During the week of November 13th, Schafer Elementary students joined together for a schoolwide celebration of World Kindness Day. Art Teacher Mrs. Mascheri, Music Teacher Ms. Holman, Physical Education Teacher Mrs. Dipietra, and Library Specialist Mrs. Bay and Library Teacher Ms. Zafer partnered with STARS Social Worker Angela Voss and STARS school psychologist Karen Crowley to create a powerful, hands-on kindness workshop for every grade level. The team worked together to transform their classrooms into spaces of empathy, reflection, and community.
Each grade level began the workshop by gathering as one large group. Students listened to the picture book We’re All Wonders, a story that encourages readers to notice and appreciate the uniqueness in everyone. After the read-aloud, students discussed the many ways Schafer Elementary works to be an accepting and inclusive community. Teachers and students shared examples of everyday kindness, highlighting how differences make the school stronger.
Following the group discussion, students participated in a series of breakout sessions designed to help them “step into someone else’s shoes.” These activities offered students a small glimpse into the experiences of individuals who face physical, sensory, or learning challenges. Through simulation activities and guided reflection, students practiced empathy by noticing what felt frustrating, what felt surprising, and how they might support a peer who navigates the world differently. Adam, a fourth grader, noted that the activities helped him understand the perspective of a peer who might have a disability, showing the deep impact of the experience.
In another breakout group, students had the opportunity to reflect on the qualities that make each of them unique. Specials teachers were inspired by how openly and proudly students shared their differences. Students share that they came from different places around the world, speak different languages, have siblings with special needs and more.
The World Kindness Day workshops brought the entire Schafer community together in a meaningful way. By fostering understanding, celebrating diversity, and encouraging students to look beyond themselves, Schafer Elementary continues to build a culture where kindness is a choice students make every day.
The hope moving forward is clear: that students will keep showing compassion, empathy, and acceptance—especially toward peers who may be a little different.
