SNOW DIDN’T DISRUPT WILLIAM MASON'S HEART TO HEART

A heart chain of kindness lines the halls of William Mason Elementary School in Montville Township. The “Heart to Heart” kindness initiative was implemented by guidance counselor, L. Teresa Gorgia.

“In guidance, we are always learning about making positive choices and how to be a good citizen,” said Gorgia. “This project is one that I brought into the school to reinforce this, as well as working with their families to bring the lessons into the home.”

Students and families were encouraged to write about kindness on each heart. The hearts serve as a testament to Random Acts of Kindness performed for others by students in the Mason community.

A variety of acts are recorded on the hearts:

“Jack sorted his Valentine’s candy and gave his brother the favorites.”

“Chris made his mom and dad very proud.”

“Claire helped her dad shovel snow!”

One hundred thirty-seven hearts of kindness form a “Heart to Heart” chain of good deeds and strong character along the school’s main hall.

“Students enjoy finding their hearts and giving hearts to one another,” Gorgia explained.

Since the beginning of the 2013 -2014 school year, Gorgia has concentrated on kindness and good deeds both in and out of school.

“My goal is to help students not only reflect on positive choices and behavior, but also improve self-esteem,” Gorgia said. “This project also teaches students compassion as they see the impact that their kind deed has on someone.” 

Gorgia planned “Heart to Heart” to coincide with Valentine’s Day and American Heart Month, but a record number of snow days delayed the start of the initiative and have extended the project into March.

Despite the delay, William Mason Elementary School students have made a “rather long chain,” Gorgia added.

In addition to “Heart to Heart,” Mason students have participated in many Random Acts of Kindness this year including: “Smile You’ve Been Tagged Cards,” “No Name Calling Week” and “Respect Week.”

A hallway bulletin board, covered with student submitted sticky notes of ideas for kind acts, declares: “Hey, I just met you, and this is crazy, but here’s a Random Act of Kindness, so try it maybe.”

In a year of encouraging and rewarding Random Acts of Kindness, “Heart to Heart” will be followed by Autism Awareness Month for April.