Goodyear students run new in-school ‘‘Lion Postal Service’’ for peer mail and leadership training

Goodyear Elementary Principal Patrice introduced the school’s new student-run postal service and students described how the program works, why they like delivering mail and how the program supports leadership and kindness.

The program hired about 30 students after roughly 60 applicants were interviewed; selected students rotate as mail carriers and mail clerks and run a “kindness committee” to ensure students who receive fewer notes are included. Principal Patrice said staff and student volunteers from across the building — specialists, cafeteria workers, custodians and teachers — all have mailboxes. The principal said she responds to student letters and, when appropriate, routes requests into the school budget or operations.

Students described their favorite parts of the program: delivering mail to classrooms across floors, social interaction, and memorizing classroom locations. Lead teacher Mr. Norton said the job gives students responsibility and “career training.” Parents in attendance praised the program as workforce development in action and thanked staff for making students prepare proposals and run interviews.

School leaders said donated uniforms and bags (from Francis Wyman Elementary and Burlington) helped launch the program. Students keep tallies of mail delivered by class so staff can identify students who receive little mail and reach out. Staff and the committee discussed potential visits to a local post office and expanding the model to other elementary schools. No formal action or funding vote accompanied the presentation.