Joy, Value and Connection &  Every Person, Every Day

As we move into November and we continue to work towards the district’s goal of Joy, Value and Connection and Union Pleasant’s goal of Every Person, Every Day, I often find myself reflecting on the incredible and meaningful work that is done in our school daily. Several years ago, I created a personal goal of working towards finding and focusing on the joys of life.  I believe that happiness and joy are very different.  Happiness is fleeting.  Happiness can be found in a moment and then gone as life brings challenges, which life tends to do. Joy, on the other hand, is the practice of working through challenges and focusing on the good and blessings that we have in life.

A quick Google search between the difference of happiness and joy resulted in: Joy is an inner feeling. Happiness is an outward expression. Joy endures hardship and trials and connects with meaning and purpose. A person pursues happiness but chooses joy.

If you have ever had the pleasure of spending some time at UPES, you will see so many of our children smiling upon arrival to school, engaged in meaningful and fun activities, collaborating, learning, playing and connecting with their peers and the adults that care about them. We have numerous times of happiness throughout our school daily!

The reality of life is that we also see times of struggle, with friendships, academics, emotions, and tasks asked of them that may feel too rigorous. This is exactly why we, at UPES, chose the goal of Every Person Every Day. Our monthly staff meetings  address meeting each child where they are to help each one grow. We know that the work we do together, between school and families, is tremendously important!  While we love and appreciate seeing kids laughing and smiling, for example at a Fun Run, or enjoying a classroom or grade-level celebration, we know that these moments are important, and fun, but also fleeting.  Sometimes the most important work that we do is through the struggle.  Struggle can be difficult to watch children go through, but it can also teach children impulse control, perseverance, grit, advocacy, empathy, compassion, communication skills, and so much more. To experience this growth, over time, with our students is what brings immense satisfaction.

We deeply appreciate when our families and our staff work hard, together, to help each and every child learn these skills.  On the other side of struggle is strength, connection, care, growth, value and joy! 

Counselor’s Corner:

Gratitude is not only a feeling, but a practice that leads to positive outcomes all around. When someone shows an act of kindness to us, we feel thankful and may show an act of kindness in return. The cyclical nature of gratitude can be a multiplier of positive effects and helps us build stronger relationships.

By encouraging our students to practice acts of gratitude it creates a more positive mindset, increases resiliency, decreases stress and anxiety, and has many mental and physical health benefits.

How can we practice gratitude as a family?

1.  Tell your kids why YOU are grateful for them!

2.  Model saying “thank you” to store clerks, family members, teachers, etc.

3.  Acknowledging and appreciating one another

4.  Creating a gratitude journal

5.  Taking walks as a family and appreciating the “little things” that are around you

6.  Volunteering in the community

Cold weather is here which means the holidays are right around the corner!  We partner with many local agencies to provide holiday gifts. Please reach out to Heather Cantie at 

(716) 646-3280 ext. 4218 for more information.

--- Ms. DiCristofaro and Mrs. Cantie, School Social Workers