Gratitude is about noticing, appreciating, and expressing thanks for what one has. Oxford dictionary defines gratitude as “the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness.”

1. Expressing gratitude can improve your mood. People who regularly express gratitude for the positive things in their life are shown to be happier overall, leading to lower rates of stress and depression.
2. Showing gratitude can make you more optimistic. Studies show that those who express gratitude regularly appear to have a more positive outlook on life.
3. Sharing gratitude can improve social bonds. People have reported feeling more loved and more connected to others in their lives when they routinely practice gratitude or those around them practice gratitude.
4. Practicing gratitude can improve your physical health. People who actively express gratitude tend to be more engaged in activities to take care of their physical health, like eating well and exercising. This leads to higher energy levels, better sleep, and a stronger immune system, or the ability to fight off illness or infection.

For more information about The Neuroscience of Gratitude and Effects on the Brain, visit this website ttps://positivepsychology.com/neuroscience-of-gratitude/

• Focus on what went "right" each day
• Point out the beauty in the world

• Take time to thank your kids

• Share spontaneous moments of gratitude

• Find ways to help others in need

• Play the “Aren’t we lucky?” game

  Aren’t you lucky you have such a kind teacher?

  Aren’t we lucky Aunt Susie is such a good cook?

  Aren’t we lucky we have the best dog in the world? Aren’t we lucky grandma and grandpa live so close?

November is Native American Heritage Month. This month is a time to celebrate rich and diverse cultures, traditions, and to acknowledge the important contributions of Native Americans.

· How do you pronounce the word "Choctaw"? What does it mean?

Choctaw is pronounced, "CHOCK-taw." It comes from their own tribal name, Chahta, which was the name of a legendary Choctaw leader.

· What was the Trail of Tears?

Trail of Tears was the Choctaw and Cherokee name for what the Americans called Indian Removal. During the 1800s, the US government created an "Indian Territory" in Oklahoma and sent all the eastern Native American tribes to live there. Some tribes willingly agreed to this plan. Other tribes didn't want to go, and the American army forced them. The Choctaws were one of the southeastern tribes forced to move to a new location in Oklahoma. Most of them had to go on foot, and thousands died of exhaustion and disease.

· Choctaw Stickball: For centuries, stickball has been an important custom of the Choctaw culture. Stickball is the forerunner of lacrosse and served as an early means of recreation as well as strengthened Choctaw identity. In addition, stickball was used to resolve conflict among different Choctaw communities and among neighboring Chickasaw or Creek. These games could often avert war while venting passions.

• Learn what native land you are on
• Talk to your kids about Native American history
• Attend a Native American event
• Visit the Choctaw Cultural Center

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safeschools@durantisd.org 580-924-1276

The mission of the Safe and Drug-Free Schools program is to help ensure that children are mentally and physically ready to learn and have healthy and supportive families, and to promote a safe community by equipping individuals with skills, knowledge, standards, and resources to live healthy lives.