South Orange Middle School celebrated its second schoolwide “Winter Blast of Kindness” Day last week — and the entire school felt like one big celebration.
The event was filled with scores of activities for students and staff that emphasized the importance of being kind to one another, family members and teachers.
Launched last year by health teacher Allison Cahill and social worker Allison Steiner (who were joined this year by PE teacher Jackie Gronek) the idea stemmed from a desire to respond to the issue of bullying by creating a climate of kindness throughout the school.
“We thought, let’s just blast everyone with a day of kindness,” said Steiner.
“The kids loved it,” said Cahill. “Everyone felt so supported and loved, and that’s how we want kids to feel everyday.”
The Home School Association provided staff members with water and cookies, and many parent volunteered to help out for the day. Visitors were greeted at the front door with a welcoming desk and encouraged take a pipe cleaner flower made by students.
Staff members arrived to thank you letters from students. Technology teacher Katina Thelemaque showed a visitor some of the notes left on her desk. “I had tears in my eyes; it was the best part of my day,” she said.
Principal Lynn Irby said one student wrote a note to his math teacher, saying “You are the only one who believed in me.”
The day kicked off with students singing a kindness song to the entire school and reading a quote of kindness. Music filled the school throughout the day as student members of the orchestra and chorus played and sang. Students and staff were offered heart and Cougar paw temporary tattoos.
Students participated in a Kindness Scavenger Hunt, visiting stations throughout the school and engaging in themed activities around the building including writing letters to pediatric patients at St. Barnabas Hospital, calling their parents and loved ones to leave a message of kindness, and joining in various fitness and team-building exercises.
Supt. Dr. John Ramos and Asst. Supt. of Curriculum and Instruction Susan Grierson as well as Board of Education members Johanna Wright, Chris Sabin and Annemarie Maini stopped by.
“This was so special,” said Wright. “I felt the warmth and excitement in this building. The kids are having fun, the staff is involved, everyone is engaged. This is what school is all about.”
