Rotary joins Long Neck Elementary to mark Kindness Week
Long Neck Elementary School Principal Clara Conn worked with her teachers and administrators to set up Kindness Week activities Feb. 8-12.
Students were reading the book “The Jelly Donut Difference,” which teaches about kindness, caring, generosity, and being a good neighbor and friend. Teachers and student leaders were encouraged to practice kindness throughout the week, and by doing so would earn sprinkles on the donut drawing in each classroom.
One of their acts of kindness was to present Long Neck Sunrise Rotary Club with hand-drawn thank you cards for the club’s donations of two books for every student and dictionaries for third-grade students over the years, and substantial funding for the school’s new playground, set to break ground this summer. The cards were presented by four members of the school’s 15-person student government to representatives of the Long Neck Sunrise Rotary Club Feb. 8 in a short ceremony at the school. Rotarian Sharon Marshall said when she asked the students which Rotary Club project meant the most to them, they said, “All of them,” with kindness and political savvy represented in full force.
Long Neck Sunrise Rotary members learned that the school was encouraging local businesses to engage in Kindness Week and that the next day would be Crazy for Kindness Day, where the students and others participating were encouraged to wear crazy hair, socks or outfits. Many club members embraced the challenge and came properly attired to the weekly meeting in person at the Ocean Grill II and virtually for those preferring that venue.
“Living in a period of so much angst and altered realities, it is particularly heartwarming to see children celebrating kindness with each other, their parents and teachers and their community,” said Long Neck Sunrise Rotary Club President Lucille Cavan. “Working with children is an important part of our mission. Long Neck Elementary Is doing such a wonderful job during these difficult times, and to be recognized by their students for our help is truly special. And what a hoot to join with them on Crazy for Kindness Day.”
“Throughout the pandemic, the community has come together to support one another,” said Conn. “Many of us have been on the front lines, supporting our families and local small businesses, in addition to ensuring services for our community continue to function with fidelity. This was a wonderful project to illuminate the kindness of not only our young Long Neck leaders, but also the established Long Neck leaders. The students enjoy seeing their neighbors join in on our spirit days and support our vision of Growing Leaders. This common thread of kindness binds our community together, and provides a great example of patience and support while maintaining grace.”
