A few dozen stones have been blazing a trail of thanks at Superior High School this month.
"I received one in my mailbox!" wrote world literature teacher Minden Hultstrom in an email. "I do not know from whom I received it, but I passed it on (in person) to Rachael Holden-Kaufman."
English teacher Andy Wolfe reported the rocks have made a splash "at least up here in my little corner of the world."
Students in Tiffany Mattson's classrooms turned the 36 small stones into Gratitude Rocks by taping a message onto them:
"Gratitude Rocks are making a journey of thanks around SHS reminding us how lucky we truly are for the people who share our lives. You have been given this Gratitude Rock because the person who gave it to you wants you to know that they are full of Gratitude for the part that you have played in their life. Now it is your turn ... Pass it on as soon as possible to keep the wave moving. The rocks in and of themselves have no value it is in the giving and receiving where the magic takes place. PEACE. Originated from Miss. Mattson's Classrooms."
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"I love doing things like this," said Mattson, an insight skills counselor. She found the idea online through a Random Acts of Kindness site and felt it was a good time to start a campaign of thanks. October was bullying prevention month and the school held a number of events, such as erasing bullying words from the cafeteria windows and a mix it up day at lunch where students were encouraged to sit with someone new. It was a chance for them to cross social boundaries and get their feet wet, she said. Now, they can concentrate on thanks.
Mattson said the rocks are meant to circulate throughout the high school. They can be given to a fellow student or teacher, so long as they keep moving.
"We often don't tell people we're thankful for them," she said. "Sometimes it's hard to say 'Thank you.'"
Some rocks are delivered anonymously. Others have been handed out in person. Wolfe said he even gave his rock some CPR (new tape) before passing it on. The Gratitude Rocks will continue to travel until Nov. 25.
