It's Our Birthday!

It is very hard to believe, but yes, it has been one whole year since the Superheroes of Kindness first took flight!  It was a snowy December day that the capes of kindness first found themselves wrapped gently around kind-hearted children, and slowly made the trek to the Food Bank delivering 377 pounds of food collected by these preschool heroes.  It seemed only fitting to celebrate by delivering food collected again this year to our neighbor, Missoula's Food Bank.  But I tell you, this was no ordinary food drive.  In fact, it was not just a Superhero of Kindness food drive.  This was a 'let's all come together and help out our community' food drive.  What a proud moment for these little bodies that hold such giant hearts and leave such deeply impacted footprints.

This food drive started like most other child-run food drives - coloring!  Yes, while the four year olds went off to their last gymnastics lesson, the three year olds and kindergarteners decorated four very large pieces of paper to be used as box covers.  The next day, food started coming in.  One morning, some of the children walked down to the neighborhood grocery store with a goal of each child choosing one item to bring back for their box.  Of course, after selecting many healthy food items, we had to throw in a cake and frosting "for if they need something yummy" (one of the children told me that.)  Last Friday, one group wrote a note to the school's neighbors, explaining what we were doing and asking for them to leave food out to be collected and added to our donation.  The children had so much fun taking turns putting our letter into mailboxes (something that until that moment we hadn't realized they do not do that often.)  Monday morning, the same children took off with a wagon, collecting five brown grocery bags full of food!  This was extra special as we were able to include a Missoula Community School alumni family in our drive!  And I tell you, when the wagon was getting heavy a couple of those three year olds really showed their strength and gave some good all out pushes on the back of the wagon.  Another group sorted the food, knowing this is something the food bank volunteers and employees have to do and hoping to spare them of the work (and getting a good sorting and comparing activity out of it.)  When all was said and done, we filled five wagons full of food to be donated.

This year we decided to do something a little bit different with our delivery.  On Monday, two groups took apples that were left over from last week's pizza day and turned them into a delicious treat to give to the Food Bank employees and volunteers.  The children used plastic knives and butter knives to cut the apples.  ("This is cool!" one exclaimed, of course not frequently able to use a knife at this age.)  Pretty soon, with the help of a dash of this and a sprinkle of that, those left over apples turned into Apple Crisp.  This yummy treat was warmed in the oven this morning and dished out for our neighbor heros to enjoy.

The sight of the whole school walking our donation down the couple blocks brought me to tears, twice.  (Ok, maybe three times.)  I could not help but remember last year.  One classroom delivered the food, 19 children.  The original band of Superheroes was seven of those students.  One class, seven capes, seven capes sewed with love from one fabulous mom, Terry.  Fast forward one year.  The same walk is made.  This time the entire school is involved, approximately 50 children.  Each one of them doning a cape of kindness, and of course a big smile.  Plus, this is the second all school mission in a little over a month!  To be honest, I am tearing up for a fourth time right now just thinking about it.  We knew this drive was a success even if we did not beat last year's weight.  Although I will say, as the number hit 377, and then kept crawling up all the way to 493, I thought I was going to pop out of my skin.  When we got back to school and a fellow teacher pointed out our box of glass items (jams and such) did not get weighed and we realized we had hit 500, well, let's just say I could have run down the street hugging anyone I saw.  Unbelievable!  Not to mention watching 50 children grabbing food from five wagons, putting them into one big bin, and doing so with manners and no pushing or shoving, I was speechless.  These children really are Superheroes of Kindness all the way to their cores.

When this idea first started taking shape, this crazy idea that we could take children out in capes and show kindness with the hopes of shining a light on all that is good in these little beings,  we knew it would be something that would become part of our school's traditions.  We knew it had a pure heart that would be able to tap into the goodness and compassion in those we came in contact with.  I guess we just had no clue how many people we would be coming into contact with!  We truly had no idea that we would have friends spanning the globe.  And now, to have friends working with us all the way in Missouri, teaming up to show what happens when you let kindness and compassion play the role of front runner, well, I just cannot explain how warm all of this makes my heart or how overly optimistic it makes me of our future.  Of these children's futures.

Friends, if you feel like celebrating with us, here is how you can.  Go out today with a goal of making someone smile.  Tap into that seed of kindness in someone else, and let them experience what that feels like.  Thank you so very much for a great first year - we hope to see you back here next year when we celebrate birthday number 2!  (Really, we hope to see you back here many times before then, as well!)

As a little something special, we have made a video photo album of some highlights from our first year, both picture highlights and letters/comments received highlights.  We hope you enjoy it!

Your friends,
The Superheroes of Kindness

(If you cannot get the video to go to full screen, and want the full effect, click here.)

Kindness Abounds

It is a very happy day for the Superheroes of Kindness.  Yesterday, the newest band of superheroes received their capes.  Today, they go on their first mission.  And what a fine first mission it will be - thanking the kind woman who donated them fabric for capes!

