#United States #National Heritage Academies #Kindness Campaign #Belleville #Anti-Bullying

National Heritage Academies Champion Kindness in Schools

October marks National Bullying Prevention Month, and this year, schools within the National Heritage Academies (NHA) network are taking significant steps to cultivate respect, compassion, and a culture that stands against bullying. The initiative is particularly evident at Keystone Academy in Belleville, Michigan, where an engaging anti-bullying campaign is underway.

A Collaborative Effort Against Bullying

Kindergarten Teacher Jessica Walczak and Fifth-grade Teacher Aimee Lowe have spearheaded the campaign this year, aiming to involve everyone in the school community in the fight against bullying. Walczak draws from her own experiences with bullying as a child and underscores the importance of breaking the cycle of hurt through education and empathy. She states, "I want to do everything I can to help our current youth be able to work through problems and be the bigger person, so bullying doesn't continue happening."

Keystone Academy has designed various activities that not only engage students but also promote the principles of kindness and respect. One standout activity is "The Game of Kindness," a specially created board game that allows students to address bullying scenarios in a supportive group setting. The game encourages discussion and collaboration, allowing students to think critically about their responses to potential bullying situations.

Engaging Activities Foster a Positive Environment

Throughout October, students participated in multiple bingo games, completing tasks that fostered encouragement and kindness among peers. This not only made the learning process enjoyable but also worked hand in hand with the NHA’s Moral Focus™ curriculum, where each month emphasizes a different virtue—October’s virtue being respect. According to Walczak, families appreciate this integrated approach to education. "Our families come to us for a reason. They like Moral Focus™. They like that we're working on the whole person. Yes, academics are vital, but compassion is key too."

The campaign also addresses the relevance of bullying in the digital space. Both teachers are guiding students on how to practice kindness and safety online as part of the anti-bullying measures. As online bullying becomes increasingly prevalent, equipping students with the knowledge to navigate such challenges is more critical than ever.

A Lasting Impact Beyond October

As part of the ongoing goal to foster a positive environment, Walczak and Lowe's initiatives are not merely month-long projects. The hope is to instill a long-lasting mindset change in students that encourages kindness, empathy, and proactive engagement in their communities. "We want to keep building a positive mindset. We try to help them look at how to keep going and be positive," says Walczak. "It’s about providing them with tools to navigate the world kindly."

Keystone Academy's efforts exemplify the broader mission of NHA, which operates 103 public charter schools across nine states, dedicated to character growth and academic excellence in over 68,000 students. Their initiatives show that teaching compassion and respect can significantly impact students' lives today and in the future.

To find more about how NHA is implementing character education, you can visit NHA Schools.