Elementary Compassion Club Curriculum by Brittni Schroeder Photography

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H O W T O S TA R T A C L U B

Welcome! Dear Friends, Welcome to The Compassion Club! We are honored to have you join us in this powerful movement. The following curriculum contains ideas, stories, and activities to guide and enrich your Compassion Club chapter. In addition to what you find here, we encourage you to share personal storiesâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;your own or from the kids in the club. Sharing personal experiences fosters connection and trust, deepening the experience and opening participants up to more empathy and compassion! Remember that the curriculum is a detailed guide, to be used as a starting place from which you can expand your content. Because each Compassion Club chapter is unique, we encourage innovation and flexibility. Please feel free to customize the activities to your particular school and/or community. Compassion Clubs thrive when kids truly become involved. Giving participants authentic leadership roles and responsibilities, as well as asking for their input and ideas will help them to feel invested and create a feeling of ownership that will enhance their experience. Please reach out to us with any questions. We love to hear your success stories, too! Sincerely,

Brittni Schroeder Compassion Club Founder (517) 230-0547 hello@showcompassion.org

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Table of Contents INTRODUCTION

HOW TO START A CLUB

SC HOL ARSHIPS

DISABILITIES

LESSONS

COMPASSION

KINDNESS

FRIENDLINESS

ENCOURAGEMENT

C HARIT Y

GRATITUDE

FORGIVENESS

APPRECIATION

RESPECT

SERVICE

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Table of Contents INTEGRIT Y

COURAGE

ADDITIONAL BOOKS

ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES

FORMS

FUNDRAISING IDEAS

LOCAL BUSINESSES THAT DONATE

HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES

NATIONAL DAYS

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INTRODUCTION

My husband and I both played sports in high school, and I imagined our children having the same love and passion for sports. But as they got older, I found my desires for them shifting toward education. I aspired for them to be doctors, lawyers, and CEO’s. I viewed their education as the keystone to their success. Time continued, and I realized that, once again, my goals and dreams for them had shifted. I loved watching them participate in sports and other activities, and was beyond proud as they excelled in academics, but I found myself wanting something more— something deeper—for my most precious people. What I truly wanted was for my children to be good, kind, and caring. I wanted them to have an understanding and compassion for those around them—to love hard and care deeply for the people they associated with. I tried my best to instill these values in my children and often wondered how they treated others when I wasn’t around. Then, on May 18, 2017, my beautiful, vibrant, free-spirited son, Gage, passed away. He was just 14 years old. My whole world seemed to crumble. I was broken and shattered. Soon after, messages from friends, neighbors, and complete strangers started to flood in by the hundreds.

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The messages were filled with interactions they had had with Gage. Each message expressed love and gratitude for the kindness and compassion he had shown. I was so proud of the person my son had become. Within hours of his passing, my house was filled with people who loved and cared for me and my family. Cards, gifts, text messages, food, phone calls, and visitors came nonstop. The compassion that was shown lifted me up when I could not stand. It has healed me. It has brought joy back into my life. It has comforted and inspired me. It has made me want to be a better person. It wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t too long ago when I was in school. I remember experiencing and being a witness to unkind words, thoughtless gestures, and feelings of inadequacy. But I also remember the importance of kindness and compassion. I know that it goes full circle. When we show compassion to others, it comes back to us tenfold. The most beautiful thing I have ever seen is a compassionate human being. This is my story, and this is why I want you to join me in the The Compassion Club.

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HOW TO S TAR T A CLUB

H O W T O S TA R T A C L U B

Join Us: Compassion Club Welcome to The Compassion Club! We are grateful you’re interested in bringing more acts of kindness and compassion to your community! Below we’ve detailed how to get started, what you need and how to most successfully organize The Compassion Club. Each school and organization is different and will have a diverse group of kids. This curriculum is designed to give you an outline and inspire ideas. You will have the freedom to design your own club, using your own stories and adapting to the needs of the members of your club. G E T T I N G S TA R T E D YOU’LL NEED: • Approval from your school or organization to start The Compassion Club • At least 5 student members • One or more facility sponsor, PTO or parent volunteer to oversee group and host meetings • The Compassion Club Curriculum (purchased online)

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H O W T O S TA R T A C L U B

H O W T O R U N T H E C O M PA S S I O N C L U B 1. The Compassion Club curriculum shares uplifting messages to inspire living a more compassionate life. Compassionate messages are broken up into different values, and include a quote, a short message, and suggested activities that go with each value. â&#x20AC;¨ 2. Meet at least once monthly. Your group may choose to meet more frequently. Follow the Compassion Club Curriculum and choose one of the values to focus on for that month. After welcoming members, share the value message and quote. Plan at least one monthly compassionate activity. You may find it helpful to plan the details of the activity at one meeting, then meet again to do the activity. 3. Remember to focus on small simple acts of kindness. Daily acts of kindness and generosity can help others feel recognized and appreciated. You may choose to plan large service projects, but remember to think of simple daily choices that end up having a lasting influence. 4. The goal is to let the club be run and organized by the youth. In order to get young people involved, you may choose to form a Compassion Club Committee or a Leadership Team. 5. Some Elementary schools choose to implement this program monthly in every classroom. PTA/PTO ask for parent volunteers in their childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s classroom once a month.

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H O W T O S TA R T A C L U B

T H A N K YO U F O R J O I N I N G U S We are so grateful you want to make a positive impact in your school and community! We look forward to seeing your posts, hashtags, and emails. Together we will see how small and simple acts of compassion make a big difference. If you have any questions, ideas or comments, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d love to hear from you. Email: hello@showcompassion.org Website: www.showcompassion.org Instagram: @compassion_club #thecompassionclub Facebook: facebook.com/showcompassion.org

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H O W T O S TA R T A C L U B

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Remind: School Communicationâ&#x20AC;? is a great way to communicate with a large group of kids and parents. You are able to send messages and communicate with individuals within the group. You can send pictures, attach files and send short video clips. Once the App is downloaded you can print instructions and handout to kids to sign up or give to their parents to sign up on their phones.

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SC HOL ARSHIPS

SCHOLARSHIP

Scholarship Opportunities Thank you for being part of the Compassion Club! We are honored by your interest and participation. Part of our ongoing mission includes the annual awarding of several $500-$1000 individual scholarships. Sponsor teachers, parents, coaches, and fellow club members are encouraged to nominate students for awards. In some cases, students may apply directly. Student club members will make up the majority of recipients. Below is a list of scholarship opportunities: T H E G A G E S C H R O E D E R C O U R A G E AWA R D Awarded to an athlete or other contest participant, regardless of ability, who shows distinct sportsmanship: fairness, respect, and graciousness in their treatment of others. By nomination only. C O M PA S S I O N A T E A T H L E T I C S C H O L A R S H I P Awarded to athletes who show a resilience of character through personal and/or physical hardship. Recipient need not belong to the Compassion Club. By coach nomination only. COLLEGE/ TRADE SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIPS For college or trade-school-bound Compassion Club members who demonstrate exemplary kindness and proactive participation in club projects and activities. By nomination or direct application.

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SCHOLARSHIP

Scholarship Opportunities C O M PA S S I O N A T E E N T R E P R E N E U R S H I P G R A N T Student club members may submit a detailed grant proposal to fund a project of their own design, aimed at the practical application of compassion in the community. By direct application only.

Apply online at www.showcompassion.org or email nominations, applications, and questions to hello@showcompassion.org *The number of scholarships is subject to funding.

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DISABILITIES

STATEMENT OF INCLUSION The Compassion Club respects and celebrates the unique attributes and perspectives that make each person who they are. We welcome every student who is interested in participating, regardless of ability or background. The Compassion Club strives to establish and maintain an inclusive culture, and believes that broad representation and participation enriches each club’s outreach and impact on the community. Compassion Clubs that have included differently-abled students have seen great success. Some suggestions: 1. Give disabled students valued & useful roles within the club. This can help foster respect from the group. 2. Utilize peer support. Pairing up creative and mature non-disabled students with disabled students can foster communication, understanding, and friendship. 3. Adapt activities where needed. The suggested activities in the curriculum aren't one-size-fits-all. Remember to consider the capabilities of your particular club body and adjust accordingly.

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DISABILITIES

INCLUSION STORY: A sixth-grade teacher received a new student who was in a wheelchair that was motorized, and the student could not use his arms. He wrote by holding a pencil in his mouth. It turns out that the student had amazing penmanship. The teacher could see that this student was an outsider, big time. He was new to the school, new to the class, new to the district, had multiple disabilities, and was in 6thÂ grade, which can be a very difficult time for making new friends. Instead of just leaving the situation alone or wishing it were different, the teacher got to know the new student. After a few days, she asked him if he would be willing to explain to the class how he could write by holding the pencil in his mouth and if he would be willing to teach the other students and allow them to try. To her delight, he agreed enthusiastically. So the student created an entire lesson about writing with your mouth. It turns out that the same two things that matter when you are holding a pencil in your hands are the same two things that matter when you are holding a pencil in your mouth: grip and pressure. The students spent a significant amount of time trying to write with their mouths and seeing his amazing penmanship was mind-blowing to these kids. After that one 30-minute lesson, that student was forever a part of that class community. He was suddenly an expert at something very difficult. He was given status and seen in a whole new way. He was no longer perceived as broken. He was cool! The teacher was not trained in being inclusive. She did not have a sibling or relative with a disability. She didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t even go to the web and ask a question. She was merely an open-minded, open-hearted person who wanted desperately to find a way to have this new student become a part of the

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DISABILITIES

class community. She found it. In fact, the lesson was so successful that when it came time for a group project the next week and someone needed to make a game board, the student with the disability was asked to make it for his group! He was delighted to do it. His group decided he was the best at art in his group. Incredible! Inclusion really does make us all better.

From an interview with Beth Foraker of the National Catholic Board on Full Inclusion

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DISABILITIES

DISABILITY AWARENESS *Warning! It is illegal to give out any information about a student without written permission from his/her parents.