Their superhero base in Nevada, Missouri, this preschool class has taken on the call to spread kindness and compassion thanks to the heart found at the Nevada Community Center, the desire and hard work of the Center's Supervisor, Phil Bures, to see what it is really like to take a bunch of young caped kind-doers out into the community to not only spread kindness but make a difference, and the interest of one teacher, Mrs. Megan, to let her class hit the streets with smiles.  You can them out here.    Having had a sneak peak at some of their plans, all I can say is watch out!

We are very excited to have this cohort of kind kids join us in making a positive difference, one act of kindness at a time.  Welcome aboard, our kind-hearted friends!

"Remember there's no such thing as a small act of kindness.  Every act creates a ripple with no logical end."  (Scott Adams)

The Kindness Missions Heard Around the City

A very exciting thing happened during world kindness week.  For the first time, every student at the Missoula Community School embarked on missions at the same time.  Three missions were set and completed, many more smiles were found and displayed.  Approximately 50 capes of kindness hit the streets.  It was funny the couple days following because I heard a few people talk about superhero sitings around town.  One person stated, "I saw the superheroes in action!  Well, I assumed they were the superheroes of kindness because I saw a bunch of children walking across the bridge wearing capes.  I didn't know where you were going, but I couldn't help but smile."  These missions were not only exciting because everyone participated, but for a couple teachers this was their first mission, and for others it was the first mission they took the lead.  A unique experience was truly had by all.

Mission 1 - One group of children took it upon themselves to revisit Flor Haven, the assisted living home in which the superheroes visited for their second mission.  This home holds a special place in one teacher's heart.  She was able to acquire a list of supplies they need, and many parents and children donated the supplies.  On the day of the mission, this group took off with a wagon full of pillows, coffee, pencils, you name it, and of course some handmade flowers.  They flew down the streets of Missoula to Flor Haven, where they were able to deliver the supplies, the flowers, and of course smiles.

Mission 2 - A second group of children caped up and flew down the street to the Senior Citizen Center, where they surprised some lunch goers with homemade flowers.

Mission 3 - This has become my favorite mission to date by far.  There was something so touching about this moment and when I think back to being there I cannot help but feel warm and smile.  Two classrooms combined with a goal of delivering flowers to Clark Fork Riverside Manor, a manor found over a nearby bridge.  The children spent the morning making tissue flowers and recycled egg carton flowers.  Approximately 40-45 flowers bloomed that morning.  It was a brisk morning, so the children first decked out in their winter gear and then happily put their capes on.  (One girl was very afraid the cape would go under the jacket and she would not be able to fly.  We told her that superheroes are good problem solvers and we will find a solution.)  This was quite the treck - down to the river trail, over a small portion of the trail, and over the bridge - so the smallest of children got to take turns riding in a wagon.  (This is why there are no pictures this round, our hands were full helping transport our fearless superheroes!)  It was a beautiful, sunny, make your cheeks and nose pink kind of walk.

When we arrived, it was amazing.  The children had only walked into the lunch room in which some of the residents were waiting, and the residents all stood up with smiles and applauded!  We had not done a thing except show that we care by visiting.  I had to stop for a moment and let a few tears fill my eyes.  This is why we have superheroes of kindness.  Well, it did not take long after the children were told to pass out their flowers to fill each hand with a little gem.  We asked the residents to raise their hands if they did not get a flower, and instead they jumped up while others pointed to the couple of flowerless companions.  The number of 'thank you's' the children heard, well, it made me start wanting to thank everyone around me.  You could tell the residents did not want us to leave, so we decided to sing them some songs.  The children used their best singing voices to sing three school favorites - My Home's in Montana, The More We Get Together (in which many residents sang with us), and of course our closing circle song, Love Grows.

I just could not bear to have us leave yet.  So I did something risky and as of yet unheard of.  Suddenly, I started waving the children to the residents, telling them to find someone to give a hug or high five to.  Oh my goodness, was this spectacular!  As soon as I said it, I thought the children would be hesitant, but no!  They just bolted out and started giving hugs and high fives.  And the residents bolted out of their seats to return the gift!  My favorite was one woman who was sitting in the back who bolted out of her seat, locked her eyes on one boy, weaved in and out of hugs and high fives, until she reached this boy and gently asked him if she could hug him.

It finally became time to leave.  Some of the residents followed us out.  Many asked (several times) for us to return.  Everyone left, and was left, with a big ol' grin.  I do believe the superheroes are going to visit these friends monthly, starting with hopefully a joint lunch next month.

It was fun hearing and seeing some of the things others did for world kindness week.  I heard of one family who was going to deliver eggs from their chickens to their neighbors.  Another family was going to bake treats to the teachers at her children's school.  For the MCS missions, many children lent extra capes to friends so that everyone could suit up.  I was even the recipient of an act of kindness - a fellow teacher brought me a cup of coffee the morning of a training I was putting on (and oh, was that the best cup of coffee, filled with love and thoughtfulness.)

