With simple acts of kindness and plenty of reinforcement from local role models, in one week's time, 900 Branford kids in grades 5 - 8 have rolled up their sleeves to show they care for one another, during The Great Kindness Challenge at Walsh Intermediate School (WIS) Jan. 23 – Jan. 27.

Co-organized by School Counselor Heather Grattan and Physical Education/Unified Sports teacher Megan Basti, the effort followed the guidelines of Kids for Peace Global. WIS joined over 5 million students in more than 8,000 schools around the world to bring about over 250 million total acts of kindness within one week's time. WIS also joined the global initiative's effort to raise funds that will help build a new school in a village in Pakistan. Kids chipped in change all week long to raise nearly $900 for the cause, said Grattan.

 In addition, WIS donated $200 to Branford Counseling Center (BCC) from proceeds raised by a T-shirt fundraiser. Nearly 200 students bought red #bKind T-shirts, offered at a cost of $5 each, thanks to a contribution from Campus Customs.

"All of our classrooms displayed '50 Acts of Kindness' posters to help kids share simple acts of kindness at Walsh," added Grattan. "You can hug a friend; you can give a smile. They are truly simple acts of kindness."

Each day last week, WIS teachers also updated Grattan and Basti daily on kids caught in acts of kindness. By the end of the week, at least 217 students were recognized. Each of them traced their hand "leaf" and added their signature to a Kindness Tree wall mural created by WIS Art Teacher Kristin Liguori and two students.  Clubs, teams and classrooms created Kindness posters to hang around the school too, said Grattan.

"We really wanted to everybody involved in the opportunity to understand no matter who you are, kindness matters," she said.

Grattan said other kindness programs have taken place at WIS through the years, but 2017 marks the first time WIS took joined the global challenge event. She learned of the challenge through a notice in a magazine produced by her school counselor association. Grattan brought the idea to WIS Principal Robin Goeler, who gave it his full support.

The proactive program also helped counselors, teachers and administrators at WIS to reinforce school efforts to engage in positive bullying prevention, continue to improve school climate and increase student engagement.

To localize the effort, Grattan and Basti invited town and state leaders to visit the school to talk to kids on themes of acceptance, tolerance, unity and respect during morning video announcements. The announcements were kicked off with an enthusiastic greeting from Branford Recreation Director Alex Palluzzi.

"My message is clear and simple. I want you to always treat each other with respect and to be kind to one another," said Palluzzi. "Don't lose sight of who you are, and by simply just being kind, you will change and make a significant difference in the world we live in."

Also joining WIS morning announcements last week were Branford Police Youth Detective David Atkinson and Licensed Clinical Social Worker Maggie Trapasso of BCC. In addition, the kids took in video clips from local social service groups including End Hunger CT and Community Dining Room.

Halfway through the week, several special guests were invited to speak to the kids in person, during a Jan. 25 assembly for the entire student body. Assembly speakers including Branford High School ninth grader Melanie Sachs, Guilford/Branford State Representative Sean Scanlon (D, District 98), First Selectman James B. Cosgrove and Branford Fire Chief Thomas Mahoney.

Sachs talked about how rewarding it has been for her to reach out to other kids with random acts of kindness and how much each individual can influence others. She also encouraged the students to "...accept all types of people."

"That random act of kindness will stick with you, and you'll continue to do kinds things," said Sachs. "You really matter, and everything you say matters. Even if it's the simplest thing, all those things are going to add up to a world of good."

Scanlon asked the students to recall if someone had ever said something to make them feel bad; then asked them to remember the feeling so they'd never impose it on someone else. Scanlon also urged them to be proactive in helping others, saying, "... the coolest kids are not the kids who are making fun of people. They're the people who step in when someone does say something.  The more we can do that, the more we can make sure we're all part of being more kind, and I think the better off we'll all be in the long run."

Cosgrove discussed how kindness is a quality that's found in a true leader.

"It's concern, it's care for others, being considerate of others. Whether it's obvious or subtle, it is kindness," said Cosgrove. "They're not there to dictate or pull everyone along to follow. They're not there to bully, but to lead (whether) it's a nation, a town, a sports team or even a group of friends. It's not about yourself, it's being aware of what's important to the group and the others and being concerned about it.  At any time, anyone of you in this room can be a leader. When you're at the lunch table, when you're in your classroom, be aware, be concerned of the others you are with. And then you will be a true leader."

Chief Mahoney brought students the message of "courage," which is a core value of the Branford Fire Department.

"What does courage mean to you? Does it take courage to run into a burning building? It certainly does, but most importantly, we demonstrate bravery by overcoming fear through fortitude, good judgement and strength of character. What that really means is to do the right thing, even when no one is looking," said Mahoney. "When you're in a group, it's kind of easy to go along; but you have to have that courage [to] stand up. Remember, every day, to be humble, be kind and have courage."