AUTISM Autism is a developmental disability that usually appears during the first three years of life. The cause is unknown. It affects how a person’s brain works, but not all people with autism are affected the same way. When a person has autism, they may have problems:

•letting you know what they want •thinking •understanding what other people say or want •ignoring sounds •ignoring things or people that are moving; •ignoring lights •being touched •understanding social rules •showing affection •controlling their feelings •knowing how to play with other kids •dealing with changes. Autism is a “spectrum disorder.” That means that not everyone with autism has all the problems. One person may have three of the problems listed while another person has only one. Some people with autism struggle to learn. Other people with autism are very smart and can do complicated math when they are 3 years old. Some people with autism have trouble being touched while others like to hug. Many people with autism like to do things in the same order all the time and have things arranged the same way. This helps them stay calm. Other people with autism have a very hard time ignoring noises, especially

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DISABILITIES

if they are upset or in a new situation. They may try to calm themselves by rocking, moaning, talking loudly or even screaming. The moaning, talking or screaming helps them drown out the other noises so they can calm down. They may also try to go under a desk or in a small, dark place where they feel safer. COMMUNICATION DISORDERS Communication disorders are disabilities that keep a person from being able to speak or make their speech understood. This can be caused by many different disabilities or injuries. Some people with difficulty speaking may use sign language, gestures or small pictures they carry with them.

HEARING IMPAIRMENTS Hearing impairments include everything from not being able to hear certain sounds to being totally deaf. In most cases, a hearing loss doesn’t simply mean that sounds are not loud enough. It usually means that sounds are garbled or unclear. A hearing aid may make speech louder, but usually will not make speech clearer.

LEARNING DISABILITIES There are many different kinds of learning disabilities and they can range from mild to severe problems. An example of a learning disability is Dyslexia. Dyslexia can cause a person to see letters switched around when they read (seeing “bule” instead of “blue”, for example).

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DISABILITIES

INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY When a person has intellectual disability, it means that they learn slower. Because they learn more slowly, they don’t learn as much as other people might. There are over 200 known causes for intellectual disability. About one-third of the time, no one knows what caused it. Not everyone with intellectual disability is alike. One person can have mild problems while another may have severe problems. A person with intellectual disability may: • have difficulty understanding what other people say or mean •may have difficulty saying what they mean or how they feel •understanding social cues (for example, if you turn away they may not know this means you don’t want to talk to them) • have difficulty learning and concentrating • have to do things many more times than average before they learn it • act younger than their age • not understand when someone is making fun of them • may find it hard to read or write • may not understand when someone tells them to do something wrong

PHYSICAL DISABILITIES There are a large variety of different physical disabilities, all of which can range from a mild problem to complete immobility. Many people will have more than one disability, such as not being able to use their legs or hands.

VISION IMPAIRMENTS Vision impairments include things like being short-sighted or far-sighted that are correctable with glasses. It can also mean more serious problems like blindness or problems that are only helped a little by glasses.

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DISABILITIES

BOOKS WITH DISABILITIES

Uniquely Wired: A Story About Autism and Its Gifts tells us about Zak, a boy with autism. As Zak describes his point of view, young readers gain a better understanding of his behaviors and learn valuable lessons about patience, tolerance and understanding. Who Are You?: Ella The Enchanted Princess is a story about a young princess named Ella who was different from other princesses, she has no hair. Join along this sweet story about this adorable princess! The Invisible Boy is a gentle story that shows how small acts of kindness can help children feel included and allow them to flourish. Any parent, teacher, or counselor looking for material that sensitively addresses the needs of quieter children will find this book a valuable and important resource. Why Am I Me? is a lovely book celebrating humanity and diversity, inviting readers of all ages to imagine a world where there no you or me, only we. A Friend Like Simon is a special educational book to help introduce children to autism. The Girl Who Thought in Pictures: The Story of Dr. Temple Grandin is a book about the inspirational lives of amazing scientists I See Things Differently: A First Look at Autism will help children to understand what autism is and how it affects those who have it.

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DISABILITIES

Emmanuels’ Dream is the inspiring true story of Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah, born in Ghana, West Africa, with one deformed leg. He was dismissed by most people—but not by his mother, who taught him to reach for his dreams. All My Stripes: A Story for Children with Autism is an encouraging story about being different from your peers, a mother who guides sweet Zane the zebra to help him understand that differences are only one of the many qualities that make him special. Where Oliver Fits is a sweet and funny story that explores all the highs and lows of learning to be yourself and helps to show children that fitting in may not always be the best fit. The Friendship Puzzle: Helping Kids Learn About Accepting and Including Kids with Autism is a lively and upbeat book that sends and encouraging message about the importance of friendship and inclusion. Howie Helps Himself is about Howie, a child with cerebral palsy. Though he enjoys life, he wants nothing more than anything else… and to be able to move his wheelchair by himself. Understanding Sam and Asperger Syndrome is a heart warming story that tells the challenges of living with Asperger Syndrome. Waiting For Benjamin: A Story about Autism is a story about a boy named Benjamin and how his family learns that he has autism. When they learn this, they hire special teachers to teach him how to listen and talk and play.

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DISABILITIES

Don’t Call Me Special explores questions and concerns about physical disabilities in a simple and reassuring way. Younger children can find out about individual disabilities, special equipment that is available to help the disabled, and how people of all ages can deal with disabilities and live happy and full lives. Ian’s Walk: A Story about Autism is a sweet read about a sister who takes a walk with her brother who has autism and how he sees the world different than she does. I’m Here reminds us that children and the friendships they make can take flight in unexpected ways! A Rainbow of Friends is a story in verse about how all friends are special and valuable regardless of differences or difficulties It’s Okay to Be Different targets young children first beginning to read. This book will inspire kids to celebrate their individuality through acceptance of others and self-confidence–and it’s never to early to develop a healthy self-esteem. A Different Little Doggy is a heart warming story that teaches kids important lessons about acceptance and friendship through it’s beautiful and colorful illustrations and rhyming story line. Thank You, Mr. Falker is about a girl named Trisha who realizes that the letters get jumbled when she tries to read! Her teacher, Mr. Falker sees this and helps her prove to herself that she can read and will! Sara’s Secret tells the story about Sara, who has a secret. Her younger brother has cerebral palsy.

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DISABILITIES

Keep Your Ear on the Ball is a sweet story about a blind boy named Davey who tries to play kickball! Sure, he misses and tramples a base keeper at first and everyone thinks he should not play, but maybe there is a solution that will work for everybody! Lemon the Duck is a story about a duck that was born with Neurological issues and is taken care of by a classroom of students. They learn through caring for Lemon the duck about acceptance, love, and how extra special care can go a long way! The Pirate of Kindergarten shares the story of Ginny, a kinder girl who sees doubles of everything. With the help of her pirate patch, Ginny can read, run, and even snip her scissors with double the speed! The Black Book of Colors is an extraordinary book giving young readers the ability to experience the world in new ways. It includes Braille letters to accompany the illustrations and a full Braille alphabet to offer sighted readers help reading along with their fingers! Spaghetti Is Not a Finger Food is a heartwarming and charming book about (and told from the point of view of) a child with Asperger Syndrome. Moses Goes to a Concert introduces hearing children to the ASL signs for some of the key words and ideas, in this story about Moses and his friends, who are deaf and use American Sign Language to communicate. Leahâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Voice tells the story of two sisters facing the challenges and difficulties children encounter when they meet a child with special needs, such as autism.

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DISABILITIES

Tom’s Special Talent encourages other children to be mindful of the differences that exist between their friends and classmates and to be aware that all children, regardless of their talents, learn differently. The Name Jar is a sweet story about being the new kid in school and a girl named Unhei. Strictly No Elephants is an imaginative and lyrical sweet story that captures the magic of friendship and the joy of having a pet! The Brand New Kid is a heartwarming story about tolerance and the need to give others a chance! This sweet book will entertain and inspire all children in this area! The Seeing Stick is the story of a little girl who is born blind. The emperor tries to find a cure for his daughter. Then, one day a wise old man with a mysterious seeing stick visits the princess. My Friend Has Down Syndrome is a reassuring story about two children (one with Down Syndrome and one without) that learn that they are both good at different things by helping each other overcome their fears and difficulties they can accomplish a great deal together! Susan Laughs follows Susan through a series of familiar activities. She swims with her father, works hard in school, plays with her friends — and even rides a horse. Not until the end of the story is it revealed that Susan uses a wheelchair. 47 Strings. Tessa’s Special Code is an invaluable tool to help talk about Down syndrome with children as it describes in easy-to-understand language as well as with sensitivity towards the challenges.

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DISABILITIES

Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll Paint the Octopus Red is a heartwarming story about Emma and her anticipation of the birth of her new baby sibling. Soon, she finds out that her little brother has Down Syndrome. Throughout the story kid will get answers to some of the commonly asked questions about down Syndrome. Special People Special Ways combine delightful rhymes and beautiful watercolor illustrations to take the reader on a journey of discover and positive images of children with various disabilities. Some Kids Use Wheelchairs is a great book on teaching diversity and tolerance to young readers on the topic of kids using wheelchairs. This book also helps them understand and appreciate those who have health differences. Why Does Izzy Cover Her Ears? tells readers about Izzy, a feisty first grader, whose behavior is often misunderstood as she tries to cope with sensory overload in her new surroundings. This book creates an environment that is accepting of students with sensory modulation difficulties, including many on the autism spectrum. Some Kids Wear Leg Braces: A 4D Book is an engaging text and fullof color photos where readers learn how leg braces can help and what daily life is like for someone who wears them. Some Kids Are Blind is a great book on teaching diversity and tolerance to young readers on the topic of blindness. This book also helps them understand and appreciate those who have health differences. Some Kids Are Deaf is a great book on teaching diversity and tolerance to young readers on the topic of deafness. This book also helps them understand and appreciate those who have health differences.

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The Alphabet War is a realistic depiction of the long, slow process that leads to Adam’s eventual success as a reader. He sees “p” as “q” and “b” as “d” … and Adam would rather play with clay than read. His teacher wants him to practice, and so begins the alphabet war. Hooway for Wodney Wat shares the story of Rodney Rat, who can’t pronounce his R’s and the other rodents tease him mercilessly. Read along with Wodney as he surprises himself and his classmates by single-handedly saving the whole class from the big bad bully. Those Shoes is all about Jeremy, who wants a pair of those shoes, the ones everyone at school seems to be wearing. This story is great for teaching perspective and how it’s okay to be different. Daniel’s New Friend (Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood) is a story about Daniel Tiger making a new friend, regardless of their differences! My Friend Has Autism is a sweet book about two friends, one with autism and one not. But that doesn’t matter because they are friends! They enjoy talking about all sorts of fun things. This sweet book brings a fresh light to accepting each other, just as we are. You’re All Kinds of Wonderful is a delightful book encouraging kids to embrace the things that make each one of them unique. We All Have Different Abilities (Celebrating Differences) is a sweet book on celebrating the many talents and abilities that each one of us has. Just Because is an amusing and touching story that encompasses the issue of disability in a charming celebration of sibling friendship.

