West Islip Elementary Schools Emphasize Kindness

WEST ISLIP, NY - From West Islip Public Schools: Kindness is on the calendar at West Islip’s Paul J. Bellew and Manetuck elementary schools, with every Monday designated as a “Got Kindness?” day to help emphasize the importance of treating others with kindness.

Bellew began the ongoing Monday initiative, in which students and staff wore blue shirts as a sign of unity. The school also kicked off a 21-day Kindness Challenge in October, encouraging students to complete at least three random acts of kindness a day. Calendars were provided to students to record their deeds, and “kindness coins” were put in circulation at the school, given to anyone who is spotted being kind or showing compassion. If a student receives a coin, they are encouraged to “pay it forward” and pass it on.

“One kindergarten student told me that he did a ‘happy dance’ for his friends to make them smile,” said Bellew Principal Rhonda Pratt. “Without a doubt, our world needs a continuous dose of kindness and our students are the right medicine.”

Bellew’s initiative inspired Dawn Morrison, the principal at neighboring Manetuck, and the latter school likewise began dressing in orange shirts for “Got Kindness?” Mondays. Manetuck kicked off its colorful campaign with a “Cultivate Kindness” assembly where students learned about the importance of spreading
kindness.

Photo courtesy of the West Islip School District