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Bringing Gratitude and Service to Division Meetings

Reconnecting with purpose through acts of gratitude and giving

Idea from Mary Holmberg, Alicia Nelson and Jim Stang

Fostering Connection, Purpose, and Community Impact

Principals are natural stewards of their schools and communities, dedicated to fostering positive environments for students and staff. But what happens when principals themselves need support? How do we refill our own buckets and stay connected to the deeper purpose of our work? For Jim Stang, Mary Holmberg, Alicia Nelson and their colleagues, the answer lay in bringing gratitude and an act of service into their division meeting—an idea that has since had a ripple effect.

From Concept to Action

The idea began with a simple question: How can principals come together for a greater purpose? While division meetings often focus on sharing best practices and discussing school challenges, Jim, Mary and Alicia saw an opportunity to make these gatherings even more impactful. Inspired by research showing that expressing gratitude benefits the giver even more than the recipient, they sought ways to embed acts of appreciation and service into their professional meetings.

The initiative took shape when they partnered with Michelle Wang at Resource Training & Solutions, who connected them with Annandale Textiles—a local organization that employs weavers who are young adults with disabilities. Visiting the facility was a transformative experience.

“We left saying, ‘We have to bring this to Central somehow,’” Jim shared.

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Bringing Gratitude to Division Meetings

Instead of a traditional book study or presentation, the group decided to dedicate part of their literacy-focused gathering to gratitude and giving back. They invited weavers from Annandale Textiles to share their story. Using their division budget, they made a donation. 

To add a personal element, they encouraged the group to participate in a simple yet powerful exercise: writing thank-you notes. At the end of the session, principals were given blank cards, and a mission—take a few minutes to write a note to someone in their school community who deserved recognition.

“It filled my cup,” Jim reflected. “When I came back the next morning to put those notes on desks or in mailboxes, it was just as fulfilling for me as it was for them.”

Why It Matters for Principals

Principals often spend their days supporting others, but rarely pause to recognize the impact of their own work. By integrating gratitude and inspiration into division meetings, Jim, Mary and Alicia helped create a space for reflection, connection, and renewal.

Mary emphasized the power of community involvement, especially in seeing students thrive in unexpected ways. Thinking about the weavers, from Annandale Textiles, she remarked, “It gave me insight into what our children can do—that there’s a place for everyone in the world. Each person can be successful, feel valued and be an active, contributing member of their community.” she said. 

Advice for Others

For other divisions looking to incorporate gratitude and service into their gatherings, the Central Division offers a few key takeaways:

The Ripple Effect of Gratitude

While this was a one-time event, its impact continues to resonate. The experience reinforced a simple but powerful truth: acts of gratitude don’t just benefit the recipient—they also restore and reenergize the giver.

For principals, who spend their days uplifting others, taking time to express appreciation can serve as a much-needed reset. Whether through a handwritten note, a small act of kindness, or supporting a local cause, these moments of gratitude help principals stay connected to their purpose. As Jim reflected, “If you don’t water your flowers, the weeds will overtake the garden.” By making space for gratitude, principals ensure they can keep leading with strength, compassion, and renewed energy.