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DISABILITIES

What’s Inside of You Is Inside Me Too is a book that informs people about Down syndrome in a fun, illustrative way. In the process, it also explains chromosomes and their role in making every living thing special. My Three Best Friends and Me, Zulay is a sweet story about a blind girl who, with the help of her friends, enjoys a fun race at school. Whoever You Are is a beautiful book that urges us to accept our differences and to recognize our similarities – but most importantly, to rejoice in both! My Brother Charlie is a story about Charlie, a young boy with autism, told through the eyes of his older sister. Our Stripy Baby tells the story of Zara waiting for her new baby sibling to arrive, but when Zack finally arrives, something isn’t right – he has stripes instead of spots, and he doesn’t look anything like Max. It’s a warm, gentle story about learning to love difference in others. Taking Cerebral Palsy to School is written from Chad’s perspective, a young boy with cerebral palsy. Children, teachers, school nurses, parents, and caregivers will learn about what cerebral palsy is, the different kinds of cerebral palsy, and special equipment that is available to help kids with cerebral palsy. My Brother is Autistic encourage preschool-age and early-grades children to explore their feelings, deal with problems that trouble them, and understand others who have problems of their own. I Have Asthma is the story of a child who suffers from asthma, a chronic condition that sometimes produces frightening attacks. But kids learn that with proper medical supervision and treatment, asthma can be kept under control, and kids who are affected by it can live happy, active, and normal lives. 29

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LE SS ONS

LESSONS

C O M PA S S I O N

“Don’t be the reason someone feels insecure. Be the reason someone feels seen, heard and supported by the whole universe.” —Unknown

S T O RY Brittni Schroeder When Gage was little he wanted to try every sport. He did t-ball, soccer, swim team, wrestling, football. You name it, he tried it. We quickly learned when he was about 5-6 years old that basketball wasn’t his sport when he went up to the ref and blew his whistle. When he was about 8-9 years old he decided he wanted to play tackle football. His dad was excited and his mom was terrified. After the first year and lots of injuries we determined that football was not for him. Shortly after the season ended Gage started complaining of back pain. We figured he had done something in football that had injured his back. We took him to a couple doctors and a physical therapist. They took x-rays of his back and gave him exercises to do at home. The back pain didn’t cease and Gage often explained to us that his back problems would be resolved if he had a Tempurpedic Mattress. I explained that he wasn’t getting a $10,000 mattress. Years went by and we finally decided to try another doctor. I explained the years of back pain to the doctor as she nodded her head in understanding. She pulled out a tape measure and began measuring each of his legs. “Just as I had suspected,” she explained. She proceeded to tell us that one of his legs was an inch and a half longer than the other one and he would need surgery to resolve the pain. They would go in to his knee and place screws and rods in the growth plates of his longer leg to stop the growth. As he grew, his hoister leg would catch up and they would go in and remove the screws and rods and both legs would then grow at the same rate. Because of these surgeries Gage was unable to participate in any of the sports he loved for 2-3 years. Finally when he was in 8th grade he was able to wrestle. We knew it would

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C O M PA S S I O N

LESSONS

be challenging for Gage to compete against kids that have wrestled their whole lives. Gage was smaller than most boys his age and that was a disadvantage as well. We wanted to help him improve at wrestling so we had him a join a wrestling club. The first year was challenging and he lost, what seemed like every match. As parents it was hard to watch, but he kept trying his hardest. As the year came to an end he started to improve and ended up taking Rookie State in Texas. The next year got a little better. He started winning some matches and ended up taking Novice State that year. That same year he wrestled on varsity for Franklin High School in El Paso, TX. He was the 108 lb-er. He won some matches and lost some matches, but struggled with competing against wrestlers that had been wrestling for years. He wanted so badly to be a good wrestler. He worked hard and was often frustrated with himself. Throughout Gageâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s life he was a part of the Gifted and Talented program in school. Several times growing up teachers would pull his parents aside and let them know how intelligent he was. The teachers had seen many children gifted in one or more subjects, but rarely did they see someone gifted in all subjects, but Gage was gifted in every subject. He excelled in all his classes. He tested in the top 5% of kids in the state of Texas. Both of these things were very important to Gage, but when he passed away it wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t that he was gifted or that he was a wrestler that people remember the most, it was the words he spoke, the way he treated people and the compassion he showed. Gageâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s kind words and actions are what filled over 500 letters and messages sent to his family. His legacy was not sports or academics, his legacy was compassion.

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LESSONS

C O M PA S S I O N

CHILDREN’S BOOK • Ordinary Mary’s Extraordinary Deed by Emily Pearson ACTIVIT Y • Read the book and talk about how simple acts of kindness can make a world of difference. What is a simple act of kindness that we can each do to spread kindness? What could we put in the bowl? (See worksheet) ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES  • RIPPLE EFFECT | Provide bowls of water to partners or groups of students. Give each student a pebble. Instruct the students to drop in a pebble and try to count haw many ripples it creates. Take turns dropping in the pebbles. Relate this ripple to acts of kindness Discuss how we can spread kindness and its far-reaching effects. Using the worksheet provided, draw a few acts of kindness that could create a ripple around them. • POST IT NOTES | Write words of compassion and kindness on Post It Notes. Put them on the desks or lockers in the school. • COMPLIMENTS ALL AROUND | Write your name on a piece of paper, then pass the paper clockwise. As you receive the paper, write a compliment for that person. Once each paper makes it all the way around, it will be full of compliments.

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C O M PA S S I O N

LESSONS

ACTIVITIES • 14 DAYS OF COMPASSION | For 14 days do an act of compassion for someone else. Keep a journal of each day. When you give, it also opens your heart to receive compassion. Keep a record for 14 days. If you skip a day, you have to start on day one. • COMPASSION IN ACTION | Do a video scavenger hunt around school. Video kids in your group doing random acts of compassion. • SODA-DELIGHTFUL | Leave a can or bottle of soda on the desk of administrators. These people are usually underpaid and under appreciated. Leave a thank you note with a “Your Turn” Compassion card. • HOMELESS KITS | Put together homeless kits. Include water bottle, granola bars, socks, tooth brush and tooth paste. • LIBRARY LOVE | Write special notes with words of kindness and slip inside library books. • BE NICE, HAVE A SLICE | Pass out slices of watermelon on a hot day. • TREE OF COMPASSION | Decorate a hall at school. Create a tree with leaves that have kind words or compliments on them. • ICE CREAM FOR SMILES | During lunch, pass out ice cream sandwiches in exchange for smiles. (Put “Your Turn” stickers on ice cream sandwiches)

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C O M PA S S I O N

NOTES

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KINDNESS

LESSONS

“Be nice. It’s super free and not super hard to do. That’s all.” — Cleo Wade

S T O RY

Loren Eisley

One day, a man was walking along the beach when he noticed a boy picking something up and gently throwing it into the ocean. Approaching the boy, he asked, “What are you doing?” The youth replied, “Throwing starfish back into the ocean. The surf is up and the tide is going out. If I don’t throw them back, they’ll die.” “Son, “the man said, “don’t you realize there are miles and miles of beach and hundreds of starfish? You can’t make a difference! After listening politely, the boy bent down, picked up another starfish, and threw it back into the surf. Then, smiling at the man, he said, “I made a difference for that one.”

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KINDNESS

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CHILDREN’S BOOK • We’re All Wonders by R.J. Palacio ACTIVIT Y • Read the book and talk about how unique and special we all are. We are all different and that is special! What makes you special? What makes you a wonder? (See worksheet) ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES  • HOT CHOCOLATE FOR HUGS | On a cold day, pass out hot chocolate in exchange for a hug. (Hot Chocolate will have The Compassion Club stickers which read, “Compassion —> Your Turn.”) • CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL | Put together treat or activity bags for children in the hospital. • BAGS FOR REFUGEES | Put together travel totes for refugee children traveling a long distance. • SIDEWALK LOVE | Write words of kindness with chalk on the sidewalks. • PICK ME UP | Tape quarters to a vending machine for others to enjoy a soda. • START THE DAY WITH KINDNESS | Give a quote of kindness as part of the daily announcements.

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• COMPLIMENTS | Compliment the first 5 people you see every day for a week. • PARTY TIME | Throw a party to celebrate someone for just being who they are. • CAR NOTES | Leave kind notes on cars at school or facility. • COOL OFF | Attend a sporting event on a hot day. Take spray bottles and offer to spray people off to cool them down.

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FRIENDLINESS

LESSONS

“No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.” —Aesop

S T O RY Kati Samargia Wouldn't life be awesome if you really could tell a book by it's cover? I would not have wasted countless hours and dollars had I not been drawn in by fancy illustrations, gripping font or the name of my favorite author. I look at these covers, I even read the synopsis, and I decide right then and there if I want to delve into this story or move on to the next title. I know this is how it works with books, so why don't I remember it for people? I am a judger. I look at people, and more times than not, I decide who they are from the look on their face, the way they carry themselves, who they are with. After that moment of judgement, I remember that their cover is only a small indication of their story. Growing up, I was painfully shy, had an eating disorder and had zero self esteem. I had very few friends, didn't talk to a lot of people and ate lunch alone. It wasn't until years after I graduated high school that I found out that most people thought I was a snob! That was not my story at all. My oldest son has an anxiety disorder. He hides behind silly humor, selfdeprecation and obnoxiousness. He doesn't have a ton of friends, he walks with his head down, his hair is a mess. I don't tell you this to be cruel about my kid. I just know, that by his cover, even by his synopsis, he is not very approachable. I also know that he is kind, funny, very smart, compassionate and awesome.

