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Bay Shore students, advisers launch 'Kindness Keepers' leadership program
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Summary
Teachers and fifth‑grade Mini Marauders led a new 'Kindness Keepers' initiative at Mary G. Clarkson to teach second graders problem‑solving, reporting vs. tattling, confident communication and recess safety; students received badges and will help with announcements and schoolwide kindness initiatives.
Miss Padilla and staff advisers introduced the Kindness Keepers Leadership Conference to the Bay Shore Union Free School District board, describing a partnership in which fifth‑grade Mini Marauders mentored Mary G. Clarkson second graders in leadership and social‑emotional skills. The program pairs older students as facilitators with younger learners and emphasizes peer modeling of kindness, inclusion and safe problem‑solving.
The advisers said the conference used four interactive stations: distinguishing tattling from reporting, deciding big problems versus small ones, practicing a kind and confident voice, and using a SAFE strategy to keep recess safe (See the problem, Act kindly, Find help, Everyone matters). A student who identified himself as Bennett summarized the goals: “Reporting means telling an adult when someone is hurt, unsafe, or needs help,” and students practiced responses with colored cards and role play.
Mary Aligalucci and other presenters described the program as an extension of the building’s existing Be Kind project and social‑emotional learning goals. Miss Devara told the board that Kindness Keepers were nominated by teachers, received certificates and badges, and would take on ongoing roles including morning announcements, a “Kindness Keepers Lunch Bunch” to plan improvements, and helping to recognize positive behavior at lunch and recess.
Advisers said the Mini Marauders designed many parts of the conference and will continue expanding leadership pathways, training fourth graders to join the program and offering transition activities with the middle school so the mentorship can continue as students advance. Board members praised the presentations and thanked staff and volunteers for the student‑centered focus.
The program will continue to roll out in classrooms and through regular school activities; presenters said they will return to update the board as the initiative grows.