We do hope that you all enjoyed a fruitful world kindness week, and that you continue finding ways throughout your days to bring a smile to someone's face.  This is a great time of year to do so, it can be as easy as showing gratitude to one of the many things or people you are thankful for.

World Kindness Week Reminder :)

Just a reminder to start planning and completing your missions for world kindness week.  I am so very excited to hear back from you about what you chose to do.  My daughter and I started early.  Here is our act of kindness from yesterday.  Yes, it really is this easy!

When getting ready to leave the grocery store yesterday, we went to a woman we frequent.  This is the woman who a few months ago my daughter whispered to me, "Wow mama, she is beautiful."  Upon my suggestion that she tell her, my daughter did, and just may have made this lady blush a bit.  Back to yesterday.  My daughter comes up to me in the same fashion as before and whispers, "Mama, she is my favorite grocery buyer of all."  Once again, I suggested she maybe tell the woman.  My daughter said it quietly and was not heard.  She repeated it a bit louder, but was not heard.  Finally, she said, "Excuse me," and when the woman heard her and stopped, my little lady said, "You are my favorite grocery girl of all."  The woman again blushed, thanked my daughter, and said, "And you also think I am beautiful."  Pretty sure taking a moment to show appreciation to this woman made her day.

I really look forward to reading and sharing your stories, don't forget to send them in!  We will gladly accept photos, as well.  Happy World Kindness week!

Join the Superheroes of Kindness in celebrating World Kindness Day, November 13th, 2011!

Help us see how many random acts of kindness we can perform together! Commit to performing one random act of kindness during the week of Nov. 7 - Nov. 13th.  Choose one act, to do alone or with your family.  Then, write us, letting us know where you are from and what act you completed (by Tues., Nov. 15th, please).  You can leave it at that, or add a few pictures (that you are ok with us putting up on our blog) and/or a little writeup about your experience.  Email your mission to superheroesofkindness@missoulacommunityschool.org

Check our blog on Nov. 16th to see how many superheroes ‘reported to duty’.  

Finding an act of kindness is easy.  Just stop for a minute and look to see what is going on around you.  Maybe you want to show someone you appreciate them (mailcarrier, parent or child, coworker, grocery clerk).  Maybe you want to surprise a stranger (bus driver, person walking down the street, someone you see that needs help in the moment).  Maybe you would like to just do good (donate time, service, or supplies to Food Bank, Homeless Shelter).  Do something that has meaning for you.  If you are doing it with your family, give your children a voice, and help them give you a hand.  

Ideas:

Stop and smile at someone.

Send a card to someone, just because.

Donate food or time to your local food bank.

Do your child’s least favorite chore for them.

Leave a care package for your mailcarrier.

Bring coffee or treats to the staff at the ER.

Give a flower to your bank teller.

Rake your neighbor's yard.

So far, 69 countries, and over 4,700 people  have checked out the Superheroes of Kindness.  Now, become one of us, even if for one day, and help us see the impact kindness can have on the world!  We look forward to hearing from you!

Your friends, 

The Superheroes of Kindness

*Don't forget to tell your friends!

A Sunflower's Rays

As fall approaches, the Superheroes of Kindness have taken it upon themselves to distribute some of the beautiful flowers that have grown in the school's garden before these flowers meet the cool frost that is making its way.  These sunflowers have made us so happy (I know each morning my daughter and I have to use the front door, no matter what, just so we can look at these flowers and gather their story - has a deer taken some bites, did one get knocked over by an exuberant child, you know, a flower's tale.)  For one of the sunflower missions we were joined by my teacher and friend, Michael, who ventured all the way from New Hampshire to join the ranks of Superhero of Kindness.  It was so wonderful to share a morning of kindness with you, Michael!

For our first journey, we travelled across the street to say hi to our neighbors.  Each child cut about three flowers from their stem.  Now, this is a difficult task as cutting is a skill we are building and stems can be kind of thick and hard to cut.  But with the determination brought on by being able to cut and give away flowers, the children used those scissors like pros.  We stapled a little note around the stems which said, "Have a good day!  From your neighbors, the Superheroes of Kindness."  And with that, we were on our way.

We crossed the ever busy 5th Street, waving a quick thank you to the cars that saw the invisible 'Superhero Crossing' sign.  The children showed no hesitation to give away this beautiful treasure they were holding.  We walked from door to door, knocking, and I had to do all I could to keep all the children from happily giving their flower to the first couple of doors.  Most people were not home, so we left the surprise on their outdoor chairs and mailbox's.  But at our last stop, a gentleman slowly answered the door.  He seemed very unsure of a bunch of children in capes knocking on his door midmorning.  But as the last child smiled and handed him their flower, and said, "This is for you," the gentleman grew a huge grin, and started chatting the children up.  Mission give flowers to bring smiles accomplished.

The next week we performed a similar mission, but this time we walked the couple of blocks to the Food Bank.  We have been there before to donate and to sort food.  But this time we were here to give smiles. This was a long walk for the children, the few blocks being the longest one we had made as a class this year.  But it also was this group's first time of flying.  Boy, do those children know how to fly!