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FRIEN L EDSLSIO NN E SSS

On the other end of the spectrum is a young high schooler I shall call Mal. Mal is beautiful. She dresses impeccably, I doubt she shops at Wal-Mart. Mal has a ton of friends. By looking at her I can tell she's popular. From looking at her, I imagine she doesn't leave the comfort of her clique. I judge. At a party for kids in The Compassion Club, my son sat alone eating pizza. Mal sat with her friends, talking and laughing. That could have easily been the end of the story. But, Mal noticed my son, alone, and asked my friend, Brittni, what his name was. She then told Brittni that she should invite him over. Brittni encouraged Mal to invite him, and she did! My son, anxiously replied that he was waiting for a friend, and declined. How wrong was I?!? Don't get me wrong. I am well aware that there are plenty of people who are what they seem. Sometimes a person who looks like a jerk is a jerk. Or, a person who looks like a ray of sunshine is just that, plain and simple. But, most of the time, there is more. More pain, more sorrow, more panic, more joy, more love, more story. As a parent, I know I can't write my kids' stories. What I try to do is to contribute to their outline through guidance. I often tell my kids that they don't have to be everyone's friend, but they do have to be kind to everyone. I remind them when they are frustrated or angry that they are the only ones who can control their reaction to things. They can't blame others for making them mad. I explain that when others are rude or mean that they should try to ignore it, or smile at them. Perhaps that is all the other person needs, a friendly smile. I try to lead through example, and when I fail, I tell them I was wrong.

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LESSONS

One thing I love about books is when there are surprises. The "I did not see that coming" moment. Everyone has that somewhere in their own stories. We just need to look past the cover.

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CHILDREN’S BOOK • The Brand New Kid by Katie Couric ACTIVIT Y • Read the book and talk about friendship. What can you do to make a friend? To be a friend? Explain that getting to know one another helps us become friends. Sometimes we may find that we have a lot of similarities and our differences make us interesting. Partner up the students and have them quiz each other to get to know each other a little better. (See worksheet) ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES  • HELP A TEACHER | This week, do something small to help a teacher or friend. Offer to clean white boards, hold a door open, give a compliment, etc. • DISCONNECT TO CONNECT | Don’t comment on social media for a week. Personally approach your friends and compliment them. • PEER TUTORING | Start a peer tutoring group. • STARBURST GAME | Have everyone grab a handful of starburst. For every Starburst they grab they have to tell something about themselves. When they say something about themselves, others are asked to raise their hand if they share that commonality. Part of kindness is getting to know others and taking an interest in their lives.

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• ICE CREAM SOCIAL | Hold an ice-cream social. Assign get-to-know questions to each topping. After kids choose their toppings they learn which question goes with each topping. • PIZZA SHARE | Break kids up into groups. Give them a pizza. Have each group walk around the hall looking for someone that is sitting alone. Sit with that person and get to know that person. • ALARM | Set a daily alarm on your phone or pick a designated time each day. At the same time every day or when the alarm goes off, do something nice for someone. • SHOPPING CART RETURN | Return shopping carts for people at a grocery store.  • I THINK YOU WOULD BE GOOD AT | Go around the room and tell the person next to you something you think they would be good at. • WELCOME COMMITTEE | Pick a designated day of the month. Stand at the front of school and welcome people to school.

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EN C OURAGEMENT

LESSONS

“Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.” —Leo F. Buscaglia

S T O RY

Author Unknown

Two men, both seriously ill, occupied the same hospital room. One man was allowed to sit up in his bed for an hour each afternoon to help drain the fluid from his lungs. His bed was next to the room’s only window. The other man had to spend all his time flat on his back. The men talked for hours on end. They spoke of their wives and families, their homes, their jobs, their involvement in the military service, where they had been on vacation. Every afternoon when the man in the bed by the window could sit up, he would pass the time by describing to his roommate all the things he could see outside the window. The man in the other bed began to live for those one-hour periods where his world would be broadened and enlivened by all the activity and color of the world outside. The window overlooked a park with a lovely lake. Ducks and swans played on the water while children sailed their model boats. Young lovers walked arm in arm amidst flowers of every color and a fine view of the city skyline could be seen in the distance. As the man by the window described all this in exquisite detail, the man on the other side of the room would close his eyes and imagine the picturesque scene.

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EN C OURAGEMENT

One warm afternoon the man by the window described a parade passing by. Although the other man couldn’t hear the band – he could see it. In his mind’s eye as the gentleman by the window portrayed it with descriptive words. Days and weeks passed. One morning, the day nurse arrived to bring water for their baths only to find the lifeless body of the man by the window, who had died peacefully in his sleep. She was saddened and called the hospital attendants to take the body away. As soon as it seemed appropriate, the other man asked if he could be moved next to the window. The nurse was happy to make the switch, and after making sure he was comfortable, she left him alone. Slowly, painfully, he propped himself up on one elbow to take his first look at the real world outside. He strained to slowly turn to look out the window beside the bed. It faced a blank wall. The man asked the nurse what could have compelled his deceased roommate who had described such wonderful things outside this window. The nurse responded that the man was blind and could not even see the wall. She said, “Perhaps he just wanted to encourage you.” There is tremendous happiness in making others happy, despite our own situations.

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EN C OURAGEMENT

LESSONS

CHILDREN’S BOOK • Beautiful Oops by Barney Saltzberg ACTIVIT Y • Read the book and talk about mistakes. What can we do with a mistake? We can try to turn it into something good, we can learn from it, we can make it beautiful. Encourage students to try to create something out of a ripped paper or a paint spill. (See worksheet) ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES  • ENCOURAGEMENT ROCKS | Paint rocks with words of encouragement and place around the school. • NOTE TO A FRIEND | Send a card or note to a friend. • TEXT A FRIEND | Text 5 friends that you haven’t texted in a while, let them know you are thinking about them or tell them how they inspire you. • TESTING SURVIVAL KITS | Put together survival kits for students taking ACT/SATs. (gum, water bottle, pencil, snack). • STRESS RELIEF | Put together stress relief handouts, include squares of bubble wrap. Hand out before finals. • LAVATORY LOVE | Leave notes of kindness on the walls in the bathroom stalls.

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EN C OURAGEMENT

• HOMELESS KITS | Bags for homeless. (small bottle of water, granola bar, and an encouraging note). • PICK ME UP JARS | Slips of paper with encouraging phrases, rolled up and put into a jar. Each kid gets one for when he/she needs a pick me up. • TEAM SPIRIT | Decorate locker rooms with encouraging notes before a big game or tryouts. • MINUTE TO WIN IT | Play Minute to Win it games, promoting encouragement.

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CHARIT Y

LESSONS

“Do all the good you can and make as little fuss about it as possible.” —Charles Dickens S T O RY Written by Talia Richman for The Oregonian Brittany Medina opened a container of baby formula, and a $100 bill fluttered to the floor. The single mother of three immediately started crying— it was right before Christmas, and now she had money to buy her children presents. Medina is one of many who have benefited from a mysterious philanthropist who has hidden more than $75,000 in and around Salem over the last three years. The man tucks neatly folded $100 bills in stores or at festivals, the Statesman Journal reported. Though his identity is secret, he’s become known around town as “Benny,” a nod to Benjamin Franklin’s appearance on the bill. “Whoever does this for people is truly amazing,” said Medina, a 23-yearold Salem resident. “He has blessed a lot of people.” Benny bills, each of them signed, have been found in 26 stores and eight events. They’re tucked in items ranging from breakfast cereal to feminine hygiene products. But most often, the Statesman Journal reports, they appear in diapers. If you’re lucky enough to find one of the bills, Salem residents will say you’ve been “Benny-ed.” The Fred Meyer on Commercial Street SE seems to be a good place to search, as 156 Benny bills have been found there.

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CHARIT Y

LESSONS

The Statesman Journal keeps track of the reported findings. And it seems, they say, that the money usually ends up with those who need it most. One homeless couple used a Benny bill to spend a few nights in a motel. Others have used it to cover their electricity bill or buy medication. And more than half of the people who stumble upon a bill end up paying it forward. Meg Hebing, a vendor at Salemâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Saturday market, has found 10 Benny bills and given each of them to nonprofits, according to the Statesman Journal. Children have chosen to use the money to donate toys for the less fortunate.

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CHILDREN’S BOOK • Those Shoes by Maribeth Boelts ACTIVIT Y • Read the book and ask the students what “charity” means. Discuss the idea of sharing, even if it is something that you really want for yourself. Ask if anyone has ever done anything out of kindness and charity? Has anyone ever received anything charitable? (See worksheet) ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES  • CHRISTMAS STOCKINGS | Fill Christmas stockings for veterans, a homeless shelter, or someone else in need. • GENEROUS GEORGE | Place $1 in random places throughout the school (include The Compassion Club cards which read, “Compassion —> Your Turn”). • SOCK DRIVE | Hold a sock drive. Donate socks to shelters or homeless. • BLANKET DRIVE | Hold a blanket drive during colder months. Donate blankets to shelters or homeless. • SCHOOL SUPPLY GAS | Gather school supplies. Put together back packs filled with school supplies to give to students in need.

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CHARIT Y

LESSONS

• FOOD DRIVE | Put together baskets of food for janitors and administrators at school. • FOOD BASKETS | Do a food drive for janitors or administrators in your school or facility. • FETCH | Gather a basket of used tennis balls. Place at a dog park.

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G R AT I T U D E

LESSONS

“The root of joy is gratefulness. It is not the joy that makes us grateful, it is the gratitude that makes us joyful.” —David SteindlRast

S T O RY

Brittni Schroeder

A few years ago, I felt inspired to make a list of the top 10 people who had inspired me most in my life. I thought this task would be easy, but it took more thought and time than I had anticipated. It took me about a week, but I finally had my list. I am a photographer, but had no famous photographers on my list. I love sports, but there were no famous athletes, no celebrities, no politicians. The people on my list were every day, ordinary people. My list consisted of a teacher, a coach, a neighbor, family members and friends. Each person was unique and special to me in their own humble way. They impacted and influenced me in a way that sculpted and molded me into the person I am today. Randy Simkins was my softball coach. He believed in me. There were many days he put in extra time to work with me. He never complained and always seemed eager to help me improve. He pushed me to be the best I could be. He was tough when he needed to be, and lifted me up when I was too hard on myself. He inspired me to work hard and to love the sport and to believe in myself. Gaylan Springer was a teacher on my list. He always spoke kindly and inspired me to learn. He motivated me to seek goodness and showed me I could be a leader. He inspired me. The rest of my list contained my husband, my mother, and several friends. Each of them inspired me in one way or another to be the best I could be. Through their actions, words and beliefs they made me want to be more like them. They all had something in common. They were examples of kindness, compassion and love. I am grateful for each person on my list and in my life that made me who I am today.

