Submitted by Rene Carroll
Washougal students at Jemtegaard and Canyon Creek Middle Schools decided “It’s Time to Be Kind,” and created a project that would celebrate even the smallest acts of kindness. Using colorful Post-it notes, students would jot down their kind acts and attach it to a poster in the school cafeterias for all to see. The project was a part of Washougal’s own Random Acts of Kindness Week, March 5 – 9, 2018, which was celebrated national on February 11-19.
“I am surprised at how many notes went up in just one week,” said CCMS 7th grader Violet Hancock as she admired the large wall area covered in notes.
“The project was created by students in the prevention club at both middle schools,” said Wendy Butler, Student Assistance Professional – Prevention and Intervention Specialist from Educational Services District 112 who works at CCMS and JMS. “The Florida school shooting was on Wednesday, February 14 and it greatly impacted many of our students. We wanted to do something that could show our student body that their peers care. Our students are ready to step up and let others know that there are numerous students out there that are doing good things. It was very powerful for them to see that there are Random Acts of Kindness being done each and every day at our schools.”
Opening doors, picking up something dropped or having lunch with someone sitting alone were all examples of the type of kindness being shown, according to CCMS 7th grader Jaeden Leonard. “I also did dishes and laundry at home for my family,” she added.
“I continue to be impressed not only by my prevention club students but by the student body at both schools,” Butler said. “If we look for good in our students, we will find it. Our prevention club promotes healthy lifestyles and a part of this is lifting others up, encouraging each other and building community.”
In addition to the Post-it notes, students created inspirational posters that are displayed throughout the two schools. Megan Kanzler, Drug Free Community, Youth Engagement Coordinator with Unite! Washougal Community Coalition, is co-coordinator of prevention clubs at the middle schools and high school.
“This project, and many others in our schools, are important to showcase the good that is out there,” said Butler. “It helps our students see that even small acts of kindness plied together becomes a mountain of change for them and their peers. Through working together, our students are empowered and learn to use their voices to make a difference. These types of projects help us all to feel more connected and united as a community.”
“We are trying to build kindness in school and hoping it will go everywhere,” Hancock explained.
“Just looking at the wall and knowing each paper represents a single student being kind is really powerful,” Butler said. “Good things are happening at our schools each day.”
If a parent or family member knows of a Washougal student that would like to be involved in Prevention Club at the middle schools or the high school, they should contact wendy.butler@washougalsd.org (for the middle schools) and tamara.crites@washougalsd.org (for the high school). “Our program is growing, and we are looking for other like-minded students who want to promote healthy lifestyles and have fun while doing it,” said Butler.
