Miss Mary's Holiday Message::"IT'S COOL TO BE KIND"

I thought I would share some of my experiences as a teacher with you this fine, beautiful Christmas morning. As many of you know I teach High School in the valley,(Language Arts, ESl and Career Development) One of my missions as an ESL teacher is to teach tolerance and kindness. Our school has been ridden with prejudice, hate crimes and let's face it, teenagers can be down right cruel to one another. As many people in this world hurt, they often hurt others. How do we break this cycle in our lives and in society, by being kind to one another. Love thy neighbor as thyself.
In school we are not allowed to say Christmas, only Happy Holidays!!Our school had a door decorating contest that was interesting. We had to come up with a theme for the holidays that dealt with respect,kindness, holidays etc (no religious connotations) So my seniors approached me with," Ms. Parady we are going to make you win this!!" Okay let's go! We looked up the Kindness Foundation and found quotes on kindness. We cut them up into small strips and used them as part of our door contest. The students gave the other students passing in the hall the kindness quotes. As viewers came by to see our door,( decorated with famous kindness quotes and a cut out of a snowman reaching out to two children all holding hands),we offered these quotes as gifts, "Take One". We had presents surrounding them and had a basket full of candy canes to share. On top of the presents was a battery operated flickering candle that changed colors, an angel reading a book and a sign that said "Harmony" in English and Chinese.
You should have seen the student's eyes and faces light up as they read the quotes.
Our kindness was noticed and we Won the Contest! I was given a $25 prize, which I plan on taking my students who decorated the door out to lunch in our Cafe 141. (which is exclusively for teachers, provided by our culinary school).

Kindness Pass It on! Kindness is not a weakness but a strength in this world.

"Compassion, Empathy" these are all things we need to teach our students and children. It is not being taught at home, where charity should begin. So, instead of kicking people when they are down, lift them up, see their goodness and light! and you will find yours!