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G R AT I T U D E

CHILDREN’S BOOK • Happiness doesn’t come from Headstands by Tamara Levitt ACTIVIT Y • Read the book and ask the students about some things that they have tried to do. Some things are hard and we fail. Sometimes after a lot of practice, we can do it. Sometimes, we can’t. We can find happiness and gratitude in the process, in the trying. We should be grateful for all that we can do and all the many talents and experiences we’ve been given. What has been a fun activity/sport/craft/learning experience that they have tried to do? (See worksheet) ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES  • GRATITUDE JOURNAL | Start a gratitude journal. Each day, try to identify and write about something you are grateful for. • 3 PEOPLE | Write letters to 3 people who have inspired you the most in your life. • YOGA CLASS | Hold a yoga class. Ask the instructor to speak of gratitude for our bodies. • GRATITUDE JAR | Write down a trial/challenge that they are grateful for. Discuss how going to through difficult trials creates gratitude for our blessings.

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LESSONS

• TP GAME | Pass around a roll of toilet paper. Instruct each kid to take as much as they “need.” For every square of toilet paper, they must name one thing they are grateful for. • GRATITUDE PHOTO CHALLENGE | For 14 days take a picture of something you are grateful for and post on social media. #thecompassionclub • SIMPLE PLEASURE | Have everyone in your group name 3 simple pleasures. • GRATITUDE GAME | Use Skittles, M&Ms, pipe cleaners--anything with colors. Assign each color to something they are grateful for (i.e. red: name a person you are grateful for; yellow: name a place you are thankful for; a food; a thing; your choice; etc.). • GRATITUDE SCAVENGER HUNT | Make a list of things to be grateful for and have the kids list or find them. • GRATITUDE PICTIONARY | Play Pictionary, but with each card they have a limitation. Blindfolded, left hand/weak hand, use only elbows, face backwards to drawing board, standing on one foot, pinkie & thumb only.

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LESSONS

“Forgiveness is not a feeling; it is a commitment. It is a choice to show mercy, not to hold the offense up against the offender. Forgiveness is an expression of love.” —Gary Chapman

S T O RY

Written by Nettie Gibson for Real Simple

A flash of silver--that’s all Nettie, a mental-health counselor, recalls about driving to work on the morning of August 10, 2011, when another car swerved into her lane, hitting Nettie’s sedan head-on. With her right leg pinned between the dashboard and the front seat, Nettie drifted in and out of consciousness for almost an hour before firefighters rescued her. In the emergency room, convinced that she was going to die, Nettie asked a nurse to pen a good-bye letter to her 13-year-old son, Dominic. “I told him how proud I was of him,” she says, “and how sad I was to leave him.”    Her injuries were extensive, requiring 10 hours of emergency surgery: Her spleen, her appendix, and two-thirds of her colon and upper intestine had to be removed. Besides nearly losing her right foot, Nettie broke her right arm and shattered her right heel. “For days it hurt to breathe,” she says, “and even feel the hospital gown against my skin.”    Not until several weeks later, when Nettie began to recover, did her lawyer break the awful news to her: The 63-year-old woman who had caused the accident had had a blood-alcohol level well over the legal limit. “Before that I hadn’t been angry. Accidents happen,” says Nettie. “But who’s drunk at 8:15 in the morning and driving around?”    Her distress only increased upon learning that the driver had minimal auto insurance and that Nettie, who was separated from her husband, would be saddled with hefty medical bills. The last straw came the day before

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FORGIVENESS

Thanksgiving, when her boss announced that Nettie was being let go.    “I was so depressed. For the next six months, I got Dominic off to school in the morning and then spent the rest of my day sleeping,” says Nettie. She despaired every time she thought of the drunk driver who had brought such hardship into her life.    All that devastation took a toll. The following spring, Nettie started taking antidepressants and seeing a therapist. “In our sessions, I worked on acknowledging my anger and hurt, then letting those feelings go. It was hard to do,” she admits. “But asking, ‘Why me?’ over and over was getting me nowhere.”    In August 2012, Nettie was in the courtroom when the woman who had caused the accident was sentenced to 8 to 16 months in jail. (She was ultimately released after serving just three months, due to a heart condition.) “The woman looked so scared,” she remembers. “I couldn’t imagine what was going through her head.” Afterward Nettie approached the public defender. “I said, ‘Please let [your client] know that I forgive her.’     The gesture gave Nettie a huge sense of relief. “I wasn’t in control of her actions that morning,” she says. “But I am in complete control of how I respond from here on out, and I decided to choose forgiveness over hate and animosity.”    Today, while she focuses on rehab, Nettie is a public speaker for Mothers Against Drunk Driving. Slowly she is learning to walk again, and she looks forward to starting a job search soon. “Every day, I find something to be thankful for,” she says. “I couldn’t feel that gratitude without forgiveness.”

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CHILDREN’S BOOK • Enemy Pie by Derek Munson ACTIVIT Y • Read the book and discuss. What happens when we forgive? How do we feel when we forgive others? (See worksheet) ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES  • WASHED AWAY | Write the names or initials of someone who you are trying to forgive on your hand with permanent marker. Once the name/ initials are washed off, commit to forgiveness. • LETTER OF FORGIVENESS | Write a letter to someone you have wronged. Ask for forgiveness. • FINDING FORGIVENESS | Write a letter to someone who has wronged you, but doesn’t realize it. Try and understand why they did what they did. Rip up the letter and let it go. • FORGIVENESS BONFIRE | Write names of people you want to forgive on a piece of paper or wood. Throw in bonfire and commit to letting go. • WEIGHT OF THE WORLD | Talk about reasons/things that are hard to forgive. For each item, place a book either in a backpack or in someone’s arms. Talk about how carrying that around all the time is too painful/difficult. When we forgive, all that weight is taken off our shoulders.

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A P P R E C I AT I O N

LESSONS

“Always show appreciation. What’s taken for granted will eventually be taken away. Then you end up missing most what you least appreciated.” —Author Unknown

S T O RY

Written by Gene Weingarten Paraphrased from The Washington Post

In Washington D.C., at a Metro Station, on a cold January morning in 2007, a man with a violin played six Bach pieces for about forty-five minutes. During that time, over 1000 people went through the station, most on their way to work. After about three minutes, a middle-aged man noticed that there was a musician playing. He slowed his pace and stopped for a few seconds, and then he hurried on to meet his schedule. After four minutes, the violinist received his first dollar. A woman threw money in the hat, and, without stopping, continued to walk. At six minutes, a young man leaned against the wall to listen to him, then looked at his watch and started to walk again. At ten minutes, a three-year old boy stopped, but his mother tugged him along hurriedly. The kid stopped to look at the violinist again, but the mother pushed hard and the child continued to walk, turning his head the whole time. This action was repeated by several other children, but every parent, without exception, forced their children to move on quickly. For 45 minutes, the musician played continuously. Of 1097 people who walked by, only seven stopped and listened for a short while. Twenty more gave money but continued to walk at their normal pace. The man collected a total of $32.17. He finished playing and silence took over. No one noticed, and no one applauded. There was no recognition at all. No one knew this, but the violinist was Joshua Bell, one of the greatest musicians in the world. He played one of the most intricate pieces ever written, with a violin worth $3.5 million dollars. Two days before, Joshua Bell sold-out a theater in Boston where the seats averaged $100 each to sit and listen to him play the same music.

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A P P R E C I AT I O N

This is a true story. Joshua Bell, playing incognito in the D.C. Metro Station, was organized by the Washington Post as part of a social experiment about perception, taste and people's priorities. In a commonplace environment, at an inappropriate hour, do we perceive beauty? If so, do we stop to appreciate it? Do we recognize talent in an unexpected context? If we do not have a moment to stop and listen to one of the best musicians in the world, playing some of the finest music ever written, with one of the most beautiful instruments ever made . . . how many other things are we missing as we rush through life?

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LESSONS

CHILDREN’S BOOK • Did I Ever Tell You How Lucky You Are? by Dr Seuss ACTIVIT Y • Read the book and have students draw or discuss some really unlucky jobs like in the book. These could be made up or real. Remind them to appreciate their daily lives and all they get to do. (See worksheet) ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES  • HEART ATTACK | Choose someone who could benefit from some appreciation. Cut out several different sizes and colors of hearts. Adhere the hearts to someone’s door with a message of appreciation. • YOU ROCK | Have kids draw hearts or write nice words on rocks. Have them give them to random strangers or friends and tell that person “YOU ROCK”. • APPRECIATION PARTY | Throw a party and let everyone know how much you appreciate them. • HIKE | Teach kids how to recognize beauty in everything. Teach them to appreciate nature. • BUCKET LIST | Show pictures of place you have traveled. Create “Bucket Lists”. • ART APPRECIATION | Have an artist or musician come in and share their talent.

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A P P R E C I AT I O N

ACTIVITIES  • THE GIFT OF EDUCATION | Talk about the privilege of education. Many children in third world countries don’t have the opportunity to go to school. Have the kids donate change for a month so they can sponsor a kid to go to school for a year. www.haitianroots.com • AWESOME TO THE CORE | Pass out apples telling people they are “Awesome to the Core” • AHHHH SNAP | Give each kid a rubber band to put around their wrist. Every time they are tempted to complain snap the rubber band. • MUFFIN TO DO | Pass out muffins with a tag that says “Muffin to Do But Appreciate You.”

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RESPECT

“Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”   –Golden Rule

S T O RY Author Unknown During my second month of nursing school, our professor gave us a pop quiz. I was a conscientious student and had breezed through the questions, until I read the last one: "What is the first name of the woman who cleans the school?" Surely this was some kind of joke. I had seen the cleaning woman several times. She was tall, dark haired, and in her 50's, but how would I know her name? I handed in my paper, leaving the last question blank. Just before class ended, one student asked if the last question would count toward our quiz grade. "Absolutely," said the professor. "In your careers, you will meet many people. All are significant. They deserve your attention and care, even if all you do is smile and say 'hello'." I've never forgotten that lesson. I also learned her name was Dorothy.

