ABERDEEN, S.D. – This week, Simmons Middle School students worked together to spread kindness in honor of National Kindness Week.
Simmons Golden Crew members partnered with Achieve special education students to prepare for the week’s activities, starting on Tuesday. The students put up signs around the school with messages of kindness, prepared snacks and treat bags, and created a kindness photo station in the school’s lobby.
As a registered Special Olympics Unified Champion School, Simmons regularly holds inclusive events, said SPED Achieve Teacher Chelsea Ashmore. The Kindness Week partnership between Achieve students and Golden Crew members was an opportunity for another inclusive activity.
The SMS Golden Crew, led by Simmons Counselor Angel Samson, is a group of eighth-grade students identified as leaders by their teachers.
Kindness Week at Simmons also included activities in homerooms throughout the week relating to kindness, gratitude and increasing a feeling of belonging within the school. Students are also preparing for acts of service to be done in the community in the coming weeks.
On Friday morning, students and staff had a chance to take of photo of themselves being the “i” in “kind” at the kindness photo station. There was also a "Popsicle Pull" activity, where students could draw for a random act of kindness to complete by the end of the day.
The week’s activities ended with a group photo of the Golden Crew and Achieve students.
About the Aberdeen Public School District
The Aberdeen Public School District provides a comprehensive educational program to approximately 4,200 students in grades K-12, with a mission of empowering all students to succeed in a changing world. Our students receive the knowledge and skills necessary to reach their potential in a global community through high expectations of academic achievement; diverse educational opportunities; and community involvement in a safe, supportive environment. Learn more at aberdeen.k12.sd.us.