There was an interesting transformation as we made our way into the Food Bank and began distributing flowers.  The patrons who were sitting, waiting for their turn, looked as most people do when they are sitting and waiting - not unhappy but for sure not excited.  When they saw a group of (unannounced) children in capes walk in, I must say some faces became a bit questioning and definitely less than excited.  Most people's experience with a group of children that age is one in which the children are not as quiet, do not show as much control over their body, and one in which the children show some of the natural egocentricness that is natural at this age.  But these children quietly walked in, looked at me, and started distributing flowers.  They walked up to the patrons, handed a flower with a smile and sometimes a, "This is for you."  How quickly those faces transformed into smiles, and how quickly life filled that entry way.  People started talking to each other, and talking to the children.  A couple of people pointed out others who needed flowers.  I think I heard every single recipient say, "Thank you!"   I couldn't help but feel taken over by the positive energy that filled that small entry way, and if I hadn't of been needing to herd seven three year olds I do believe I would have gone through that line and hugged each and every one of those people.

As we were walking to the Food Bank, one of the children asked which flower was for them.  I answered the child by telling her that these flowers are for giving away, but that when we returned we could cut another flower just for us to take home.  Michael said, "Isn't that the essence of kindness?  The kindness you put out there will ripple out but eventually makes its way back to you."  That has made me smile ever since because yes, that is true.  And have I ever been feeling the ripples continuing out and a few returning back to me.

Our wonderful friend, Sarah, enjoyed taking pictures of these adventures, so we have put them together for you to view.  Enjoy!

First Mission of the New School Year

The school year may have just begun, but the Superheroes of Kindness have already embarked on their first mission.  The spirit of kindness has been high, even without doning capes.  Pre-Kindergarten students happily help the youngest three year olds find the bathroom when they are themselves working their way down the hall.  Children in the four year old groups are waving and hugging former teachers and old friends.  New three year olds are happily sharing swings and shovels on the playground.  There is a definite air of kindness.  

On Friday, one of the children in the youngest group brought in a treat she had made to share with her class.  The children were so excited, they decided to make a treat to share with the other classes.  Very carefully, each child spread peanut butter on top of a graham cracker.  It took a lot of concentration (and a lot of hand washing) to remember good cooks do not lick their hands or utensils.  Each child prepared five graham crackers (and then I broke them into small pieces).  The final step was putting a chocolate chip on the top of the treat.  

The children then put on their capes, for the first time ever.  (This is a new group of children, not only to the superhero idea, but to the school - they had not seen this before.)  We talked about how we felt when our friend brought us a homemade peanut butter ball.  We then talked about how our friends in the school would feel when we brought them our treat.  Very quietly, the Superheroes of Kindness crept through the hall, leaving treats for other classes as those students listened to stories, put shoes on, or drew pictures of their first week at school.

Each group took a moment that afternoon to thank these friends for their kindness.  This has become one of my top memories because these children, the youngest in age and size in the school, sat up tall as the other children thanked them for this unexpected treat.  Without prompt, a couple of them said, "you're welcome," back to the fellow students as they showed gratitude.  Adults throughout the school showed smiles as they saw the capes reemerge.  

The Superheroes of Kindness are back, with greater force.  Missoula, it is a good time to get your smiles ready.

My Story

This last week the teachers at Missoula Community School returned to their classrooms.  Students don't officially start until Monday, but these teachers with their big dreams for the year and bigger hearts spent countless hours preparing their classrooms and then spending time with individual students as each child came one by one to see what their classroom looks like and get a feel for the cheerful, dedicated adult that will care for them for months to come.

Now, I know many of you keep up with this blog to see what these cute children with endless supplies of kindness are doing.  But today, I am going to tell you my story; a story about a random act of kindness inspired by the Superheroes of Kindess.  As the new school year has approached, I have done a lot of reflecting on the effect and role of the Superheroes of Kindness in my life.  I am excited to see the school as a whole intentionally continue their pursuit of kindness.  Teachers have spoken to me of their visions, parents have asked if their child will be able to still participate or begin to participate, and I watched two children discuss their superpowers with one offering his powers to the other and the other graciously saying no thank you because she has her own.  The superheroes of kindness are going to grow, and the city of Missoula is hopefully prepared.  But I must admit that the original band of superheroes will always hold a special place in my heart, and will forever be a fine example of the perfect embodiment of the pure hearted.  And before the new school year officially begins, I wanted to make sure to pay tribute to these children, these souls that forever have changed how I see the possibilities of the future.

The question became, "How?"  I started thinking of missions to be kind to the children, missions to be kind to the teachers who will care for the superheroes, missions to care for the community to whom the superheroes gave their heart.  It became too much and I realized my focus this week needed to fall in setting up a classroom environment in which the superhero of kindness vision can grow.  As I left school today, Friday, I felt good.  There was a part of me, though, that felt I had not honored that group of children right, leaving me to wonder what effect that would have on the up and coming superheroes.

