Schools
Kindness Program Unveiled by Principal-For-The-Day
A McCarthy elementary third grader wanted to have a disco party as principal-for-the-day, instead he declared June 11 Kindness Day.
Kindness is all around us. You just have to look.
That was the theme of the kindness program launched by McCarthy Elementary School third grader Shane Stewart on Wednesday.
Stewart was McCarthy's Principal-For-The-Day. His mom won the special prize during an auction at the PTO's Parents Night Out event, earlier this year.
Stewart began the day with morning announcements to the 590 students declaring Wednesday, June 11, Kindness Day.
"I am challenging everyone to complete acts of kindness all day. Once you do an act of kindness, write it on the red hearts and bring it to me in the main office. Let's see all kind we all can be," said Principal Stewart.
Teachers and staff also issued "caught being kind" slips to students. For example, Jacob was issued one when he "said please when asking for a pencil."
When students presented their kindness note to principal Stewart, they could pick a "superhero" themed prize. Stewart's favorite super hero is Ironman.
Some of the acts of kindness Stewart said included being nice to someone, sticking up for a friend at recess, paying attention in math class, picking up trash at lunch that wasn't mine.
Principal Stewart displayed the acts of kindness in the shape of a heart in front of the main office for all to see, including Superintendent Stacy Scott, who stopped by for the school's kindergarten completion ceremony, and McCarthy Elementary Principal - "for 179 days" - Matt Hanlon.
The idea for the kindness day and hearts was inspired by a Kindness program at a school in Newton, where Stewart's mom works.
Stewart had wanted to be a teacher when he grows up like his mom, but after his special day, he said he now wants to be a principal.
During his busy day, Principal Stewart also attending the kindergarten ceremony. He said it was nice, but crowded. There was no cake, but cookies, he added.
Asked if there was something he wanted to do as "Principal," that he didn't get to accomplish, Stewart replied "I wanted to have a disco party."
"Principal Hanlon said no," said Stewart.
And if he could have had the party, the first song he would have played was Pharrell's Happy.
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