PT YEAR OF
KINDNESS:
PLAY A PART IN
THE KINDNESS
REVOLUTION!
I
n 2018, the Peters Township
School District joined with Rachel’s
Challenge to inspire individuals
in our schools to replace acts of
violence, bullying, and negativity
with acts of respect, kindness, and
compassion. Our schools have eagerly
embraced this effort at all grade levels
and our community has responded by
planning an entire year of kindness to
help the effort spread ever farther.
The goal of PTYOK (Peters Township
Year of Kindness) is to promote and
spread kindness in our community,
building upon the solid foundation
of Peters Township Character Counts
and Rachel’s Challenge. The aim is to
increase township spirit, community
involvement, and the quality of
interactions of our residents through
service.
“The main focus of our team was to
help our community grow stronger as
we work together and spread kindness,”
said Minna Allison who is a member
of the Board of School Directors and a
parent who has helped to organize the
PTYOK effort.
Team member Maggie Cameron of
Wayout Designs donated her services
to create an engaging website that
will be the centerpiece of the PTYOK
communication. Each month, the PTYOK
website and calendar will highlight
service opportunities for
community participation.
Residents are encouraged
to sign up for service activities
and respond to the needs of our
community. The PTYOK website
and calendar are interactive;
information about activities,
projects, and needs are compiled
for community members to
access and utilize.
Organizations that have
activities to promote can also
post and promote their events on
the website. The site has an easy
to use “Submit An Event” button at the
top of the page.
“We know our community has a heart
for giving,” adds Allison. “Our hope is
that PTYOK helps to connect these
willing volunteers with the groups in
need.”
The effort has just kicked off and
will run throughout 2020. Learn more
and see how you can be a part of the
kindness revolution at www.ptyok.org!
STUDENT HIGHLIGHTS
GIFT OF READING AT BOWER HILL
Third grade students at Bower Hill shared their love of reading
with first graders throughout the school. Each third grade class
paired with first grade partners and the older students read
a book of their choice. They also prepared “gifts” that helped
reinforce plot elements from their story.
FOOD DRIVE FOR WASHINGTON CITY MISSION
Students at Peters Township High School organized a food
drive to benefit the Washington City Mission in December,
bringing in more than 1,000 canned goods. The food will help
the 850 families who annually look to the Mission for their food
needs.
POLAR EXPRESS VISITS PETERS TOWNSHIP
The kindergarten students at Pleasant Valley and Bower Hill
made their annual trips to the North Pole on the Polar Express in
December! They heard the story of the Polar Express, got their
tickets punched by the conductor and made the long trip north
(made easier by caroling 1-3 graders). When they arrived, they
even got a candy cane and cocoa!
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PETERS TOWNSHIP
PLACEMATS FOR MEALS ON WHEELS
McMurray 5th grade students in Mrs. Oney’s class created
placemats for Meals on Wheels in December. The placemats were
shared with local residents who take part in this program.