See Someone Being Kind? Share it!

Make our world a better place. Take care of your classmates and our school. When you see someone else being kind, share it. The tree in the hallway is bare. Fill it with leaves (Post it Notes). Share all the acts of kindness that you see in the hallway at SC.

Here are some ways you can be kind:

1. Ask “How may I help you?”
2. Listen to someone carefully and without interrupting.
3. Say “I’m sorry.”
4. Be polite.
5. Say ‘Please’ and ‘Thank you.’
6. Offer to carry a person’s book bag.
7. Buy a box of cookies and offer them around to strangers.
8. Buy someone a gift from the dollar store
9. Offer your seat in the cafeteria.
10. Ask someone to sit by you in the cafeteria that you haven't sat with before.
11. Write someone a letter or note.
12. Invite someone to play at recess.
13. Smile.
14. Give someone a handwritten card.
15. Pick up some trash.
16. Return a misplaced or lost item.
17. Tell someone about the best part of the day you just spent with them.
18. Keep that sigh to yourself.
19. Use a kind voice even if you have to fake it.
20. Listen for the feelings behind the words.
21. Buy a stranger an extra at lunch.
22. Let someone go first through a door.
23. Hold a door open for someone.
24. Respect someone’s wishes.
25. Write Post-It notes with encouraging messages and leave them in someone's tub or bookbag.
26. Write a thank you note.
27. Let people through in hallway traffic.
28. Thank someone when they let you pass in the hallway.
29. Use a compost bin and recycle as much as possible.
30. Acknowledge someone else’s kindness to you.
31. Tell someone how wonderful they are.
32. Tell someone how happy you are to have them in your life.
33. Pay a compliment.
34. Volunteer.
35. Write a notes and put it in someone's lunchbox.
36. Share your knowledge with someone who needs it.
37. Help someone with their homework.
38. Help someone that is confused in class.
39. Welcome new people to the school.
40. Donate your “read” books to the library.
41. Express your empathy.
42. Smile at every stranger in the hallway.
43. Be patient when you want to yell.
44. Point out when someone’s shoe is untied or their backpack zipper is open
45. Greet your neighbours when you see them
46. Say hello to a classmate you don’t normally talk to
47. Invite a schoolmate sitting on their own to join in your game
48. Say something nice about someone, just because
49. Smile at everyone
50. Eat lunch at a different table with people you don't know that well
51. Sit with someone eating alone at lunch
52. Count to 10 in your head to avoid yelling at someone when you get angry
53. Give positive feedback in class when someone is making a presentation or answers a question
54. Smile more often.
55. Talk to someone that is shy.
56. Stop complaining for a week.
57. Listen to someone that has a problem.
58. Compliment someone you don't know in the hallway.
59. Hold your tongue and don't say something mean
60. When you hear someone starting drama just walk away.
61. Compliment someone in front of others.

Image from St. Patrick Parish News

Hey Guys, Which Half are You In?

I watched as each row was dismissed.  After a few minutes, I decided it was about 50/50.  I didn't see a pattern based on age, dress, or companions.  About half of the time once a man exited his row, he stepped back and let his wife, daughter, girlfriend, and/or mother go in front of him.  The other half, he walked out in the order he left the pew.

This scene took place at a wedding I attended over Christmas break.  I am not even sure what made me notice, other than we were one of the last rows to be released by the ushers so we watched a lot of people exit.  

The guy in front of me walked out with his wife trailing about three feet behind, and he never even looked back.  You could tell that was what they were used to.  As I watched them, it bothered me a little.

So guys, which half are you in?  Do you treat ladies with respect?  What about classmates?  Do you let the door slam in the face of the person behind you?  Or do you stop and hold the door?  Do you let a girl go in front of you?  Is that uncool?  Or do you show kindness and respect to classmates?

And what about you girls?  Do you say thank you when someone shows good manners and treats you with respect?  Or is that just too old fashioned?  When someone extends an act of kindness how do you respond?  

Do manners go out of style?  Do you talk the talk, or walk the walk?  How many times a day do you say thank you?  Are good manners important when you are twelve years old?  Is it just part of being a caring and considerate person?  Or is it just something that doesn't matter until you are an adult?

Image from http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2011-05-31/lifestyle/sc-fam-0531-parenthood-manners-20110531_1_modern-lesson-door-slam-ladies

The Old Man with the Cane

I was standing at the cash register at the Village Cafe as an old man with a cane slowly walked up to the front door.  Just as he started in, a young woman started out.  They saw each other at the same time and both quickly stopped.  The young woman backed up, and motioned for him to come in.  

Although it was a struggle for him, the old man's response was immediate.  He eased backwards, held the door, and told the young woman to come through.  His response was one built through a lifetime of good manners and showing respect.  

To some, in today's world, his actions may be considered old fashioned.  Some might even suggest he needs to get with the times--women are equal to men.  To those of us with older parents and/or grandparents, we might think he needs to be a little willing to accept help.

But to this old man, his response was the only one possible.  He did what was right.  And he did it because he always treats people with respect.  In just a few seconds, his actions showed the kind of person he is.  He didn't think about it.  He acted the way he always does.

What about you Salt Creek students?  Do you do what is right?  In your new school, with new classmates, do you treat others with respect?  Do you think of others first?  Or are you thinking just of yourself?  

As the new school year starts, please take a minute and think about yourself.  What kind of person do you want to be?  Is that how people see you?  Why or why not?

Image from http://alwaysonwatch2.blogspot.com/2010_08_01_archive.html