I planned a weekend getaway with my daughter.   The goal was to really allow for some intentional, focussed, personal time knowing the changes that the business of the week and the (most likely) unrelenting stress of the upcoming school year will bring since I will re-enter the dual role of teacher and student next week.  We arrived at our destination later than I had hoped and my lady was tired from being back in full time care this week.  We went to dinner and I had low hopes for the outcome as she was tired and hungry, and I had even lower expectations for the swimming that had to happen even though it was way too late but I had promised.

Then it happened.  We were blessed with a very kind waitress.  The funny part being I cannot pinpoint what was so unique and special about this dining experience, except that our waitress was just truly kind and friendly.  Imagine your waitress approaching you to pour your water and you, stressed, exclaiming, "Sorry, but I have to take this gal to the bathroom," and bolting out of the booth.  That is usually the first ingredient for an experience involving shortness and some unfriendliness.  But this fine lady excused us and came right back, smile and all.  She wasn't over the top.  She was just herself, a truly kind person.  Our dining experience allowed my tired four year old and I to enjoy each other, and still fulfill the promise of a swim today, albeit extremely late.  In reality, she was probably just being herself and just doing her job.  But my daughter and I were at a turning point and the evening could have gone either way, and she helped.  I thought of my heroes, and wanted to let her know her kindness had rippled.  So as I signed my bill, I wrote her a note, thanking her for her kindness and making our dining experience so enjoyable.  Did she see it?  I hope so, but do not know.  Do I feel now that I have honored those original superheroes and completed my own act of kindness that may ripple itself in its own true, simple form?  Yes.

Thank you, my original superheroes, for changing my life forever.  And thank you, new superheroes, for taking on this role that has, and will, change lives forever.
Gratefully, Kristal

Painting a Neighborhood

Sharon talking to the children.

Lucero

It is hard to believe, but the day finally came for the Superheroes of Kindness to help stain Sharon's fence.  Even though it was rain that kept us at bay for so long, we were met with a bright (and very hot) sun the afternoon of this mission.  This mission was very special to me because there was a child from four different early childhood classrooms, plus a parent with each!  Another nice surprise was that when we originally talked about doing this mission, we were just hoping to help someone in our community.  But as plans were laid out, we found that the fence we were painting belonged to a woman down my street, which also places her across the street from one of the Superheroes who was helping to paint.  Our adventure transformed from helping someone in our community to assisting a neighbor.

Connor and Stephen

Really, the sun was quite hot and it was 5:30pm.  So although the children were eager to do a mission, they were not sure initially what they had gotten themselves into.  Luckily some juice boxes and bunny crackers appeared helping to ramp up the energy, and it was not too long before all the children were staining.  Modeling the importance of helping those in your community, ACE Hardware donated all of the supplies needed.  (Thanks ACE!)

Mason

It was quite funny looking at the fence at various points.  You could tell where adults painted because the stain stretched from top to bottom, and you could tell where children painted because the paint stopped 3/4 of the way up.  But boy, were those children focussed when brushing that fence.  It was hard not to tear up as I watched families painting together; a dad giving stroking advice to his son, two brothers working side by side, and two other brothers rotating turns without really knowing they were doing that.

Marquez

As the children finished, parents continued to paint.  And two volunteers from Imagine Missoula, Catherine and Penny, worked diligently the whole way through.  These two lovely ladies stayed and finished the staining after the children's energy and attention spans dwindled and parents departed with their children.  (Thank you Catherine and Penny for seeing the project to the end!)

Bridget

I am used to the children being filled with a sense of pride after a mission, talking about what they did and recounting their memories.  But this time I have had the joy of talking walks with one of the children by the site of the mission, and it is positively delightful seeing the pride come out through body language and demeanor.  My little lady gets slightly more bounce in her step, stands a little taller, and talks in a way that is almost whimsical.  She only briefly mentions that we painted the fence, but always suddenly has the urge to go out and do something nice for someone as we walk by.  At home, she now talks about Sharon down the street.  "Sharon might like to plant flowers by the fence we painted, Mama," she will say.  This is a child that has not only built pride in herself, but in her neighborhood.  She has ownership, belonging, and a feeling of playing an important role.  What an amazing feeling to have at age four.

The families and volunteers:

Catherine and Penny,
diligently working.

Catching Kindness

Although the weather postponed the Superhero fence painting extravaganza, that does not mean the superheroes have been sitting idle.  Last Wednesday, three Superheroes visited Sharon, whose fence we will stain, and delivered her handmade flowers to say thank you for her patience as we keep our eyes on the weather.  We deviated from our norm; usually we use pipe cleaners for stems but on this day we were able to use twigs from part of my apple tree that has not regrown.  Marquez, Lucero, and Bridget doned capes (Lucero for the first time, and playing the role of our youngest superhero so far) and walked down the street.  We surprised Sharon, arriving an hour earlier than we had thought.  But she was glad to see us still.  "These are the best kind of flowers," she said, "because you don't have to water them and they last forever!"  Sharon knew we were coming (we had called to see that she would be home), and had set out Glacier quarters to give each child.  The children walked away beaming, not expecting to receive their own thank you gift.