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LESSONS

CHILDREN’S BOOK • Hey, Little Ant by Phillip and Hannah Hoose ACTIVIT Y • Read the book and discuss the idea of respect, for even the littlest of ants. What do you think happens to the ant? Will the kid squish him or did the ant convince him that he deserves some respect too? Talk about who and what deserves your respect. (See worksheet) ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES  • THANK YOU CARDS | Write one or more thank you cards to someone you respect and appreciate. • JANITOR’S NIGHT OFF | After a football, volleyball or basketball game clean up trash, giving the janitors a night off to spend with their families. • NAME GAME | Find out the names of janitors, lunch ladies, bus drivers, etc. Make a point to address them by their names and say hello every chance you get. • LOVE YOUR CROSSING GUARD | Find out the name of your crossing guard. Thank them by their name when you see them. • RESPECTING CULTURES | Find different kids or adults to come speak to the club about their belief. Discuss how important it is to respect people’s beliefs and values. 70

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RESPECT

• ADOPT A GRANDPARENT | Partner with a senior home. Match 1-2 kids up with an elderly person. Plan visits and activities with the elderly person once a month. • PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN | During Veteran’s or Independence Day place flags in front of school or in neighborhoods.

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SERVICE

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x201C;Leo F. Buscaglia

S T O RY

Heidi S. Swinton

Tommy loved to play baseball with his friends and his brother Bob. They didn't have a grassy field for their games, so they used the dirt alley behind their homes as their ball diamond. The area worked as long as the hitter hit the ball straight to "centerfield." But if he hit the ball to the right, it was headed for disaster. Mrs. Shinas lived in a little house near "first base" of the ball field. She would watch from her kitchen window as the boys played. Every time a ball landed near her porch, Mrs. Shinas would hurry out of her house, limping because of her stiff leg. She would grab the ball and take it inside. Finally, the boys gave up playing ball in the alley--they had run out of balls. But, the conflict continued when some of the boys picked Mrs. Shina's home for their pranks. One day, Tommy decided to bring the conflict to a halt. As he did his daily chore of watering his family's front lawn, he noticed that Mrs. Shina's lawn was dry and turning brown. He took a few more minutes and turned the hose on her lawn as well. He continued this all summer. When leaves started to fall, Tommy also raked Mrs. Shina's lawn. Not once that summer or fall did Tommy see Mrs. Shinas. But, he kept up his friendly gesture of watering her yard. Then, one evening, Mrs. Shinas opened her front door and beckoned to him. She invited him into her living room and brought out a plate of cookies and a glass of milk. Then,

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she left the room and came back with a large box filled with baseballs-several seasons' worth. "Tommy," she said, "I want to thank you for being kind to me." For the first time, he saw Mrs. Shinas smile and heard in her voice both kindness and gratitude. The two became friends. But more than that, Tommy learned one of the most important lessons: that we should do unto others as we would have them do unto us.

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CHILDREN'S BOOK • The Mitten Tree by Candace Christiansen ACTIVIT Y • Read the book and talk about acts of service. What did the older lady do for others? How did she come up with the idea of making mittens? How can we find ways to serve? If we are looking for ways to serve others we will find them. (See worksheet) ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES  • TREATS FOR MILITARY KIDS | Deliver treats to families with a parent(s) in the Military. • COMPASSION MURAL | Find a run-down building or wall with graffiti, paint a mural using the word “Compassion.” • SERVICE SCAVENGER HUNT | Give the kids 10-15 minutes to walk around the hall and find someone serving someone else. • FLEECE FOR FRIENDS | Tie fleece blankets (1.5-2 yds of fleece; single layer; cut sides of blanket; tie each cut into a single knot); donate to Children's Hospital • HELPFUL HANDS | Wipe off desks for teachers or clean boards. • SECRET SANTA | Pick someone within the club or someone in need. Do random acts of kindness throughout the holiday season.

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INTEGRIT Y

“Integrity is how we act when no one is watching.   It’s being true to ourselves and our beliefs.”

S T O RY Written by Nettie Gibson for Real Simple As a high school coach, I did all I could to help my boys win their games. I rooted as hard for victory as they did. A dramatic incident, however, following a game in which I officiated as a referee, changed my perspective on victories and defeats. I was refereeing a league championship basketball game in New Rochelle, New York, between New Rochelle and Yonkers High. New Rochelle was coached by Dan O’Brien, Yonkers by Les Beck. The gym was crowded to capacity, and the volume of noise made it impossible to hear. The game was well played and closely contested. Yonkers was leading by one point as I glanced at the clock and discovered there was but 30 seconds left to play. Yonkers, in possession of the ball, passed off - shot and missed. New Rochelle recovered – pushed the ball up the court and shot. The ball rolled tantalizingly around the rim and off. The fans shrieked. New Rochelle, the home team, recovered the ball and tapped it in for what looked like a victory. The tumult was deafening. I glanced at the clock and saw that the game was over. I checked with the other official, but he could not help me. Still seeking help in this bedlam, I approached the timekeeper, a young man of 17 or so. He said, “Mr. Corvino, the buzzer went off as the ball rolled off the rim, before the final tap in was made.” I was in the unbelievable position of having to tell Coach O’Brien the sad

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news. “Dan,” I said, “time ran out before the final basket was tapped in. Yonkers won the game.” His face clouded over. The young timekeeper came up. He said, “I’m sorry, DAD. The time ran out before the final basket.” Suddenly, like the sun coming out from behind a cloud, Coach O’Brien’s face lit up. He said, “That’s okay, Joe. You did what you had to do. I’m proud of you.” Turning to me, he said, “Al, I want you to meet my son, Joe.” The two of them walked off the court together, the coach’s arm around the son’s shoulder.

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CHILDREN’S BOOK • The Empty Pot by Demi ACTIVIT Y • Read the book and define integrity. Integrity is how we act when no one is watching. It’s being true to ourselves and our beliefs. Ask how they think Ping showed integrity. Would you be able to show that kind of integrity too? Or would the idea of being emperor make you cheat like the other kids? How have shown integrity in your life? (See worksheet) ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES  • ONE WORD | Think of one word that describes you or you want to describe you. Write that word on a sticky note and put it on yourself. • PICTURE/WORD COLLAGE | Create a picture or word collage of words that you want to represent you.  • CHEATER | Put a bunch of random items in a box, let the kids look at the items in the box for 1 minute. Then, cover it up and have them list as many things they could remember in one minute. Take a picture of the box ahead of time with your phone and let one of the kids cheat using the pic. The other kids don’t know this until AFTER they had to try and list the items. After finding out who won by writing the most items, tell them we have a cheater. Talk about cheating and having integrity.

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“It is easy to blend in, it takes courage to stand out.”

S T O RY “DON’ T CRUSH MY C HIPS” (Read with an unopened bag of chips) We’re going to call this guy Nacho. Nacho is your friend. Isn’t he cute? He’s the shortest one in your class. He’s tiny, tiny Nacho. And you’ve got to be careful in the hall with Nacho because bigger kids push him around. Have you noticed? Sometimes we say things to our friends, because we want to maybe hurt their feelings. We think we are being funny or they’re going to be fine, so we say something unkind. You might not be feeling good about yourself or you’re upset, sad, or haven’t eaten all day. You turn to him and say, “Hey, Nacho. You got a lot of saturated fat.” This is what is happening inside. [CRUNCH THE BAG] Nacho has been hurt. But how does he look on the outside? He looks the exact same. So we think Nacho is fine. Nacho is fine, right? He’s fine. So you can say those type of things to him. You tell Nacho he is dumb, or fat or looks funny today. You have plenty of friends so you don’t need to be nice to him. [CRUNCH] Nacho has been hurt again, but how does he look on the outside? Fine. He looks the exact same. Nacho is fine. So we say something else to him. “You’re not that good at sports, your car is a piece of junk, your shoes are ghetto.” [CRUNCH] But inside, how does Nacho feel? He’s crushed. Nacho is crushed. But on the outside, he’s fine.

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This is what happens when you say something unkind to someone or someone is saying something unkind to anyone. They’re hurting others on the inside. It might be hard to say, “Stop! You are hurting my feelings.” Or say that you are hurting someone else’s feelings. It takes courage to stand up for yourself or someone else. We came up with a phrase that you can say. Whenever someone hurts your feelings and it hurts inside, but they can’t tell on the outside, turn to them and say, “Dude, don’t crush my chips. Please don’t crush my chips.”

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CHILDREN’S BOOK • After the fall by Dan Santat ACTIVIT Y • Read the book and discuss what courage means. Discuss Humpty’s fear of heights after his fall and how he discovered that he could fly after showing courage and conquering his fears. What are some ways that we show courage in our daily lives? What is something courageous that you have done? Write down something that you are afraid to try on the paper bird airplane. Fold the paper bird airplane and fly. Show courage! (See paper bird airplane template) ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES  • AFTER THE FALL | Read the book “After the Fall”. Make paper airplanes. Write on the airplanes something you are afraid of in the airplane(bird). Fly the airplane birds. • IT TAKES COURAGE | Have a soldier, firefighter or policeman talk to the kids about courage. Give the kids a plastic army guy to remember standing up for what is right takes the most courage. • FEAR FACTOR | Do a Fear Factor activity. • OBSTACLE COURSE | Plan on obstacle course. • BEAN BOOZLED | Play Bean Boozled with your club.

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ADDITIONAL BOOKS COMPASSION THE INVISIBLE BOY BY TRUDY LUDWIG KINDNESS HOW FULL IS YOUR BUCKET? FOR KIDS BY TOM RATH AND MARY RECKMEYTER CHRYSANTHEMUM BY KEVIN HENKES FRIENDLINESS STICK AND SONE BY BETH FERRY ENEMY PIE BY DEREK MUNSON STAND IN MY SHOES BY BOB SORNSON ENOURAGEMENT THE DOT BY PETER H REYNOLDS GRATITUDE THE GIVING TREE BY SHEL SILVERSTEIN FORGIVENESS THE FORGIVING TREE BY JAN AND MIKE BERENSTAIN APPRECIATION IT COULD HAVE BEEN WORSE BY AH BENJAMIN GIRAFFES CAN’T DANCE BY GILES ANDREAE ALL THE WORLD BY LIZ GARTON SCANTON SERVICE CLIFFORD’S GOOD DEEDS BY NORMAL BRIDWELL HOW TO HEAL A BROKE WING BY BOB GRAHAM COURAGE COURAGE BY BERNARD WABER SPAGHETTI IN A HOT DOG BUN BY MARIA DISMONDY

A DD IT IO N A L ACTI V IT I E S

AT T E N D A CORN M AZE H OS T A F R E E C ARWASH VOLUN T E E R AT SPORT IN G E V E N T VOLUN T E E R AT A SE N IOR H OM E PUT ON A CON CE RT AT A PAR K H OL D A F R E E SPORTS CL IN IC H OL D A F R E E ART CL ASS PAR E N TS N IG H T OUT

FOR MS PH OTO R E L E ASE D ON AT ION OUT L IN E

Compassion Club Photo Release Form ORGANIZATION NAME ADDRESS CIT Y, STATE, ZIP PERMISSION TO USE PHOTOGRAPH SUBJECT: LOCATION: I GRANT TO THE COMPASSION CLUB, ITS REPRESENTATIVES AND EMPLOYEES THE RIGHT TO TAKE PHOTOGRAPHS OF ME AND MY PROPERT Y IN CONNECTION WITH THE ABOVE-IDENTIFIED SUBJECT. I AUTHORIZE THE COMPASSION CLUB, ITS ASSIGNS AND TRANSFEREES TO COPYRIGHT, USE AND PUBLISH THE SAME IN PRINT AND/OR ELECTRONICALLY.

