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.