Kindness becomes epidemic at Eisenhower
by Sue Austreng
Staff writer
With effervescent energy and carefree enthusiasm, fourth-graders burst the bully bubble Feb. 10, breaking down barriers and discovering classmates’ unparalleled merits when the Youth Frontiers Kindness Retreat was staged at Eisenhower Elementary School, Coon Rapids.
Looking to beat the standard “high 5,” Eli Hodges and Michael Arellano attempt a “high 15” as they break the ice with their fourth-grade classmates. Photo by Sue Austreng
The nine- and 10-year-olds celebrated each other’s attributes and got a chance to “really be real with each other,” said Sue Wasilk, Eisenhower’s student services advocate.
“This provides an awesome experience for our kids. With so many different schools blending together this year (due to school closures), this gives them a chance to really get to know each other.”
For more than 25 years, Youth Frontiers, a non-profit, non-partisan organization, has been transforming the day-to-day experience in schools across America.
That mission is accomplished when Youth Frontiers facilitators provide dynamic and meaningful programs designed to create a more positive school community.
The Kindness Retreat helps build a more caring school community by engaging students in activities that demonstrate the painful effects of bullying and emphasizes the value of kindness.
Eisenhower kids experienced the positive effect of the “kindness boomerang” during a high-energy day with classmates.
Students learn that, like the golden rule, if they want to catch kindness, they’ve got to throw the kindness boomerang out there.
The Kindness Retreat also teaches students how to be a hero by treating others with kindness and challenges them to reduce bullying in their school.
“We show them how they can be real-life heroes for each other. They don’t have to be super heroes in order to be heroes, just help someone… that makes you a hero,” said Jean Culp, one of three Youth Frontiers facilitators who orchestrated Eisenhower’s Kindness Retreat.
The Feb. 10 Kindness Retreat was the second of its kind this school year at Eisenhower; the first took place Jan. 20 for the school’s fifth-graders.
Both of Eisenhower’s retreats were presented when peer mediators from Andover High School partnered with Youth Frontiers facilitators to stage the event.
And so, with movement and dance, with games and child’s play, with role play and music, with large group presentations and small group activities, fourth- and fifth-graders learned to celebrate the unique tapestry that is Eisenhower Elementary School.
“This is just such a worthwhile experience for the kids and for the staff,” said Wasilk.
“You really see the small group stuff spreading out into the large group, into the whole school.”
“You see kids apologizing for unkind words or behavior.
“You see kids thanking each other for nice things that someone does. It really is an awesome experience.”
Sue Austreng is at sue.austreng@ecm-inc.com
