November 2025
Dear Parents/Guardians:
Can you believe it is already November?! This school year is flying by! In a world that often moves at a fast pace, it can be easy to overlook the small moments that bring us joy. Let this month be a time for reflection, connection, and gratitude.
As principal, I am deeply grateful for all the people who make Cedar Mountain such a special place. To our students who bring curiosity, infectious energy, and enthusiasm to our days, your hard work and dedication to learning inspire us all! To our teachers and staff who pour their hearts into making Cedar Mountain a special place and whom I truly call family, your commitment is the foundation of our school’s success! And to our families for your unwavering support that is essential to our success and for your child’s success, thank you for the trust you place in us every day.
Cultivating an attitude of gratitude is a powerful practice that can help us to re-focus on the positive and build resilience, even during challenging times. This month, I challenge all of you to join me in finding ways to express thankfulness, both big and small.
Here are a few ways we can all practice gratitude this month:
Create a "Thankful" jar: Dedicate a jar at home where everyone can write things down on a piece of paper that they are grateful for. Put it in the jar and at the end of the month, or on Thanksgiving, read them aloud and reflect on all the good things in your lives!
Write a thank-you note: Take a moment to write a note to someone who has positively impacted your life. It can be a teacher, a family member, a friend, or anyone you feel has positively affected you.
Appreciate the small things: Pause to appreciate the simple things in life, the beauty of nature, breathing in the crisp, clean air, and admiring the colorful, changing leaves of the season. The warmth of your home and sipping on a cup of hot cocoa. Bringing kindness into someone's life or receiving kindness from someone else.
As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday, I want to wish you and your loved ones a peaceful and joyous time together. May your days be filled with warmth, reflection, and gratitude.
With a thankful heart,
Kristin Gudenkauf