Chestnutwold Elementary students take learning from books to action with Great Kindness Challenge
Students in the School District of Haverford Township learn far more than reading, writing, and arithmetic. In addition to teaching “book smarts” to its student body, the SDHT appreciates also teaching others how to be kind, how to care for others, and how to give.
This past season, one SDHT elementary school took those life lessons seriously by participating in the Great Kindness Challenge.
“The Chestnutwold Elementary Great Kindness Challenge Committee worked hard to create a joyful and meaningful week dedicated to celebrating the power of kindness, both within individuals and throughout the broader community,” said the February edition of Haverford Happenings, a newsletter about the district. “This year’s events were thoughtfully connected to the school’s all‑school read, ‘I Believe I Can,’ a book that inspired confidence, empathy, and the belief that every act of kindness matters.”
Students took the book-based themes and put them into real life action by doing for others. Families even became involved with the students’ goals.
“Each day began with morning announcements spotlighting individuals who demonstrated kindness by believing in themselves,” said the HH post. “Students also explored books selected by the librarian and committee members that highlighted these inspiring figures and their stories.”
The HH post explained that “the outreach efforts for the week focused on two meaningful partnerships” including:
Seniors at The Quadrangle
Per HH, “the students created ‘kindness flowers’—handmade messages of encouragement designed to brighten the day of residents at The Quadrangle. These heartfelt creations were delivered to the facility, where staff distributed them to seniors in ways that best supported their community. The project offered students a simple but powerful way to share joy and remind others that they were seen, valued, and believed in.”
Additionally, HH said that students worked “throughout the week, the school collected donations for the Philadelphia chapter of Cradles to Crayons, an organization that provides essential items to children in need. Donation boxes were placed in the office area, making it easy for families to contribute clothing, school supplies, and other helpful items. Every contribution—big or small—helped ensure that local children had the resources they needed to learn, grow, and thrive.”
Educators in the school said that the benefits of the program were far beyond those learned between the pages of a textbook.
“The Great Kindness Challenge served as a meaningful reminder that kindness is not just an action but a practice that strengthens the school community and extends far beyond it,” said the HH post. “The week offered a powerful celebration of compassion, creativity, and connection as students brought the message of ‘I Believe I Can’ to life.”
