CAMPAIGN FOR
Kindness
BJH CONTINUES THEIR FOCUS ON KINDNESS
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After BJH had a monthly kindness focus in the spring of last year , Principal Jacob Roach and Counselor Karen Mcham decided to focus on kindness all year . They have successfully implemented multiple ways to improve students ’ day at school .
“ We have had a great year at BJH and believe our kindness campaign has played a role in that ,” principal Jacob Roach said . “ We have seen a decrease in conflict and discipline referrals this year ”
One thing the school has is a “ caught being good ” Google form available to students and staff where they can catch someone being kind and fill out the form . At the end of the month , they have a drawing for those students that were caught for a kindness award of the month .
“ The staff want to promote acceptance and respect among peers which begins with being kind to everyone .” BJH counselor Karen McHam said . “ Our goal is to help students learn to accept others for who they are and understand that individual differences make us stronger as a whole .”
Every day on the announcements they have a different student give a kindness message reminding students to be kind to others .
“ I see more students interact with students outside their
inner circle ,” McHam said . “ I ’ ve also noticed an increase in student reports concerning peers that are upset or having a bad day .”
Students and teachers also turn in names daily of students caught being kind and from the list of names BJH has a kindness drawing each month . We also post the submitted names in the hallways showing that “ Kindness Travels ” along with bulletin boards promoting acceptance and respect for individual differences .
“ Students are becoming more aware of others ’ needs and want to help ,” McHam said . “ Small things seem to be becoming priorities as well such as picking up in the cafeteria or holding a door open for someone .”
During the holidays students have participated in campus wide activities by raising money to purchase Christmas gifts for peers and making Valentine cards for nursing home residents . Students have also written thank you notes and compliment cards in classes which are given to teachers , staff , peers , and family members .
“ As students walk down the halls , teachers are even hearing students support each other with a simple “ You ’ ve got this .” or “ I love you ,’” McHam said . “ The halls and rooms are a happy place for the students .”
BY MADELINE TERRY
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