Students and staff at Clark Davidson Elementary School (CDS) know the importance of practicing kindness and spreading positivity. Amy Driskill, School Counselor at CDS, has worked hard the past couple of years and launched a heartwarming initiative called "Kind Kid Call of the Day." This program recognizes students who exhibit acts of kindness and compassion, fostering a positive and supportive learning environment for all.
In late September, two CDS Third Graders, Austin Hunt and Taylor Winn, were both recognized as the “Kind Kid of the Day” for their proactive, positive attitudes and acts of kindness. “I was proud of myself when I found out that I was nominated to be a ‘Kind Kid’ and couldn’t wait to tell my friends and family,” said Winn. She expressed the significance of talking to others about your feelings, and helping those that need it. “It’s important to have friends on your side,” shared Hunt. After moving to Kansas from Florida, he said he knows what it feels like to sometimes be an outsider, and CDS helped change that perspective for him. “The people here stand up for others and help spread kindness, and that’s really important.”
"When I initially started Kind Kid Call of the Day, I wanted to recognize those students who do nice things for others," commented Driskill. "I wanted it to become something to incentivize students to begin looking for ways to help others." Students can be nominated for any kind of action that demonstrates kindness and courtesy, such as helping a friend, picking up trash, assisting a teacher, or cleaning up a spill. “Kind Kids” can be nominated by any member of staff that notices them going above and beyond for their peers. “This program helps show the kids how to be good people, by being kind to others,” shared Driskill. “I hope that it shows them how to help others cope with bad days, and that it’s something they’ll continue to use throughout their lives.”
Driskill is supported in this initiative by Dana Koehn, the CDS Librarian, whose 20 years of experience in education plays a crucial role in making the "Kind Kid Call of the Day" a success. “I love interacting with students in all grades, helping them develop and foster a love for reading,” commented Koehn on her library webpage. She prepares video announcements for CDS throughout the school year, adding a special touch to the recognition. "Dana is awesome!" said Driskill. "She helps us by videotaping our daily ‘Kind Kid’ and is just so creative and does a great job with it." Koehn's talent and dedication contribute significantly to the program's effectiveness.
Through the "Kind Kid Call of the Day," Amy Driskill and Dana Koehn are creating a culture of kindness and compassion at Clark Davidson Elementary School. “I want to be a person that the students can come to, a place of safety and care,” said Driskill. “This helps them strive to be better together, and helps us continue to develop our culture of positive growth.” By recognizing and celebrating students' acts of kindness, they are inspiring others to follow suit and make a beneficial impact on their school community.