Being kind to others, as the message on someone’s T-shirt pointed out, is really not that difficult.
In an effort to spread that simple and really important point, Audie Murphy Middle School on Fort Hood joined schools across the nation urging students and staff members to pledge to show more empathy.
Communities in Schools of Greater Central Texas observes the nationwide Start With Hello initiative every year.
At Audie Murphy CIS Site Coordinator Maggie Burvato led the charge in promoting a week of spirit dress meant to start conversations.
On Monday, “Hats off to Hello” and Tuesday “Team up for Kindness” students naturally talked about their hats and sports jerseys.
On “Wear Green Wednesday,” they wore the campaign’s official color that symbolizes inclusion.
“If someone is feeling lonely, you want to build them up and let them know they are not alone,” said seventh-grader Jessiella Groat explaining the week’s kindness focus.
“Some people can feel like no one cares so it’s important to show that you are not alone, that it is OK to talk to people.”
Eighth-grader Connor Rose said conversation helps people connect.
“Spirit week can help because it shows what people like so when we wore jerseys, we talked about our favorite teams,” he said.
Another day, “Topsy-Turvy Thursday, students and staff members dress like one another, probably another conversation starter.
The two students said it’s important to find good role models who are peers to positively influence one another.
Committing to take care of each other and to tolerate differences makes for a better environment for all.
“Students can be there for you, too. If a teacher can’t talk at the time, you can talk to a student,” said Groat.
“When you’re at home, you think of that as your safe place,” she said. “When you go to school, some people get nervous because it’s different.”
“It’s important to me that the school show kindness. Even though you’re not at home, you can still be yourself. It can be a home. You just have to make it a good place.”
https://www.sandyhookpromise.org/