Bright, colorful posters decorate the halls of Day Creek Intermediate School. The walkways are swimming with colorful costumes, all thanks to the Great Kindness Challenge. This event was held from January 28-31. 

“We wanted to participate (in the Great Kindness Challenge) because it is really important to be intentional with kindness. This is really an important week to emphasize the importance of being kind to one another,” said DCIS assistant principal, Mrs. Tarasi. 

Every year, administrators and teachers in the Etiwanda School District hold multiple events to promote positivity on their campuses. On Tuesday, January 28th, students at Day Creek were encouraged to wear sports attire. On Wednesday, kids wore superhero gear. On Thursday, beachwear. And on Friday, administrators held Decades Day. Each of these themes had different meanings pertaining to kindness. On top of that, kids were challenged to do one kind deed every day, and students read kindness-focused quotes over the morning announcements. 

However, students agree that different forms of negativity are still regular occurrences, despite the staff’s attempts at eliminating unkindness. 

“Some people won’t accept the challenge, even if it is promoted. [Administrators] may be recommending it, but not a lot of people try it,” said 6th grader Madelyn H. 

“Sadly, negativity still happens,” 7th grader Julianne C. added.

Some students only participate to get the candy given out by leadership or for the fun of dressing up. After the week ends, there are those who act as if the Great Kindness Challenge never really took place.

“No-one ever really changes (because of Kindness Week). People still bully each other, and they just want the candy (that Leadership gives out),” 7th grader Danica V. said.

Still, kindness remains an important factor in everyone’s lives. Just one comment can make someone’s day. It brings people up, where criticism or disrespect is pretty discouraging. 

Day Creek students need to embrace the idea that negativity affects everyone. One negative comment can put a kid down in the dumps for the rest of the school day. And when someone’s down, they may repeat the favor by lashing out at others, creating a negative chain reaction. 

“(Negativity) makes you feel not loved. (When it happens, that feeling) lasts the rest of the day,” 7th grader Jaycob R. said. 

Administrators who have proposed the “Kindness Challenge” have to understand that it may not be as effective as they would hope. While it is a good start toward increasing kindness, there is much more that needs to be done. Perhaps there are ideas that would lead to an ongoing solution that could help students spread positivity throughout Day Creek and end those negative chain reactions before they even start. 

Email your solutions for how to more effectively spread kindness to [email protected].