We are excited to say it looks like we have an official date.  Next Wednesday, July 6th at 5:30, the superhero children and superhero volunteers will gather to finally stain Sharon's fence.  If you would like to join, just email the superheroes and we will make sure you have the address.

I have been able to follow one Superhero as she caught a case of kindness from a friend and has done her job to spread this contagious need to make others smile.  Recently a Superhero, who we shall call Violet, received a card in the mail.  The card was unexpected, as were the stickers found inside.  Violet grinned the whole day long.  The next morning this random act of kindness was the first thing she talked about.  Violet woke up and reminded me of her mail (what a treat for a young child to receive mail) and then asked if we could give someone flowers.  I expected this young lady to want to take flowers to her friend, Linn, who had sent the card.  But no.  Violet wanted to take flowers to a teacher from her school, "just because."  She just wanted to let this teacher know, "that she is nice and I miss her."  So we loaded up in the jogger and delivered a flower to Gerri.  And the kindness did not stop there.  The next several days were filled with Violet choosing (on her own) someone she wanted to make smile.  A picture for Grandma.  A note for Grandpa.  A call to Aunt Katie "because she will be so surprised to hear my voice and she will smile, mama."  In fact, we have three cards to mail today that have been made especially for some friends from school.  It really seems as if she cannot stop, and it all started from someone mailing a card to let this little one know someone was thinking of her.  My favorite was at the grocery store last weekend, when Violet looked up at the woman helping bag our groceries and said, "Wow, you are just so beautiful."  I watched that woman just glow, knowing her day was just made infinitely better.  Maybe even her week.  Seeing the power of saying something you are thinking or feeling, feeling a little unsure of saying it but knowing deep down it will make the other person smile.    

Watching Violet so happily perform these acts of kindness, some small and some not so small, and watching them ripple over a distance farther than my eye can see, has made me take a deeper look into my day.  What can I do in this moment to make someone around me smile?  Hmmm, I think I will go answer that right now.

Thank You Mission

Thank you Cody Schliebe for making this dream come true.

This mission, the final school year mission, is one that I shall remember for a while.  The Superheroes embraced the spirit of these acts of kindness and really, truly believed they were Superheroes called into action.  They flew (or ran) the entire distance with smiles and jokes the entire way.  Each one had learned that showing appreciation is a most important of tasks.  For this mission, they were able to take a teacher, Meg, from another classroom on her first mission.  I still smile at how transformative putting on those capes of kindness has been.

The mission, which we accepted with great pride, was to deliver a thank you note to Bernice's Bakery.  For the last couple of years, Bernice's Bakery has baked the pizzas the children make each month so that the school can hold Pizza Day, a day in which each child in the school is part of the process of creating pizza to enjoy together.  We were charged with delivering a thank you note.

The children were very excited to don their capes and enjoy a (rare) sunny day.  They 'flew' the whole time!  As mentioned before, flying means running so fast that we believe we are actually flying.  Usually we fly a block or two and then need to walk a bit.  But the joy of the mission took over and boy did we want to fly.  The children did stop at each corner, lay down, and take a nap for a minute before they took on the next stretch of block.

We took a detour to Bitterroot Floral to pick out flowers.  The children were very excited to pick out their bouquet and were even recognized by the store workers.  After carefully selecting our flowers, we made our way to Bernice's where we were able to hand deliver our thank you.

This particular delivery ended up being extra special, as the fellow who had oversaw our pizza baking will be leaving after the summer to pursue photography.  The joy on his face as this group of children hand-delivered flowers and a thank you note, not knowing we were also saying goodbye to a friend, was worth the trip.  He brought out his camera and took a couple of pictures of the children before we flew back to school for music.

During the mission, one boy who had put his shoes on the wrong feet and initially resisted the adult requests to switch his shoes to the right feet, finally decided to put his shoes on the appropriate feet.  He was feeling like he could not move as fast as he wanted.  Immediately upon making the switch he flew down the street bearing a huge grin.  He stopped to say, "Kristal - look!  I am flying so fast there are stars coming out of my back!"  And sure enough, there were.  I do believe I could not have scripted a better last mission.  Thank you, my original band of superheroes, for helping make a difference one mission at a time.

*The first summer mission - fence painting with Imagine Missoula - was delayed due to rain.  As soon as there are a couple of sunny days, we will reschedule.  If you would like to join us, just email the superheroes.

Superhero Spell of Friendship

The Superheroes needed to take a break from missions the last couple weeks as they prepared for their school's presentation night and participated in some fun field trips.  Although the Superheroes were not out in physical force, they managed to influence those around them still.  Here is a story one of the teachers created to help resolve a debate between herself and one of the children.

