The Phillie Phanatic surprised 475 students and staff at Twin Valley Elementary Center to celebrate the end of TVEC’s participation in the Great Kindness Challenge on Jan. 29.
His appearance capped off a week-long theme of kindness activities, including a door decorating contest, notes of cheer and thanks to soldiers serving our country, donating canned goods to help the Honey Brook Food Pantry, and donating Coins for Malawi to help needy children in Malawi, Africa.
Students and staff, all sporting Twin Valley Raider green shirts that read “#kindnessmatters @TVEC”, gathered for an assembly, which featured 2nd graders singing a song, select 3rd graders reciting a kindness poem, and kindergarteners displaying a kindness banner with hearts.
Everyone’s favorite mascot, the Phillie Phanatic, hid backstage and poked his head out to the squeals and screams of the students – a giant dance party ensued. The Phanatic danced his way through the crowd with students and teachers, high-fived and hugged his way across the gym.
“This free program teaches so much value to students of all ages; in fact, the adults as well. In addition to the random acts of kindness, participants actively seek out purposeful acts of kindness. We hope their efforts have an enduring effect,” said Craig Sell, TVEC Principal.
“We’re so pleased that TVEC participated in this amazing program,” said Kimberly Polonsky, TVEC’s School Counselor. “Acts of Kindness can take so many forms, from making a new friend, to thanking a bus driver, to being kind to yourself and making healthy choices, to helping a neighbor shovel the driveway. The week was so exciting, and actually became quite contagious. Kindness catches on!”
The Great Kindness Challenge School edition was created by Kids for Peace to provide schools a tool for creating a positive school environment. In 2013, more than 5 million acts of kindness nationwide were performed.
Visit www.greatkindnesschallenge.com for more information.