Instead of my paraphrasing and possibly leaving something out by mistake, I'm just going to paste the press release below so you can read it and be inspired, just the way Michelle and I are. This "Be Kind" initiative was undertaken by the students at Haviland Middle School in Hyde Park. When I visited a few weeks ago to record the students reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, I saw the picture you see above and inquired about it. The message below details what I was told. Thank you!! Andrea Zolotas, Student Government Advisor, for sending the information. Enjoy, everyone!
This year, Haviland MiddleSchool in Hyde Park chose to focus on different activities to promote “Being Kind” to everyone. Our Student Government created Be Kind Challenges for each month. Some examples included holding the door for others, leaving positive messages or notes on desks or lockers, complimenting others about anything positive to build them up and saying hello to 3 people every morning. They held a t-shirt design contest and over 100 students submitted a creative design. Student Government voted and chose an 8th grade student, Erika Punkosdy’s design. She created a scene where a dandelion was blowing seeds in the wind, representing spreading Kindness to everyone. The Student Government also created a Be Kind Spirit Week leading up to the day of our picture. Everyone was asked to dress in different attire coordinating with a Be Kind message. On Monday, May 20th students and staff joined together and wrote the words “Be Kind” on the front lawn of the school.
Thank you to the students and staff who participated in our Be Kind initiative. Thank you to Ms. Eastman and Mrs. Zolotas for the endless hours of planning to make our photo perfect. Special thanks to Roosevelt and Pleasant Valley Fire Departments, Hyde Park Police Department, NYS Troopers, HPCSD Facilities and Operations for outlining the letters, Student Government, and HMS PTA. We would not have been able to do it all without your help.
Don't forget to Spread Kindness! Way to go Haviland!