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Thank You Stones

Most people wouldn't normally give rocks as a "Thank You" gesture, but it's a tradition at the Riverstone International School in Boise. 

Every Wednesday, the elementary students hold an assembly where they publicly thank someone who has helped them -- or helped make a positive difference -- in their school community.  "I would like to thank Nathan for being my friend since second grade, and during the hard times (in my life)," one student, a Riverstone International fifth-grader, told those attending the school's assembly.

School officials say students are learning some important lessons at an early age.  They're practicing not only public speaking, but recognizing those who contribute to the community. "They think about it and come up with someone right away, because they know who's making a difference," said Adam Kaplan, who began the tradition thirteen years ago.

Now, these ordinary stones are anything but ordinary.  The "Thank You" stones allow students to think of the people most important to them, and express their gratitude in a unique way. "I would like to thank Charlie for playing with me when I had no one to play with," said another student.

Kaplan still has the "Thank You" stone he received from a student years ago.  "It's a tangible thing that you can have.  When you are feeling down, or wondering where you're heading in life, you can see the simple rock and can say, ‘Yes, I do help people,'" said Kaplan.  "All of us have people we should thank, but don't always have the opportunity. This is a good way to do it."

 Kaplan hopes this tradition will spread through the Treasure Valley. 

 The "Thank You" stones were given directly to those being "thanked."  But now, are being collected to eventually make a "Thank You" stone monument on campus.