KIN – Kindness & Inclusivity Networkers

 

• Who? A network of parents, teachers, staff and kids reinforcing the importance inclusivity, kindness and empathy, in and out of school.
• What? Empower each other to engage with kindness and curiosity. Share information, ideas, concerns, inspirations and activities.
• Where? Facebook GROUP: “Kindness and Inclusivity Networkers” ; Google Group: Email KIN01890@yahoo.com to join the group; Updates in the Parent Association Newsletter.
• When? All the time.  If the values of inclusivity and curiosity are consistently emphasized by parents and teachers, kids will get the message that it is important.  The more upstanders in our community, the less ‘cool’ it becomes to exclude others.
• Why? Parent involvement encourages children to follow their natural impulse to be kind, which improves individual and community health.

• And How?

 

Recent Achievements at Lynch Elementary School: 

• Parents as classroom “mystery readers” shared books about kindness, inclusivity, and diversity.
• Packed birthday party supplies for homeless children (via charity, ‘Birthday Wishes’). Included reading Maddie’s Fridge by Louis Brandt and an empathy exercise.
• Partnered with BookEnds to get parents and kids involved in stocking the library with more books representing the diversity of our student population. Parents were asked to read and discuss books with their families before donating to enhanced learning for the whole community. The process resulted in an impressive booklist of books on a diverse range of topics, now available for anyone’s use. Email us for a copy of the booklist!
• Created Teacher Welcome Back Basket stocked with items such as Multicultural Crayons, Safe Space Stickers, Fidget Toys, Pencil Grips and posters representing diversity to help make all students feel more welcome in their classrooms.

 

Ways you can become involved:

• Email KIN01890@yahoo.com for mystery reader ideas including a copy of the booklist and some lesson plans; birthday box instructions; and, welcome back basket shopping list. Follow the group through Facebook & Google Group (see above) or watch Parent Association Newsletter for new ideas and opportunities.
• Talk to your friends, kids and teachers about how to bring the philosophy of KIN into your immediate community. Thank your teachers for what they are already doing in this area.
• Think of and share new ideas, articles of interest or concerns with the group. We learn from each other.
• Spread the word to other schools in Winchester. These resources are available to everyone and the more connections made, the more powerful the message. All Winchester students attend McCall and the High School and starting early can have a positive impact on the culture of those schools down the road.