In another classroom within the school, a debate has been occurring between a student (four years old) and a teacher.  The child, who believes with all her heart she is a unicorn, created an animal.  This animal was a pegacorn, a mix between a unicorn and a pegasus.  The debate was that a pegacorn and a dragon could not be friends.  It was well known that the dragon would come after the pegacorn, and the pegacorn would perform donkey kicks to fend off the dragon.  But, the teacher was sure that (with help) the pegacorn and dragon could learn to be friends.  The child disagreed.  It should be noted the child was a fan of the superheroes and I believe has her own superhero cape.  Well, in a last, very well thought out, attempt to prove these two could be friends, the teacher created a picture and story for the child.  

Thanks Allison, for using the superhero way to help spread your message of friendship.

The Superheroes will be going on their last school year missions in the next week.  But the superhero work does not end with the last day of school.  We will be working with Imagine Missoula, a local organization, to provide a few opportunities over the summer for anyone (young or old) who would like to be a superhero to join in on a mission.  Our first joint mission is coming up.  A nice elder woman needs help painting her fence, and has accepted the superhero offer of help.  Any child who participates will be able to have their picture taken in a cape.  This is the way it will work.  Because this is our first attempt at joining these superhero preschoolers with Imagine Missoula's superheroes who work during the day,  we are putting out two dates - Wednesday June 1st or Tuesday June 7th (4pm both days).  If you are able and willing to join this momentous mission, email me through the superhero email address telling me which day you can help.  We will choose the date in which we are able to get an ample number of volunteers, both young and old.  Hope to see you there!

Bike Walk Bus Week Fun

The Superheroes of Kindness were having quite a bit of fun during bike walk bus week (two superheroes rode the bus with me one day and one rode his scoot bike with me another day - all the way to school!)  We decided it was definitely necessary to do a Bike Walk Bus Week Superhero mission.  This fine day we were joined by Superhero supporter and friend, Ed.  So excited you joined us, Ed!

Note the flower sticking out of the bicycle handle :)

For this mission, we wanted to celebrate people who biked, walked or bussed.  This was a very special mission in that we were going to perform our first really random act of kindness, one in which we were not going to see the recipient and were going to leave our act of kindness out there for someone to receive.  We spent Wednesday making butterflies out of some really sparkly wallpaper samples.  On the butterflies we attached notes, making sure any random recipients would know what it is they were being left and why.  On Friday, the Superheroes and their special guest visited Bitterroot Floral where we each picked out a single stem flower.  Then we set off down Higgins to give our flowers to passer-byers.

Of course, we ran into some 'friends' along the way.  A couple of the children saw a police officer on a motorbike.  After some brief discussion distinguishing between a 'bike' and a 'motorbike', we decided to give the officer a butterfly (well, actually more like six butterflies) for helping to keep our streets safe.  As a thank you, the police officer let the children take turns sitting on his motorbike.







Then of course, we ran into some folks eating on the Hip Strip.  The children gave one fellow a butterfly, and he chatted the children up.  He complimented the craftmanship of their work (great cutting skills) and talked capes.  Definitely exciting in our book.

Finding the best spot to put a butterfly.

The random part of the mission was wonderful!  The children were excited to leave butterflies  for someone to find.  In fact, it was quite a bit of fun trying to wrap the butterflies around bike handles, in tires, kind of anywhere on the bikes.  Some of us wanted to leave the broken stems from our flowers (after all, the stems are pretty special parts of the flowers, too.)  And contrary to what I had planned for, each child was able to give up their special flower to leave or give to someone they do not know.  Although we frequent the flower shop, this was the first time we had to give up a single stem we had picked out and held.  (We have only given them away as bunches for special occasions like birthdays, not singly and just for fun).   This was also the first time we offered something special we really wanted for ourselves to help make someone else's day.  And I tell you, my spirit was very much renewed this mission.  These children really showed me the importance of watering the seeds of kindness.  I have not stopped smiling since.  I can only imagine how a recipient of one of the flowers or butterflies must be feeling right now.

Thank you Superheroes for helping celebrate alternative transportation, and for refreshing your teacher's spirit!

Butterfly House Beauty

Presenting Jen with the jar of money

While the Crazy Loving Cows (a three-year-old class at the Community School) were learning about the rain forests, they invited Jen from the Missoula Butterfly House to come into their classroom and share information about insects found in the rain forest.  She brought in hissing Madagascar cockroaches, Milton the millipede, and a blue morpho-butterfly.  The children were so excited and interested in the insects that they wanted to do something to help get the Butterfly House started.  (It will officially open in 2012).  

Jen thanking the students.

The children brought in pennies from home (over 700!) and held a bake sale at school.  Talk about realizing you are never too small to make a difference in your community - they made over $100 in two days from their bake sale!  When they combined the penny drive and the bake sale, they raised $139 that they were able to donate to the Missoula Butterfly House.  The children were delighted to be able to give Jen the huge jar of money, and they had the added bonus of feeling great about helping get the Butterfly House off to a good start so that other children can enjoy the insects too.  

Friends of the Butterfly House stickers - yeah!

Wow, the power of a three year old is magnificent.  Thank you Crazy Loving Cows for your help!

