CDS Director’s Blog: The Panther Press

At Country Day School, we believe in nurturing well-rounded individuals who are not only academically proficient but also resilient, compassionate, and socially conscious. As part of our ongoing efforts to support the whole child, we are always looking for new ways to strengthen students’ emotional and psychological well-being. One source of inspiration comes from Dr. Michelle Borba’s powerful book, Thrivers: The Surprising Reasons Why Some Kids Struggle and Others Shine. In this book, Borba provides invaluable insights into the traits that allow young people to thrive, even in the face of adversity. 

Building Resilience in the Modern World 
In Thrivers, Borba identifies seven key traits that help children thrive, regardless of the challenges they face. These traits include self-confidence, self-control, empathy, perseverance, curiosity, optimism, and the ability to reach out for help. Each of these qualities contributes to building resilience—the ability to bounce back from setbacks, adapt to challenges, and keep moving forward with a sense of purpose. 

For our students at Country Day School, we emphasize the importance of fostering these traits both in and outside of the classroom. We want our students to feel confident in their ability to succeed, but also in their ability to face obstacles with a sense of resilience. It’s not just about academic success; it’s about preparing students for the challenges of life and helping them grow into individuals who can navigate their world with compassion and perseverance. 

The Power of Empathy and Connection 
One of the key takeaways from Thrivers is the importance of empathy. Borba highlights the fact that thriving students have a strong sense of empathy, not only towards others but also towards themselves. Teaching children to recognize and understand their emotions, as well as the emotions of those around them, leads to stronger interpersonal relationships and a greater sense of connection within a community. 

At CDS, we work hard to instill this value in our students. By focusing on social-emotional learning and encouraging students to support one another, we create an environment that fosters kindness, understanding, and cooperation. As a result, our students develop the emotional intelligence and empathy necessary to thrive in a diverse and complex world. 

Looking Ahead: A Special Opportunity for Our School Community 
As part of our ongoing commitment to student well-being and growth, we are excited to hint at an upcoming opportunity to learn directly from Dr. Michelle Borba herself. We are exploring the possibility of hosting a special event at Country Day School, where Dr. Borba will share her insights on building resilience and fostering the traits that help children thrive. This is an exciting prospect for our school community, and we can’t wait to share more details as they become available. 

At Country Day School, we are dedicated to ensuring that our students don’t just excel academically but also thrive in every aspect of their lives. With resources like Thrivers guiding our approach and potential future collaborations with thought leaders like Dr. Michelle Borba, we are confident that our students will continue to grow into resilient, compassionate, and successful individuals. 

Stay tuned for more updates about this exciting event, and let’s continue working together to help our children thrive!