In addition to its focus on educating children in the Catholic faith and providing state-of-the art academics, Holy Cross School, Rumson, makes a conscious effort to guide its students to be good friends, good citizens and good Christians.
To that end, teacher Kim Clauss now instructs a half-year course called Life Skills, which is part of the curriculum in every grade. Instead of focusing on buzz words like “bullying,” Holy Cross uses this class to help students explore new ways of understanding, trusting and communicating with each other.
The Holy Cross PTA’s Faith in Action Committee, chaired by Christy Ramos – mother of three Holy Cross Students and one Holy Cross graduate who is now a student at Christian Brothers Academy, Lincroft – spearheaded the recent “Kindness Counts!” campaign, inspired by Ephesians 4:32, which reads, “Be kind to one another, compassionate.”
Weeks ago, each student received a blue wristband that read, “Faith in Action – Kindness Counts!” to wear throughout the day as a reminder to make an extra effort to listen, comfort, compliment and help their fellow students.
The Student Council took on this mission, too, Nov. 21 as they were preparing for Thanksgiving. They stayed after school to write “positive Post-Its” to every student in the school. The upper grade students found their friendly notes on their lockers, and the younger students found them on their desks when they arrived at school the next day. From “God loves you,” to “You are funny,” to “You are extraordinary,” the notes were a simple reminder to each student that they are special and appreciated.
Finally, to put this idea of kindness into action, Holy Cross guidance Counselor Melanie Jaenicke asked all sixth-grade students to bring in their favorite picture books and visit with the preschool students. They spent time with the younger children, playing and showing patience and interest in them and their questions.
Both the older and the younger students enjoyed the experience, school officials said.