Goal of Lakewood’s new Kindness Project is to make students feel safe, accepted, included

April 26, 2018 AAPS News Editor Elementary News, Features, Latest news, Videos & slide shows

Story, video and photos by Jo Mathis/AAPS District News Editor

Third, fourth and fifth graders at Lakewood Elementary are learning new ways to be kind to each other and to their community thanks to a parent volunteer.

Lindsay Balazer, who is also the school’s PTSO president, formed and oversees “Lakewood Cares,”  a group of students in grades 3-5 that is leading the charge of helping all students begin to think about others and how they can make a difference in their school, community, and the world.

The goal of the group, which formed in January, is to start small, with hopes that acts of kindness will spread far beyond the school sidewalks now decorated with reminders to be good to each other.

“Through Lakewood Cares, we’ve been talking a lot about kindness, and the kids felt they had something to share with their peers about being kind,” said Balazer, noting the various projects coming up in the Kindness Project, including a Compliment Week, Gratitude Week and Appreciation Week.

Principal Eddie Latour says Balazer’s drive and commitment to the Lakewood community, the Lakewood Cares group and their Kindness Project are invaluable.

“Social and emotional learning is an important part of the AAPS curriculum,” says Latour. “In fact, it might be the most important, as we know students’ academic success is directly related their sense of safety and belonging.  Providing tools, ideas and projects, Lakewood Cares hopes that the Kindness Project will transform our school’s community, making students feel safe, accepted and part of Lakewood.”

 

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