What's happening: The Smith School Best Buddies chapter had more than 20 students participate in a group activity focused on kindness.
Together, staff and students decorated paper strips with a variety of messages.
Participants wrote about people who are kind, acts of kindness, uplifting messages, as well as created inspirational designs.
All of the links were then combined to create a “kindness chain” that is on display in the front office.
“Our Chain of Kindness Event was a success! It was amazing to watch everyone come together and make something that represents the kindness at Smith. Kids were sharing ideas and examples, and they even made strips about the friendships they've made through Best Buddies. Every time we have an event it is so great to see kids come together and make connections. Our President, Brooke, recently saw one of our members skiing and they went down the mountain together. Hearing these stories and seeing them say hi to each other in the halls shows the success of the program.” -Melissa Garcia, Special Education Teacher, Smith School
Why it matters: The Smith Middle School chapter of Best Buddies was created last year after seeing the success of the program at the high school.
Smith School is only the the third middle school chapter in New Jersey!
This year, the club president is Brooke Dallara and Vice President is Rory Chiossi.
Go deeper: 🔗 Learn more about the BestBuddies organization and how its efforts are changing lives.