The need to strengthen community, wellbeing, and social-emotional skills has never been greater. The pandemic has heightened isolation and stress for students, educators, and families. Leadership Public Schools based in Oakland, California built a program to address the challenge.

GiveThx (a nonprofit program) is an easy way to build relationships and wellbeing using gratitude science. Students and educators use digital thx notes and reflections at school and at home to maintain connection and support social-emotional learning. The digital materials and tool are open and free for schools.

Students and staff send digital thx notes to recognize positive behaviors, reinforce connection, and appreciate each other – anywhere, anytime. They write reflections, identify goals, and complete lessons using a flexible digital curriculum of integrated, school-wide practices. Seeing all of their thank you notes in one place sorted by reason reveals previously invisible patterns of impact to learn and grow from. The result is healthier relationships, social emotional skill development, and increased wellbeing among staff and students for a more connected learning community.

“GiveThx has made school feel more comfortable. Having time to acknowledge classmates and receive appreciations makes me feel more motivated.”
11th Grade Student – Providence, RI

“Receiving Thx notes from my classmates made me feel like I was welcomed in my community and it made me feel happy.”
2nd Grade Student – Oakland, CA