February is Kindness Month at Oak Ridge Elementary, and counselor Laura Hayward decided to form a Thank You Crew to help spread the kindness around. Hayward is focusing her guidance lessons on kindness and the power of words.  

This week was Random Acts of Kindness Week, where the students were challenged to do nice things for their friends and teachers. Throughout the entire month, Hayward gathered her students to form the Thank You Crew. The crew made Kindness Cards in art class for Oak Ridge staff members and took them around the campus to deliver them in person.  

The students made these Kindness cards as a show of their appreciation for the members of the Oak Ridge. Hayward and the students discussed what the recipient's contribution is to the Oak Ridge family. 

The goal of the Kindness Cards and Thank You Crew is to acknowledge Oak Ridge staff with words and actions. The students learn to lead with kindness and positive words make a difference. 

So far, the crew has surprised the Oak Ridge custodians, cafeteria crew, and the media specialist. They plan to surprise staff through the end of February and into the first week of March.   

Hayward said the whole campus is feeling the effects of the Kindness Cards stating, “kindness is contagious!”