I AGREE THAT THE COMPASSION CLUB MAY USE SUC H PHOTOGRAPHS OF ME WITH OR WITHOUT MY NAME AND FOR ANY L AWFUL PURPOSE, INCLUDING FOR EXAMPLE SUC H PURPOSES AS PUBLICIT Y, ILLUSTRATION , ADVERTISING, AND WEB CONTENT.

I HAVE READ AND UNDERSTAND THE ABOVE: SIGNATURE PRINTED NAME ORGANIZATION NAME (IF APPLICABLE) ADDRESS DATE SIGNATURE, PARENT OR GUARDIAN (IF UNDER AGE 18)

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Donation Outline Dear students, The next page is a sample outline that may give you ideas on how to talk to businesses about partnering with The Compassion Club. Our intent is to help give you a successful format to guide you, not to have you robot memorize it. Basically, introduce yourself and The Compassion Club. Use specific details to explain what the club means to you and what kind of projects you’re working on. Let them know what their donation will help achieve, and thank them for their time. Please know that eye contact and a smile go a long way. Thank you!

Hi my name is ________. I’m part of The Compassion Club at my (name of your school). We focus on small daily acts of compassion that help others know they matter and that they belong. Some cool stuff we’ve done so far is writing nice things on post it notes and posting them all over the lockers at our school. We also ___________ (Add other projects you’ve done so far, or something you’re preparing to do). High school/middle school can be awkward. The Compassion Club gives me a safe place to belong, and helps me look outside myself and lift others. (Tell what belonging to The Compassion Club specifically means to you.). We want to expand the good that our Compassion Club can do. I’m here to ask if you’ll partner with us. With your company’s donation, we can keep spreading goodness. Financial donations will help us put together some of our projects. This year we really want to __________ (create travel kits for refugee children traveling long distances, hold a 5k walk/run in our community etc) Product donations are also very helpful. We want to ______(host a “be nice, have a slice,” and hand out free pizza, surprise our student body with cold drinks on a hot day, Trade a cup of hot cocoa for a hug etc. Tell what you’d use their donation for. Some items that would be helpful: Water bottles, sodas, snacks, treats, socks, Christmas stockings, small toys, hot chocolate, chalk, gum, markers, poster board etc). The Compassion Club focuses on little random acts of kindness that can bring a smile to someone’s face, in hopes they will spread kindness too. I hope you’ll join us and help us brighten someone’s day. Thank you for your time.

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FU N DR A I S IN G ID E A S

5 K R ACE BAKE SAL E GAR AG E SAL E C AR N IVAL ZUM BA/ YOGA N IG H T PAN C AKE B R E AKFAS T PAR E N TS N IG H T OUT M OV IE N IG H T R AF F L E H OS T AN E V E N T AT A CID E R M IL L SPAG H E T T I D IN N E R B E N E F IT CON CE RT SPORT IN G TOUR N AM E N T

LO C AL AND N ATI O N A L BUS INE S S ES T H AT D O N ATE TO S C HO O L A ND C O M M UN IT Y P RO G RA M S

TARG E T WAL M ART SA M ' S C LU B C H IC K F IL - A P E TE R PI P E R PI ZZ A M OO-YAH KROG E R S LOC AL ORT H OD ON T IS T LOC AL D E N T IS T H AR M ON S KROG E R S SMI TH S UNIT E D WAY (E SPE CIAL LY IN JUNE ) COM C AS T - T H E Y RUN A C AM PAIG N C AL L E D COM C AS T C ARE S WH E R E T H E Y D ON AT E AN D S P ON S OR S E RV ICE E V E N TS . COM P H E ALT H LULUL E M ON AL B E RTSON S H OB BY LOB BY

HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES CHINESE NEW YEAR Poppers (those things that you pull a string and confetti comes out) with "Pop into Compassion Club" or "Just popping in to say, Have a great day!” MARDI GRAS Say something kind to someone and then give them beads. VALENTINE’S DAY Pass out Chocolate Hugs &Kisses Make heart shaped food and take to teachers ST PATRICK’S DAY Put a green card with a shamrock that says, “It’s your lucky day!” along with a quarter or dollar bill or a fun size pack of skittles. Could also include the words “Pass it on!” Pass out gold chocolate coins or other gold candy “I am “lucky” to have you in my life” The students will write a letter to another student, teacher, coach, counselor, janitor or administration and let them know how much they mean to the student! EASTER Hide plastic eggs around the school with a treat and a kind note. Put notes of encouragement (You are amazing, Have a great day, etc) in eggs and put them all over community (gas station pump, grocery cart, slide at park, etc) APRIL FOOL’S DAY Create vegetable trays inside doughnut boxes. Deliver to staff and or club members. Enjoy the day retelling pranks you’ve performed. Plan a funny/ appropriate prank on favorite teacher or administrator.

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EARTH DAY Pick up garbage around the school. Help collect the recycling in classrooms. CINCO DE MAYO Pass out tacos, churros, Mexican Candy or paletas. Serve chips and salsa at the club with a history lesson or mariachi band. MOTHER’S DAY Write letters to Mom. FATHER’S DAY Write letters to Dad. VETERAN’S DAY Make and send cards to soldiers

HALLOWEEN Reverse Trick or Treating - Put costumes on and give out candy to others (school, teachers, firefighters, hospital, senior home) Decorate small pumpkins (paint, markers) and leave on porch (or at school) of people with a small love note attached

THANKSGIVING Do a food drive. Put together Thanksgiving dinner for janitors or adminstrators.

CHRISTMAS Decorate Christmas cookies and deliver somewhere Have an “angel tree” with ornaments for CC members to pick and get a gift (or do something nice) for the person listed on the ornament (easiest to work with charity or organization that needs items/service for the people they are helping in that organization). Go as a group to volunteer at a community service (like a soup kitchen). 94

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NATIONAL DAY CALENDAR January January January January January January January January January January January January January January January January January January January January January

2nd - Cream Puff Day 4th - Spaghetti Day 5th - Whipped Cream Day 8th - Argyle Day, Bubble Bath Day. English Toffee Day 9th - aw Enforcement Appreciation Day, Apricot Day 11th - Milk Day 12th - Kiss a Ginger Day, Pharmacist Day 13th - Korean American Day, Rubber Ducky Day, Sticker Day 15th - Hat Day, National Strawberry Ice Cream Day 18th - Winnie The Pooh Day 19th - Popcorn Day 20th - Cheese Lover Day 21st - Granola Bar Day, Hugging Day 23rd - Pie Day 24th - Compliment Day, Peanut Butter Day 25th - Opposite Day 27th - Chocolate Cake Day 28th - Blueberry Pancake Day 29th - Corn Chip Day, Puzzle Day 30th - Croissant Day 31st - Inspire Your Heart With Art Day

February February February February February February February February February February February February February February February February February February February February

1st - National Bubble Gum Day, National Wear Red Day 2nd - National Tater Tot Day 3rd - National Carrot Cake Day 4th - National Thank a Mail Carrier Day 5th - Nutella Day 6th - Frozen Yogurt Day 7th - Send a Card To a Friend Day 8th - No One Eats Alone Day (Second Friday in February) 9th - Bagel Day, Pizza Day 11th - Make a Friend Day, White Shirt Day 15th - Gumdrop Day 16th - Do a Grouch a Favor Day 17th - Random Acts of Kindness Day 19th - Chocolate Mint Day 20th - Cherry Pie Day, Love your Pet Day 21st - Sticky Bun Day, Chili Day (Fourth Thursday in February) 23rd - Banana Bread Day, Dog Biscuit Day, Toast Day 24th - Tortilla Chip Day 25th - Chocolate Covered Nut Day, Clam Chowder Day 27th - Retro Day, Strawberry Day, Pancake Day

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March 1st - Peanut Butter Lover’s Day, Pig Day, Employee Appreciation Day, Dress in Blue Day March 2nd - Banana Cream Pie Day March 3rd - I Want You To Be Happy Day, March 4th - Hug a G.I. Day, Pound Cake Day March 5th - Fat Tuesday Day March 6th - Dentist Day, Oreo Cookie Day March 7th - Cereal Day March 8th - National Day of Unplugging - Second Friday in March March 9th - Get over it Day, Meatball Day March 11th - Napping Day March 12th - Plant a Flower Day March 13th - Good Samaritan Day March 14th - Children’s Craft Day, Learn About Butterflies Day, Pi Day, Potato Chip Day March 15th - Red Nose Day March 16th - Panda Day March 17th - Corned Beef and Cabbage Day, Corn Dog Day (changes annually) March 18th - Awkward Moments Day, Sloppy Joe Day March 19th - Certified Nurses Day, Let’s Laugh Day March 20th - Ravioli Day March 21st - Common Courtesy Day, French Bread Day, Single Parent Day, March 22nd - Goof Off Day March 23rd - Chip and Dip Day March 24th - Chocolate Covered Raisin Day March 25th - Tolkien Reading Day March 30th - Doctors Day, Pencil Day, Take a Walk In the Park Day March 31st - Crayon Day, Tater Day

April April April April April April April April April April April April April April April

1st - Sourdough Bread Day 2nd - Peanut Butter and Jelly Day 3rd - Party Day, Find a Rainbow Day, Walking Day (First Wednesday in April) 4th - School Librarian Day, Burrito Day (First Thursday of April) 5th - Carmel Day, Deep Dish Pizza Day 6th - Caramel Popcorn Day 8th - Empanada Day, Zoo Lovers Day 9th - Unicorn Day, Library Workers Day 10th - Siblings Day 11th - Pet Day 12th - Grilled Cheese Sandwich Day, Licorice Day 13th - Peach Cobbler Day, Scrabble Day 14th - Dolphin Day 16th - Wear Your Pajamas to Work Day 17th - Cheeseball Day

