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Goal

The goal of this project is to promote kindness among students at Herbert Cambridge Elementary and to emphasize that each person can be the 'I' in kind and each person can make a difference. While recess is fun for most students, it can also be a time when conflict and unkind behaviors can occur. I recently read the following quote, "Recess is worth investing in because it involves every child, every day". Recess may be one of the most, if not the most important part of the day as it relates to social and emotional learning and development, and peer interactions. At Herbert Cambridge Elementary, it can sometimes be a time of misbehavior and negative peer interaction causing students to dwell in the anger, hurt and conflict even after they have returned to the classroom. It is then difficult for students to refocus and engage in their learning.  

What will be done with my students

A "Be The 'I' in Kind" interactive banner will be purchased, customized to HCE's school colors, and hung on the playground along with large positive message themed stickers, customized with our school mascot. These items will serve as a reminder to students to show kindness to one another. They will also encourage positive interactions between students and teach students to resolve conflicts on their own. Students and staff will then have the opportunity to nominate themselves or others who have shown kindness or been proactive in resolving a conflict. Nominated students will stand in front of the banner where the 'I' is missing and will become the 'I' in kind. A picture will be taken and then posted with the student's name and a description of the act of kindness and recognition will be sent home to parents.  

Benefits to my students

This project will reinforce the Social Emotional classroom lessons on kindness, acceptance and conflict resolution. Students will practice social emotional skills, kindness and conflict resolution skills which will create a friendlier and safer playground environment. This will decrease the anger, hurt and conflict that students sometimes bring back to the classroom after recess and help students quickly refocus and engage in learning. Students self esteem will also increase as students receive positive feedback and feel empowered to resolve their own conflicts.
One school documented the impact of posting positive messages with a 90% decrease in "bullying type incidents" in the area where the signs were posted. It was reported that they have since then expanded the positive messaging into other areas and have seen similar results through out the school. 

Budget Narrative

Both the banner and stickers will be customized to HCE colors and mascot to build school culture and connection. Items will be made of outdoor quality materials for long lasting use. Customization is a one time fee and will be available free of charge for future orders. 

Items