Celebrating Earth Week

Earth Day with our friend, Ellen

Before the Superheroes of Kindness began their first mission, when they were just becoming excited about the idea and making their first list of missions they would like to accomplish, they knew they wanted to spend some time picking up garbage around the school and making the neighborhood look nice.  And boy howdy, did the Superheroes accomplish that for Earth Day!  For this particular mission, a friend to me and Superhero enthusiast, Ellen, joined in the fun.  In honor of Earth Day, she wore her 'Mother Earth' dress.  Yeah Ellen!

Thursday morning, the children prepared for the silly task of getting dirty in order to make the neighborhood clean.  Each Superhero put on a glove, got out their eagle eyes, and scoured the grass and sidewalk for garbage of any kind.  They barely even noticed the cool wet weather.

In the end, we filled two half garbage sacks.  Considering the small size of most the garbage we found, that was quite a bit!  The children also were able to see  some of our neighbors enjoy the hard work we were putting into our earth day mission.  A couple of  neighbors came out onto their front step after we  cleaned up their front yard, and of course they couldn'thelp but smile and thank the children.  Way to go!

Friday morning the Superheroes set out on a special Earth Day mission.  Some very kind friends to this clan of good-doers have been working very hard to make capes, lots of capes.  The goal has been for an entire classroom to go on a misson together.  (For those who don't know the school, a classroom consists of two groups of children.)  Thanks to their hard work, both classes from 'the green room' were able to join together  for the first time!  With great excitement, all of the children don their capes (those new to the Superhero fun wore great big smiles).  The children made recycled flowers, either decorate pieces of from egg cartons or cutting beautiful calendar scenery into bright new flowers.  As children made their earth day flowers, they attached a note on which were statements from the children on how to help take care of the earth.  In one big clan, the 15 children leaped down to Le Petit, where we left our bouquet of flowers for their customers to enjoy (and hopefully read our suggestions on how to help take care of our earth).  Mission accomplished!

Our Ideas to Help Care for the Earth

by the Green Room Friends

     1. Plant new flowers

     2. More water (for the earth).  Make our earth

         stronger.

     3. Not throw garbage on the ground.

     4. Water plants.

     5. Sweep garbage.

     6. Put garbage in garbage cans instead of the

         ground.

     7. Make more beautiful stuff on earth day.  Reuse things!

     8. Take (only) a little bit of water from the earth.

  

  

It may have been a while since the superheroes have updated their blog, but boy howdy, have they been continuing their missions of kindness.  Here is a recap of two of their missions:

Senior Citizen's Center Surprise

The children worked to make more vibrant, handmade flowers to take to the senior citizen's center.  The superheroes had visited here before in December, bringing cookies to the lunch attendees.  This time, we were working to brighten what had been a very grey month.  Upon doning their capes, the superheroes flew the two blocks to the center.  It was a really neat experience revisiting the center.  The children remembered how happy they had made these friends.  As they remembered how excited the seniors were the last time they came, the children became more and more excited.  One girl teared up, saying she was so happy and her "heart felt so warm" that she "needed to let some tears out."  We had quite a few flowers to hand out (nearly thirty).  As each flower was handed out, the children became more excited and grew bigger smiles on themselves and their new friends.  One man received two flowers, asking if he needed to return one so that someone else may get it.  When told he could keep both, he grinned from ear to ear saying he felt very extra special.  Not only were the children asked back, but were given an open invitation to return whenever they please.  It appeared the children may have not only brightened the senior's days, but maybe even their week.  Way to go Superheroes!

To see a video of the Superheroes of Kindness in action during this field trip, click the link:

Superheroes in action

Mission: Landscaping

The children spent an hour one Friday morning helping to prepare the landscaping of a neighborhood ice cream shop for new spring growth.  The Big Dipper is frequented by Missoula Community School families, and the children thought they would be showing kindness by making the scenery which the ice cream eaters enjoy attractive.  Although the weather was a bit gloomy, the spirits were high.  Many different aspects of prepping growth for spring were experienced: long grasses were cut, leaves picked up, garbage collected, woodchips and cement raked and broomed, and of course, the observation of and replacement of a little spider whose current home we had removed.  

It was very exciting to pick up handfuls of grasses that were taller than we were.  And it definitely was extremely thrilling to receive a scoop of ice cream as a thank you for our hard work.  It was fun watching the children turn what was originally a fun field trip into an exciting superhero mission; they were able to see the kindness in their work and joy of their finished product before we even left the school.  ("Kristal, we are showing kindness today.  We should take our capes.")  Thank you Leslie, for letting us join you for a joyful Friday morning!

Random Acts of Kindness Week
Two other classes performed acts of kindness during random acts of kindness week in February.  One group, the Crazy Loving Cows, left goodies for the custodian who works hard each night to clean our school so that we may continue to enjoy it each and every day.  The other group, the Brave Tigers, left a present for Lauren, the wonderful person from the building we rent who works with our school.  The Brave Tigers received a thank you letter from Lauren.  Way to go, fellow superheroes!