Research shows that practicing kindness helps students build empathy, reduce stress, foster healthy friendships, and create a sense of community. At St. James, kindness is embedded in all we do every day.
How does St. James incorporate kindness in the classroom setting? Here are just a few examples of daily kindness endeavors at St. James.
- Our Responsive Classroom approach is an excellent model for setting the tone. Throughout the day we remind students to be mindful of the words they say to themselves, and others.
- 4th and 5th grade students have little buddies they visit with throughout the year, working on special projects and building relationships.
- Day School students offer prayers and thanksgiving in each Friday Eucharist service.
How does St. James help students show kindness to our greater community? As a community, we share kindness through community service in many different ways. In the first few months of this school year alone, students have:
- collaborated with Totes de Joie to design cards to be given to those undergoing treatment at local hospitals,
- decorated Burgers for Badges bags to be distributed to first responders,
- 1st grade students planted and dedicated a garden in memory of a beloved St. James parent,
- participated in a “Pink Out” donation day benefiting Woman’s Hospital Bust Breast Cancer, and
- visited St. James Place on Halloween, trick-or-treating with their residents.
Every day we recognize and praise all the little kindnesses that we see! Being immersed in a culture of kindness allows the students to grow in confidence and provides a sense of safety for exploring new ideas. We are incredibly grateful for and proud of our students and all the ways they embody kindness at St. James.
written by Nicole Pinson, Guidance
Click HERE to see our 5th grade Broadcast Special discussing “Kindness at St. James”.
