Cultivating Gratitude: Inside the Gordon School’s Annual Tradition

Photo by Chip Riegel / courtesy of the Gordon School

On Thursday, November 21, young students at the Gordon School — a coeducational, independent school that teaches nursery through eighth grade in East Providence —shared who they are most grateful for during their annual Gratitude Meal. This cherished tradition brought together classmates, teachers and staff in celebration of appreciation and community. Now in its seventh year, the Gordon School has used its Gratitude Meal event as a form of educating its youngest bright minds in the importance of thankfulness and giving back. This event highlights the values of care, kindness and connection, offering students meaningful ways to express gratitude and create long–lasting memories.  

Preparation for the Gratitude Meal begins early in November. Students start by reflecting on the concept of gratitude through guided discussions, working closely with teachers to define what being thankful means and explore ways to express it to their loved ones. Students also engage with food in a dynamic way. Together with their teachers, they select dishes that hold meaning for them. By crafting a menu, they learn about the importance of health, nutrition, decision-making and honoring their family traditions. They also gain valuable knowledge about gardening and sustainability, as some ingredients used for their dishes were harvested from Gordon’s gardens. For this year’s meal, students voted using a secret ballot on which dishes they wanted to share, ensuring everyone’s voice was heard.  

Photo by Chip Riegel / courtesy of the Gordon School

In addition to planning a menu, the students created personalized invitations for their guests. Using a Japanese technique called tataki-zomé (flower pounding), they made prints on napkins with flora gathered from the school’s garden. These beautiful, handmade invitations were then passed on to teachers and staff who have played a meaningful role in the students’ lives and who have helped build a community at Gordon.  

The Gratitude Meal is more than just a celebration of thankfulness—it is an educational experience that nurtures the student’s social and emotional development. As they interact with guests and make sure they are comfortable, students practice communication skills, teamwork and confidence. Gordon’s Staff, Cendhi Aria Henry, Laurie Clark, Eddie Dalo, Kim Trant, and Geoff Griffin agree that this event encourages children to develop their sense of community while creating a safe and welcoming space for everyone. This event allows students to grow into thoughtful and compassionate individuals. To learn more about the Gordon School, visit gordonschool.org. 

Photo by Chip Riegel / courtesy of the Gordon School