Cottonwood middle schoolers make thank you cards, to place on a lollipop before delivering them to younger students. Anza Valley Outlook/Courtesy photo
Cottonwood School students recently learned that their small gestures can have long-lasting effects on those around them. What started off as a lesson in leadership from counselor Amanda Niaves, sparked a sense of gratitude for teachers, staff, students and family members, a Hemet Unified School District news release reported last week.“Niaves reviewed a social-emotional screener survey from students and found that the children were having a hard time finding ways to feel good about themselves,” the release said. “Niaves knew the impact students make every day, not only to each other but to staff as well. She decided to create a lesson for fifth through eighth grade students to not only show what it means to be a leader but remind students that they possess the ability to signifi
