Frenship’s Mental Health Minute includes a monthly theme and challenge. The theme of December is centered around Generosity.
For December, students are challenged to find ways to show generosity to a family member without expecting anything in return. Frenship families are also encouraged to extend this spirit of giving by supporting a family in need through volunteering, donating, or simply spreading kindness during the holiday season.
Stephanie Johnson, counselor at Upland Heights Elementary, emphasizes the importance of teaching generosity to students.
“Generosity is so important for students to learn and understand because it provides so many unexpected benefits for the giver! Studies show that students who practice generosity manage stress and are able to tolerate frustration much more effectively,” said Johnson.
She explains that practicing generosity also builds resilience, which is the ability to bounce back from disappointment, a critical skill for success in both school and life. She notes that when students realize they can make a difference, even through small acts, they develop a sense of purpose and confidence.
“When kids feel like they can make a difference, even through simple things, they develop a sense of purpose and confidence. They believe their actions matter and are more engaged in their peer groups and community. All of this is magical for emotional well-being and positive mental health,” said Johnson.
Small acts of generosity can also create a ripple effect within the school community.
“Every time we encourage our Frenship students to be generous, it becomes contagious. People mirror the behavior they see around them: when students see their peers acting through generosity, they want to be generous, too. And when these small acts are repeated, they become community values,” said Johnson.
Upland Heights and other Frenship campuses focus on teaching students that generosity extends beyond giving material items. Programs such as peer mentorship, first responder and military appreciation, Hello Week, and Kindness Week help students learn the value of giving their time, kindness, and empathy.
“Students are continually encouraged to give time, kindness, and empathy to make our school the best it can be. Showing students first-hand how good it feels to give, no matter the context, from material items to something as simple as a listening ear, can truly change the future,” said Johnson.
The holiday season provides a meaningful opportunity to reinforce the idea of giving without expecting anything in return. Johnson shares that initiatives like canned food drives, Giving Trees, and community donations help students understand the importance of caring for others and remind them that not everyone has the same opportunities.
“Talking about generosity during the holidays balances the holiday hype. It helps keep kids grounded and prevents feelings of greed or entitlement. We want our students to feel like they're part of something bigger than themselves,” said Johnson.
Families can also model generosity at home with simple, practical acts, even during the busiest time of the year.
“I want to encourage students to ‘catch' family members being generous and call it out! Everyone loves to be acknowledged for simple acts. Donate time, not just things. Spend a morning picking up trash at the park, helping a local charity, or creating sidewalk chalk messages for others who could use a boost. Talk about and make plans for generous acts beyond the holidays,” said Johnson.
She feels privileged to work for a school district that prioritizes and practices these values daily.
“I feel truly honored to work for a school district that not only discusses and encourages these values and skills, but practices what they preach each and every day. It is my goal each and every day to encourage students to become kind, empathetic, and generous human beings,” said Johnson.
By encouraging generosity in students, families, and staff, Frenship ISD continues to foster a culture of empathy, connection, and positive mental health, helping students grow into compassionate, resilient, and engaged members of their communities.
For more information on Frenship’s Mental Health Minute, click here.