, he learns to be patient
If a child lives with encouragement, he learns confidence,
If a child lives with praise, he learns to appreciate.
If a child lives with fairness, he learns justice.
If a child lives with security, he learns to have faith.
If a child lives with approval, he learns to like himself.
If a child lives with acceptance and friendship, he learns to find love in the world!
In the past, many schools stepped up and had, as part of their school philosophies and goals, volunteerism … having students “doing acts of kindness.” Many schools still enact this policy, giving students credit for good manners or doing a simple act of goodness, like holding the door for someone or just thoughtfully giving your seat on the bus to a senior citizen. Look at Andy’s Attic at South High, established years ago by former WPS School Superintendent Maureen Binienda when she was principal at South. The program still exists, and clothing and goods are given not only to the students but to local organizations in need. Also, many Worcester schools have opened food pantry kitchens for students in need of food for themselves – and their families. Let’s also bring back this year, through the Superintendent’s Advisory Council, the policy that each WPS secondary school select a service project for the year and work on making a difference in our community.
Wouldn’t it be great if the “act of giving” could take place at Thanksgiving time and be part of the overall philosophy of all American schools?
Every year Mr. Monfredo and his wife, Annemarie, collect thousands of books for the kids of Worcester County – a volunteer project they began about 20 years ago! Photo submitted
Several years ago, I remember reading a quote from Maurice Elias, a professor at the Rutgers University Psychology Department, when he was addressing the topic of teaching kindness in our schools:
“As a citizen, grandparent, father, and professional, it is clear to me that the mission of schools must include teaching kindness. Without it, communities, families, schools and classrooms become places of incivility where lasting learning is unlikely to take place … Kindness can be taught, and it is a defining aspect of civilized human life. It belongs in every home, school, neighborhood and society.”
As Thanksgiving approaches let’s think about actions you can take and schools can take to bring to the classroom something that fully expresses the giving and kindness of the upcoming holiday.
Here are some actions for the student and the adult to consider:
* Donating food and clothing to non-profit organizations …
* With a smile, hold a door open for someone …
* Read a story with a child …
* Give a sincere compliment …
* Tell someone they mean a lot to you …
* Make someone laugh …
* Treat a loved one to breakfast in bed …
* Give a friend a hug …
* Say you’re sorry (you know to whom) …
* Take time to really listen to someone …
* Visit a sick friend, relative or neighbor …
* Make someone new feel welcome …
* Do a chore that you don’t normally do …
* Call up a talk show with good news!
* Assist an older adult with a yard project …
* Assist a friend with a school project …
* Pay for someone’s coffee that is in line with you …
* Donate clothes to the needy
* Make someone a home-cooked meal …
* Send a TEXT message to someone on their Birthday …
As you sit down for dinner or discuss Thanksgiving with others, spend a few moments giving thanks and share with others what good, kind actions you will take in the next year.
Love to hear what your thoughts are or what you have done to make our community a better place! Write to me, monfredoj@gmail.com
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
🍂🍂🍂🍂🍂🍂🍂🍂🍂
Congressman Jim McGovern’s efforts to make sure our hungry have enough food entail volunteerism, too! Watch for Jim’s walk for the hungry this Thanksgiving!