fit perfectly into the school community. We have gotten such great
participation and feedback from our
club members and the school as a
whole. Everyone seems to enjoy the
simple yet thoughtful activities ARK
members promote around campus.
We have also gotten a lot of support
from faculty members as well.
What impact does it have on curbing bullying? Our school does not
have a big bullying problem, but
we definitely see that competitiveness and stress take a toll on students. ARK is a way for students
to take a break from the demands
and pressures they are under. Not
only are the students benefitting
from this, but they also are able to
promote kindness around campus.
So although I would not say that our
club is curbing a bullying issue, it is
definitely spreading much needed
positivity and joy throughout Mitty.
Have you noticed a difference in
how students treat each other?
The funny thing about kindness is
that it is often overlooked, because
the stress of high school tends to
send students into thoughts of
negativity. People do not realize
that holding open doors for others,
or giving a dollar to the kid in the
lunch line who needs it makes a big
difference in the lives of others. Part
of our mission statement is to show
that these small actions are in fact
things that do make a difference. Of
course, making people realize this
does not happen overnight, so ARK
activities start out as a small ripple.
Students make an effort on a daily
basis to do one small random act of
kindness. This can be a compliment,
a favor, or a surprise treat. Overall,
we have recognized that kindness
is free and extremely rewarding so
students try to spread it as much
as possible.
What are some of the activities you
have done to promote kindness?
We challenged students to write
notes of appreciation to each other,
to teachers, and to faculty members.
Notes were left on a display poster
in a main hallway. At first there
were only a few notes. As the week
progressed, the poster became so
full of appreciation that it fell over
due to the overwhelming amount of
kindness shared. Throughout that
week of appreciation, we believe
that this powerfully demonstrated
how a few seconds out of your day
changes the mood for another.
Peace group activities can help
counter bullying
P
eace groups can get started with a number of positive activities
to help both kids and adults experience greater compassion and
a deeper empathy for their peers. Here are a few ideas to get started.
4 Have regular meetings that give kids an open forum to discuss
their feelings on bullying and abuse.
4 Write an anti-bullying skit or play and perform it for the school
or local community
4 Design posters and other creative projects that promote peace,
compassion and appreciation for one another.
4 Take part in fundraisers to raise money for anti-bullying
organizations.
4 Develop a set plan of action so that kids know what to do if they
witness bullying.
4 Book a professional counselor to speak about bullying and the
damage it can do if ignored.
4 Create summer camps, after-school meet ups, and other activities
that can give kids in a positive experience and place to be.
4 Encourage kids to express positivity instead of negativity. One
school put up large pieces of blank paper and had teens write
down positive comments about their peers.
4 Design posters and other creative projects that promote peace,
compassion and appreciation for one another.
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