Three years ago, Wright City West Elementary began an initiative that has since gained statewide notoriety and interest.
At the inception of the school’s Kindness Club, the focus was on …
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Three years ago, Wright City West Elementary began an initiative that has since gained statewide notoriety and interest.
At the inception of the school’s Kindness Club, the focus was on improving culture within the school building, but the impact has reached far beyond those walls. The organization has grown to between 80 and 90 students, with seven teachers serving as sponsors.
“It’s led to a more positive climate and culture amongst the kids, staff and community,” said Principal Patrick Wallace. “It spreads the message that positive is the priority, and this is an intentional way to do that.”
Twice already this year, the club has been asked to share its concepts and growth with leaders around the state. In the fall, two teachers and three students attended a public school showcase to present about the Kindness Club in front of representatives of the Missouri School Board Association.
Most recently, students and sponsors visited the Capitol in Jefferson City on Feb. 10 to share with a broader group that included legislators and other decision makers.
“We had someone from MSBA reach out about an invite-only event,” said Wallace. “They invited us to come back and do a similar showcase where there were 14 districts represented.”
Students and sponsors presented information about the Kindness Club during a STEM-based meeting that also included initiatives about music, career education and other unique opportunities.
“Our goal is to broadcast all the good public schools are doing in Missouri,” said Wallace. “It’s going against common narrative that schools aren’t performing well, but that’s not true. Public schools do amazing things for kids, and this is just one example. Our hope is that other districts can be inspired by what is happening here and replicate things like the Kindness Club.”
The group meets every Friday morning for 30 to 45 minutes to work on projects to encourage kindness within the school. They’ve done caroling around Christmas time and placed secret bookmarks in library selections.
“I think it’s really helped reduced bullying and start the day on a really happy note,” said Wallace. “People look forward to coming in on Fridays, and it tends to carry throughout the other days.”
