January 25, 2018
If this is your first time hearing of “The Great Kindness Challenge,” it can be described in many ways. By definition, it is an annual, nation-wide initiative that takes place at the end of January. To those who see our Lower School students participating, it is one week dedicated to enhancing a pervasive culture of kindness in our school. To everyone who witnesses the Challenge taking place, it is a system of encouragement for our littlest minds to consider how their random acts of kindness add up. Lower School students are taking action and participating this week, as kindness is a core principle of their CHAMP program.
“Character education is one of the most important cornerstones at Mounds Park Academy. Our commitment to educating the whole child means that academic preparation is but one aspect of education, and that the artistic, physical, social, emotional, and ethical development are equally important. In practice, character education comes to life through the Lower School CHAMP Program,” Dr. Bill Hudson shared in an earlier Head’s Message.
Kindness and compassion make a significant contribution to the early character development Dr. Hudson speaks of. Thus, all week, students have been taking action to complete the “kindness checklist.” Many students have quickly figured out that their daily behavior already checks a thing or two off the list!
The kindness list fully encompasses things that each student may accomplish by habit everyday, such as “be kind,” “make someone laugh,” “hug your friend,” and “pick up five pieces of trash.” Conversely, it includes efforts that a student may not have thought about before, like “make a wish for a child in another country,” “post a ‘Kindness Matters’ sign,” or “make a bookmark for your friend.” The list, because it is 50 tasks long and covers so many acts of kindness, provides unique options for each individual student.
At MPA, “The Great Kindness Challenge” works as a CHAMP reinforcement, not as a competition among students, because it further exemplifies how together, they can make a bigger impact than alone. Similar results came out of the Birthday Box service project last week, where the Lower School, in its entirety, decorated and sent 80 Birthday Boxes to children in need. With all of the jars of frosting and games and books stacked high on display during the CHAMP assembly, it was clear to them what they can accomplish, together.
At the end of the week, checklists will be proudly displayed in the cafeteria to show students how their kindness has spread, and all participants will receive a certificate of appreciation. Thank you to Russ Purdy, extended day and summer program coordinator, for bringing this challenge to MPA!
