From kindergarten to fifth grade, students at Greenbrier Elementary School assemble in Kindness Circles for the first few minutes of class. The Kindness Circle is a place where they can share their feelings, discuss issues they are facing, learn how to solve conflicts, and offer a sincere apology to a classmate they have offended.
Kindness Circles are just one of the innovative tools used by teachers and staff at Greenbrier Elementary to connect with students, and for students to connect with each other. These efforts led to the school’s selection as a 2012 South Carolina School of Character, an award presented by the South Carolina Department of Education.
The School of Character awards program recognizes schools or districts that demonstrate outstanding school climate and academic performance. Greenbrier Elementary will advance to the national level competition as a state nominee for National School of Character.
"Greenbrier promotes character education because we believe character education promotes civility and leads to improved academic performance," said Principal Nicky Andrews. “By learning how to actively Take Time to Be Kind, or TTTBK, whether it is through good manners, random acts of kindness, or helping others when they are struggling, students gain an appreciation of others.”
TTTBK has become the school’s mantra. Every student knows what it means, and some classes have developed chants, music, and dances associated with kindness, such as "T-T-T-B - K…makes a great school day!"
Lydia Pettigrew, the school counselor and creator of TTTBK, encourages the entire student body to show they care. "They understand they can make someone’s day better with kind words, a genuine apology, and encourage each other to strive to do their best," she said. The school’s main hallway is painted with a huge Tree of Kindness that is adorned with leaves given and received by students and staff. Names can be added to leaves, which are then placed on the trees to acknowledge those who have exhibited these character traits. Signs located throughout the school ask questions like: Did You TTTBK Today? How Do You TTTBK? and TTTBK Feels Good!
Character education extends to all aspects of the students’ day. The school’s Kindness Patrols reinforce the importance of character traits at assemblies, class meetings, and on the morning news show. Teachers often infuse character education into daily lessons. For example, students have created cards for the elderly in nursing homes and for military men and women; and they have pledged to read 100 books to acquire book donations for disadvantaged children in the community.
The Kindness mission spreads beyond the classroom as well. Business partners host family-friendly events that allow families to come together for healthy dinners and to engage in fun activities that focus on positive connections. The School Improvement Council (SIC) sponsors Parent University sessions on relevant parenting topics including bullying, Internet safety, and positive discipline.
February 6, 2012
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