Photo courtesy of Union City Schools
Students at Union City Elementary School heard a message that will serve them well and for the rest of their lives last week.
Carrie Willis, a first-grade teacher at UCES and the current International United Miss Tennessee, used her platform to promote “Be the ‘I’ in KIND” Week initiative among students and staff.
The anti-bullying theme also carries the message of “Always be a little kinder than necessary.” Willis’ work has received a proclamation from Governor Bill Lee and has reached over 10,000 students in more than 30 schools in Tennessee.
UC Elementary School students participated in several daily activities as part of the “KIND” week. They wrote letters to soldiers thanking them for their service and also wrote notes of encouragement to nursing home residents in honor of Mother’s Day.
They learned and recited the “Kindness Pledge,” and also completed “Always be a little kinder than necessary” worksheets.
Students were rewarded for random acts of kindness throughout the week and were encouraged to have their photos made with a display near the library. The classroom with the most Tornado Tickets (for kindness) received an ICEE party.
A number of guest speakers from the pageant circuit also visited the school and read to students. Among them were Amanda Autry (Miss Tennessee High School America), Karenna Rainey (Miss McNairy County Volunteer), Meaghan Poore (Miss Fall Fest Volunteer) and Stella Higdon (Miss NY Jr. High America).
“Kindness: It costs nothing but means everything,” Willis said. “The anti-bullying theme is important to me, and I was thrilled that our students were so enthusiastic in all we talked about throughout the week.”