Students at Gail N. Chapman Elementary School in Randolph, welcomed the new year with a mission of kindness, setting an ambitious goal to complete 3,000 acts of kindness throughout the school during the month of January. The “Cardinal Kindness Challenge”, as it was named, surpassed all expectations, with the school collectively achieving an astounding 6,168 acts of kindness.
The month-long initiative kicked off with an inspiring assembly that energized the students and set the tone for the challenge. The RCS Varsity Cheerleaders made a special guest appearance, spreading joy and enthusiasm for the kindness mission.
Mrs. Bedell, a teacher at Gail N. Chapman Elementary School and the author of "She Will." Read her book, which emphasizes the power of showing kindness, acceptance, and love, to the students. This served as an inspiration for the students as they kicked off the challenge.
Each morning, students were encouraged to observe and acknowledge acts of kindness around them and then create a plan to carry out their own acts of kindness for the day. They diligently recorded their acts on kindness boards, which were collected by Ms. Morgante's 4th grade class at the end of the month.
On January 31, an assembly was held to celebrate the students' achievements. Mrs. Johnson, one of the School Counselors, and Ms. Morgante thanked the students for their hard work. Members of Ms. Morgante's class revealed the remarkable total of 6,168 acts of kindness, surpassing the initial goal of 3,000.
To reward the students for their exceptional efforts, they were treated to a variety of fun games. Ms. Morgante expressed excitement about the results, stating, "We look forward to seeing all of the kindness that continues to be spread throughout our school, even after ending this challenge."
Mrs. Johnson, a School Counselor, echoed this sentiment, saying, "We are so proud of the students at Randolph Elementary for taking on the “Cardinal Kindness Challenge” and going above and beyond in achieving the goal. More than doubling our goal of 3,000 kind acts proves that our students and teachers know the value of spreading kindness."
Several students shared their experiences and the impact of the challenge on their lives. Casshe Fowler mentioned how he "helped clean up trash," Aryana Dybka expressed gratitude by "making a card for the office staff," and Chloe Ingerson recounted helping others pick up papers. Simon Pihlbald mentioned how he “helped a friend up” after they fell, exemplifying the ripple effect of kindness. Kindergartener Lucas Steward highlighted the assembly as the best part of the challenge, enjoying the fun games. Rhett Johnson emphasized the importance of kindness and helping others as valuable life lessons.
The success of the Cardinal Kindness Challenge at Gail N. Chapman Elementary School exemplifies the power of unity and compassion, leaving a lasting impact on the students and the school community.