WEST NEWBURY – School Superintendent Justin Bartholomew and Bagnall School Principal James Day are pleased to share that Bagnall students are participating in a “Kindness Crew” to inspire, recognize, and commit acts of kindness in the school community.
Fifth-and sixth-grade students applied to become part of the Crew and were assigned to mentor a classroom once a week, modeling and recognizing kindness. Each student-mentor records good deeds, and awards those students a kindness token.
All students who commit an act of kindness are recognized during schoolwide announcements on Monday morning.
Each month will have a theme: Respect, Community, Gratitude, Family, Conflict Resolution, Diversity, Random Acts of Kindness, Resilience, and Self-Esteem. Crew members will reinforce these themes each month to promote a positive culture in the school community.
“We have noticed that students are so excited to be recognized for kind acts that they are trying really hard to be kind to one another, said Grade 3 teacher Ashley Tiller. “The Kindness Crew has made an impact already and students are embracing this initiative.”
A Bagnall parent also shared that her two daughters now play “Kindness Crew” at home instead of “house.”
“It’s great to see the kids spreading kindness, and the older students becoming the role models and teaching the younger kids how important kindness is in our Bagnall community,” Principal Day said.
Bagnall also has re-introduced social-emotional learning in the classrooms, proactively addressing students’ mental health. The school adjustment counselor visits individual classrooms monthly to work on issues like empathy and problem-solving among others.
“Initiatives such as the Kindness Crew are terrific teaching tools. Our students are learning that even the smallest act of kindness can make a difference, which is a lesson they will carry their entire lives,” Superintendent Bartholomew said.
