The Season of Thanksgiving - Part 2

November 25, 2025•4 min read

The Season of Thanksgiving - Part 2

Turning Gratitude Into Action and Learning Its Lessons

In Part 1, we focused on identifying the many things we have to be thankful for in our schools, our classrooms, and our community. Naming these gifts is powerful. But gratitude becomes transformative when it moves from reflection to action.

In Part 2 of The Season of Thanksgiving, we explore what it means to show our thankfulness—to express it in ways that strengthen relationships, build trust, and create the kind of school culture where everyone feels seen and valued.

Here are meaningful ways we can demonstrate our gratitude to one another:

Say it often and directly. A simple “Thank you” can change someone’s day—and sometimes their entire outlook.
Celebrate small wins. Recognize a student’s effort, a staff member’s extra step, or a colleague’s quiet contribution.
Offer encouragement. Gratitude and encouragement walk hand in hand. When we lift others up, we strengthen our community.
Model appreciation publicly and privately. When leaders, teachers, and students consistently show appreciation, it becomes part of the culture.
Give the gift of time, attention, and presence. Sometimes showing gratitude is as simple as listening, checking in, or showing up.

And from these actions, gratitude continues to teach us. Thankfulness reveals lessons that guide us—not just during November, but throughout the year:

Gratitude shifts our focus from what we lack to what we have.
It reminds us that we are part of something bigger than ourselves.
It strengthens relationships and builds trust.
It fosters resilience, especially during challenging seasons.
It anchors us in optimism and hope.

As a school community, when we practice gratitude intentionally, we become stronger together. We notice more, appreciate more, encourage more, and support more. Thankfulness becomes a multiplier—spreading positivity from one classroom to the next, from one interaction to another.

During this Season of Thanksgiving, let’s continue to see the good, speak the good, and share the good. Our students, our staff, our families, and our community create something truly special—and for that, we are deeply grateful.

Closing Thought

If you would like me or someone from our RLR Team, to speak or work with you, your school, or your school district in 2026, please contact us at www.randyrussell.org. We're currently scheduling into 2026 and 2027.

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Who's In Your Inner Circle?
RLR Leadership Consulting and The CORE Project

Think about the people closest to you. The ones you share ideas with, lean on for support, and let influence your decisions. That group—yourinner circle—shapes how you see yourself, the choices you make, and even the risks you’re willing to take.

Sometimes, those relationships give you energy and push you forward. Other times, they hold you back. That’s whyRLR Leadership ConsultingandThe CORE Projecthave teamed up to createYour Inner Circle—an opportunity to pause, reflect, and intentionally shape the connections that matter most.

In this experience, you’ll:

Identify who truly belongs in your circle
Learn how to set healthy boundaries when needed
Build trust that actually lasts
Choose connections that make you stronger

Because the truth is, leadership isn’t just about strategy or skills—it’s about people. And the people closest to you can either empower your growth or limit your potential.

We’d love for you to join us. As a special opportunity, use code Randy15 for a discounted price—but hurry, this offer won’t last long.
https://thecorepro.com/coregroups/p/your-inner-circle-curriculum

Your circle matters. Choose it wisely.

If you would like me, or someone from our RLR Team, to speak or work with your school and/or school district, please contact us at www.randyrussell.org.