The San Mateo County Office of Education’s Safe Routes to School program, in collaboration with Ravenswood City School District and Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition, recently released bike and pedestrian gratitude journals for the students of the Ravenswood City School District.

All 1,750 students received a journal and have been invited to participate in a variety of fun bilingual activities and outdoor adventures. The journal contains prompts that encourage students to spend time outdoors, explore their neighborhood, reflect on what they see and enjoy and what they are grateful for. Students will log their bike rides and walks for a chance to win Safe Routes to School prizes. The journal also includes blank pages that students can "hack" on their own or with the help of the arts and restorative learning coordinator at an upcoming workshop.

The “I Explored” gratitude journal brings together different strategies for increasing health and happiness. Getting outside and practicing gratitude are proven to have a long list of physical and mental health benefits that have lasting effects on the brain and promote immediate and long-term wellbeing.