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April 18th - Animal Cracker Day, High Five Day (Third Thursday in April) April 19th - Hanging Out Day April 20th - Cheddar Fries Day, Look Alike Day April 21st - Kindergarten Day April 22nd - Earth Day, Jelly Bean Day April 23rd - Picnic Day April 24th - Pigs in A Blanket Day April 25th - Zucchini Bread Day April 26th - Pretzel Day April 27th - Tell A Story Day April 28th - Blueberry Pie Day, Superhero Day April 30th - Military Brats Day, Bugs Bunny Day, Hairstylist Appreciation, Oatmeal Cookie Day

May 1st - Principal’s Day May 3rd - Two Different Colored Shoes Day May 4th - Orange Juice Day, Star Wars Day, May 5th - Cinco De Mayo, Hoagie Day, Lemonade Day May 6th - Beverage Day, Nurses Day May 7th - Teacher Appreciation Day May 8th - Coconut Cream Pie Day, Have A Coke Day, Student Nurse Day, Receptionist’s Day, Bike Day May 11th - Eat What You Want Day May 12th - Mother’s Day (Second Sunday in May) May 13th - Apple Pie Day, Fruit Cocktail Day May 14th - Buttermilk Biscuit Day, Dance Like a Chicken Day May 15th - Chocolate Chip Day May 16th - Do Something Good For Your Neighbor Day May 17th - Cherry Cobbler Day, Pizza Party Day (Third Friday in May) May 18th - Visit Your Relatives Day May 19th - Devil’s Food Cake Day May 21st - Strawberries and Cream Day May 22nd - Vanilla Pudding Day May 23rd - Lucky Penny Day May 24th - Scavenger Hunt Day, Brother’s Day May 26th - Blueberry Cheesecake Day May 27th - Grape Popsicle Day May 28th - Hamburger Day May 31st - Smile Day

June 1st - Nail Polish Day, Go Barefoot Day, Say Something Nice Day June 2nd - Rocky Road Day, Cancer Survivor’s Day

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June June June June June June June June June June June June June June June June June June June

3rd - Chocolate Macaroon Day 4th - Cheese Day, Old Maid’s Day 5th - Veggie Burger Day, Gingerbread Day 6th - Applesauce Cake Day, Drive-In Movie Day, Yo-Yo Day 7th - Chocolate Ice Cream Day, Doughnut Day (First Friday in June) 8th - Best Friend Day 9th - Donald Duck Day, Strawberry Rhubarb Pie Day 11th - Corn on the Cob Day, German Chocolate Cake Day 12th - Jerky Day, Loving Day, Peanut Butter Cookie Day, Red Rose Day 14th - Flag Day, Strawberry Shortcake Day 15th - Smile Power Day, Photography Day 16th - Fudge Day, Lover’s Day (Third Sunday in June) 20th - Ice Cream Soda Day, Vanilla Milkshake Day 21st - Selfie Day, Peaches ’N’ Cream Day 22nd - Chocolate Eclair Day, Onion Rings Day 23rd - Hydration Day, Pecan Sandies Day, Pink Day 26th - Beautician’s Day, Chocolate Pudding Day 27th - Ice Cream Cake Day, Sunglasses Day, Handshake Day (Last Thursday in June) 30th - OOTD Day

July July July July July July July July July July July July July July July July July July July July July July July July

1st - Postal Worker Day, Gingersnap Day 5th - Apple Turnover Day, Graham Cracker Day 6th - Fried Chicken Day 7th - Father Daughter Take a Walk Day, Strawberry Day 8th - Chocolate With Almonds Day 9th - Sugar Cookie Day 11th - Cheer Up the Lonely Day, Blueberry Muffin Day, 7-Eleven Day 12th - Eat Your Jello Day 13th - French Fry Day 14th - Mac and Cheese Day 15th - Ice Cream Day (Third Sunday in July) 17th - Peach Ice Cream Day, Emoji Day 18th - Hot Dog Day, Sour Candy Day 20th - Lollipop Day 21st - Junk Food Day 22nd - Parent’s Day 23rd - Vanilla Ice Cream Day 24th - Cousins Day 25th - Hot Fudge Sunday Day 26th - Aunt and Uncle’s Day, Chili Dog Day (Last Thursday in July) 28th - Waterpark Day, Milk Chocolate Day, Dance Day (Last Saturday in July) 29th - Lasagna Day, Lipstick Day, Chicken Wing Day 30th - Cheesecake Day 31st - Avocado Day Raspberry Cake Day

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August 1st - Raspberry Cream Pie Day, Girlfriends Day August 2nd - Coloring Book Day, Ice Cream Sandwich Day August 3rd - Watermelon Day August 4th - Chocolate Chip Cookie Day August 5th - Family Day (First Sunday in August), Friendship Day (First Sunday in August) Sisters Day (First Sunday in August) August 6th - Root Beer Float Day August 7th - Raspberries N’ Cream Day August 8th - Frozen Custard Day August 9th - Rice Pudding Day, Book Lover’s Day August 10th - S’mores Day August 11th - Son’s and Daughter’s Day, Bowling Day (Second Saturday in August) August 12th - Middle Child Day August 13th - Left Handers Day August 15th - Lemon Meringue Pie Day August 16th - Tell a Joke Day, Roller Coaster Day August 17th - I Love My Feet Day August 18th - Fajita Day, Ice Cream Pie Day August 19th - Soft Ice Cream Day August 21st - Kiss and Make Up Day, Banana Split Day August 26th - Dog Day, Women’s Equality Day, Cherry Popsicle Day August 27th - Just Because Day August 28th - Bow Tie Day, Cherry Turnovers Day August 30th - Toasted Marshmallow Day August 31st - Trail Mix Day

September 1st - Tailgating Day (First Saturday Saturday) September 2nd - Blueberry Popsicle Day September 5th - Cheese Pizza Day September 6th - Read A Book Day September 7th - Food Bank Day (First Friday in September) September 9th - Teddy Bear Day, Weiner Schnitzel Day, Hug Your Hound Day, Grandparent’s Day September 11th - Hot Cross Bun Day September 12th - Video Games Day, Chocolate Milkshake Day, Day of Encouragement September 14th - Cream Filled Donut Day, Eat a Hoagie Day September 15th - Cheese Toast Day, Double Cheeseburger Day, Hug Your Boss Day September 16th - Play-Doh Day, Cinnamon Raisin Bread Day, Step Family Day September 18th - Cheeseburger Day September 19th - Butterscotch Pudding Day, Talk Like a Pirate Day September 20th - String Cheese Day, Pepperoni Pizza Day

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September 22nd - White Chocolate Day, Elephant Appreciation Day, Hobbit Day, Ice Cream Cone Day September 23rd - Checkers Day September 25th - Comic Book Day September 26th - Pancake Day September 27th - Chocolate Milk Day, Corned Beef Hash September 28th - Good Neighbor Day, Strawberry Cream Pie Day September 29th - Ghost Hunting Day September 30th - Love People Day, Chewing Gum Day

October 1st - Homemade Cookie Day October 2nd - Custodial Appreciation Day October 3rd - Boyfriend Day October 4th - Taco Day October 5th - Get Funky Day, Do Something Nice Day October 6th - Noodle Day October 7th - Inner Beauty Day October 8th - Touch Tag Day October 10th - Angel Food Cake Day, Cake Decorating Day, Bring your Teddy Bear to School Day (Second Wednesday of October) October 11th - Sausage Pizza Day October 12th - Gumbo Day October 13th - Chess Day October 14th - Dessert Day, Clergy Appreciation (Second Sunday in October) October 15th - Cheese Curd Day, Grouch Day October 16th - Cat Day, Bossâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day October 17th - Pasta Day, Take Your Parents To Lunch Day October 18th - Chocolate Cupcake Day October 20th - Sweetest Day (Third Saturday in October) October 21st - Pumpkin Cheesecake Day October 22nd - Nut Day October 23rd - Boston Cream Pie Day October 24th - Food Day October 25th - Greasy Food, Sourest Day October 26h - Pumpkin Day, Breadstick Day (Last Friday in October) October 27th - Make a Difference Day (Fourth Saturday in October) October 28th - Chocolate Day October 29th - Cat Day, Oatmeal Day October 30th - Candy Corn Day October 31st - Caramel Apple Day, Knock-Knock Jokes Day November 1st - Calzone Day November 2nd - Deviled Egg Day, Jersey Day November 3rd - Sandwich Day November 4th - Candy Day

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November 5th - Doughnut Day, Love Your Red Hair Day, Color The World Orange (First Monday in November) November 6th - Nachos Day November 10th - Vanilla Cupcake Day November 11th - Sundae Day November 12th - Pizza With The Works Day November 13th - World Kindness Day November 14th - Pickle Day, Spicy Guacamole Day November 16th - Fast Food Day, Button Day November 17th - Homemade Bread Day, Take a Hike Day November 18th - Princes Day November 19th - Carbonated Beverage with Caffeine Day, Play Monopoly Day November 20th - Peanut Butter Fudge Day November 21st - Gingerbread Cooke Day November 23rd - Cashew Day, Eat a Cranberry Day November 25th - Parfait Day November 26th - Cake Day November 28th - French Toast Day November 30th - Mousse Day

December 1st - National Pie Day, Eat a Red Apple Day December 2nd - Fritters Day December 4th - Sock Day, Dice Day, Cooke Day December 5th - Ninja Day December 7th - Cotton Candy Day December 8th - Brownie Day December 9th - Pastry Day December 12th - Gingerbread House Day, Poinsettia Day December 13h - Cocoa Day December 15th - Cupcake Day December 16th - Chocolate Covered Anything Day December 17th - Maple Syrup Day December 19th - Hard Candy Day, Oatmeal Muffin Day December 21st - Homeless Personsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Remembrance Day, Ugly Sweater Day (Third Friday in December) December 24th - Eggnog Day December 25th - Pumpkin Pie Day December 26th - Candy Cane Day, Thank-you Note Day December 27th - Fruitcake Day December 28th - Chocolate Candy Day, Card Playing Day December 30th - Bacon Day

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