Creating a Culture of Kindness

Creating a Culture of Kindness

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  Dedicated to OurChildren Creating a Culture of Kindness WELCOME: Come Take A Look at our story of Creating a Culture of Kindness at HCA; Our first place to look to create a culture of kindness to TURN TO JESUS. The life of Jesus presented many examples of kindness in action. It is our goal to teach His example and use the Gospel to transform the lives of our scholars to follow and imitate His life and His examples of kindness in our classrooms, on our playground, in our hallways, in our gym, and in our lunch room. The example of the media and the world is to fight bullying and control it, which is good, but replace it with what? We want our young people to turn from bullying, but turn to what? We have the life of Christ to turn to. We have the Word of God and the Holy Spirit. Our help, our peace, and our kindness comes from the Lord who made Heaven and Earth. As Christians we can teach our scholars to turn away from bullying – but we don’t stop there. We have a solution. We have direction. As Christians we have someone to turn to, a real and living example of kindness. We can teach our scholars to turn to Jesus. Building a Culture of Kindness We have created a Culture of Kindness. Our purpose for doing this has been two-fold: 1. Gospel Transformation, which results in thinking of others more highly than ourselves, and 2. Calm Focused Classrooms for our scholars ~Blessing in Christ Kathy Sievert Principal
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  The atmosphere atHCA is so different from all the schools I have known. There is a pervasive culture of peacefulness, respect, and kindness. ~ HCA Teacher Treating others with kindness and respect is something that I pray my kids will take with them as they become adults serving in God’s Kingdom. ~HCA Parent
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  We are intentionalabout building a Culture of Kindness. Our wonderful teachers have beautifully orchestrated an atmosphere where many children desire to be kind to one another. We have a Rock of Refuge on our playground, a Wall of Kindness, special Kindness Stickers, and a Lunch Bunch rotation; which is Special Reserved Seating for all our highly valued scholars (where many friendships have been formed!). In addition, each semester teachers nominate eight students to receive the Esther/Daniel Trophies. We want our scholars to become much more aware of their words and actions – and it’s working!
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  The Culture ofKindness at HCA provides our children with the opportunity to see the good in all students. It promotes a community of believers who seek to lift one another up. It encourages students to look for ways to show love, kindness, and respect to their neighbors. ~HCA Teacher Kindness Counts Stickers Kindness Counts T-shirt Philippians 2:3 “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit but in humility count others more significant than yourself.” #Kindness Counts…Love is Kind
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  Heritage’s Culture ofKindness Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way. -- 1 Corinthians 13:4 Dear Parents, Our teachers will continue to instruct our scholars about our Culture of Kindness. Our purpose for creating our Culture of Kindness is to focus on two goals: The Gospel Transformation of our scholars - to help them daily "count others more significant" as Philippians 2:3-4 says. It is important that all our scholars are committed to being respectful and kind to each other. We have a truly amazing opportunity to disciple our children in what it means to follow Christ on a daily basis as they interact in their classroom communities. Providing calm, focused classrooms that are Christ-centered, creating vibrant learning communities for every scholar and a nurturing atmosphere where academic excellence is achieved. Ask your scholar the following questions related to our Culture of Kindness. What does it mean to be committed to Christ? Galatians 2:20: “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. …with humility, count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” Philippians 2:3b-4 What is the Rock of Refuge on the playground all about? Psalm 71:3 “Be my rock of refuge, to which I can always go… for you are my rock and fortress.” What are the Daniel and Esther awards? Why do our teachers give out Kindness Counts stickers? How have you shown kindness to a schoolmate or a teacher during the school day? Blessings in Christ, Kathy Sievert Principal
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  Common Area Management Playground,Lunch Room, Indoor Recess, Gym Throughout the year both of our children have utilized the Rock of Refuge when they need a moment to pray and reflect on the playground. ~ HCA Parent The Rock of Refuge is a place where students can go and pray and reflect on their day. “Be my rock of refuge, to which I can always go…for you are my rock and fortress.” Psalm 71:3 I have noticed my son, a second grader, is aware of when his classmates and friends are on the Rock of Refuge needing love and support. ~ HCA Parent
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  Creating a Cultureof Kindness Lunch Bunch In the lunchroom, the students are excited when we tell them that there will be a new “Lunch Bunch” seating today – “Who will I get to sit by today?” As we all have room to grow in truly having a kind spirit, it is a blessing to do so with the help and direction of our Lord Jesus Christ. ~ HCA Teacher
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  On the Wallof Kindness, students can write acts of kindness they see through the school day. As a Christian school, we have the privilege of not only having an emphasis on kindness, as many schools do, but as kindness is a fruit of the spirit, we learn that God is the Author of kindness ~ it is only through Him that we can truly have a kind heart attitude. ~ HCA Teacher I’m so glad we get to go to HCA. The kids at church talk a lot about bullies at their school, but our school actually focuses on kindness! ~ HCA Student
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  Creating a Cultureof Kindness Calm Focused Classrooms Some of the ways in which we achieve academic excellence is by building strong foundations and ensuring consistency in our curriculum and having high student expectations. A positive learning environment is another critical component in our students strong academics. We strive for academic excellence in these ways: Focusing on Fundamentals – We value the importance of teaching the basics, which are building blocks for learning. Students enter education with individual strengths and weaknesses, and our role is to encourage and build areas of strength in each student. Consistency in Curriculum – We believe our curriculum is the basis for the highest quality instruction available. We choose it carefully and follow it consistently. Student Expectations – Our teachers expect each student to put forth his or her best effort. It takes discipline and training for students to continually do all things in a God- honoring way. Functioning in an Orderly Manner - Teachers provide a structured, calm atmosphere both in and out of the classroom in the context of a nurturing environment. Encouraging Mutual Respect – Students should respect teacher authority; likewise, teachers should treat students in an equally respectful manner. Student discipline issues are dealt with in a redemptive way with a view towards progress, not perfection.
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  Kindness Counts Do nothingfrom selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. – Philippians 2:3-4 1. Kindness: We think about others more than we think about ourselves. Colossians 3:12 Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience… Romans 12:10 Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. 2. Integrity: When nobody is watching we still do the right thing. Proverbs 10:9 Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but he who makes his ways crooked will be found out. Proverbs 2:7 he stores up sound wisdom for the upright; he is a shield to those who walk in integrity… 3. Gratitude: We look for what is good and we are quick to say thanks. Psalm 9:1 I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart; I will recount all of your wonderful deeds. 1 Chronicles 16:34 Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever! 4. Grit: We work hard and we try hard, even when it is difficult to reach our goals. Titus 2:7 Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity… 2 Chronicles 31:21 And every work that he undertook in the service of the house of God and in accordance with the law and the commandments, seeking his God, he did with all his heart, and prospered. 5. Collaboration: We work together to reach our goals. Romans 15:5-6 May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our lord Jesus Christ. ~Blessings in Christ, Kathy Sievert Principal
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  Daniel and EstherAwards Guidelines for the Daniel and Ether Awards -Reverence for God -Putting others first and thinking more highly of others than yourself -Treating others with noticeable thoughtfulness, compassion, and kindness -Willingness to assist and support others without expecting reward or recognition -Respect for authority -Respect for the rights and feelings of others in the classroom, lunchroom, and on the playground -Self-control in observing the rules of the classroom and the school -Conscientiousness and diligence in their studies Kindness Council Students who are awarded the Daniel and Esther Awards become a part of our Kindness Council.
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  Philippians 2:3 “Donothing from selfish ambition or conceit but in humility count others more significant than yourself.”