By Inquiry Charter Healthy Owl Times reporters | Spending time with people, giving thoughtful gifts, and saying, “thank you” and “I love you” are all strategies that Ms. Zaiera Thomas said she uses to show gratitude.
Ms. Zaiera, building support and substitute, told Healthy Owl Times reporters that “some ways people have shown gratitude toward me were hugs, kind words, gifts, and time.” She also said those things showed her that she is loved.
“Always be the person you want other people to be for you,” Ms. Zaiera said. Inquiry promotes the idea that “Joy Enhances Learning,” which means that if the school and classroom are fun and joyful, students will want to be there.
Ms. Zaiera would love to see a gratitude day once a month, where the entire day is spent sharing compliments with staff and students. She believes this will lead to an increase in joy. “Gratitude leads to better sleep and a better mood,” Ms. Zaiera said.
Ms. Zaiera reminds students that “your attitude determines your attitude; someone is always doing way worse than you, so be kind.
Illustration by Kennedy, 5th grade, Inquiry, 2025-2026.
