Orange took over Port Towns Elementary School as more than 700 students, staff and community partners came together to kick off Bullying Prevention Month with a powerful message: Be a friend, not a bully!
The highlight was the Parade of Kindness, where every student took part, marching outdoors around the school carrying handmade signs promoting kindness, inclusion and respect. Student Anti-Bullying Ambassadors representing each grade level helped lead the celebration.
“Being kind means supporting your community and school,” shared first grader Sarah Avalos, who also presented her poem, Wild About Kindness, encouraging classmates to “be kind and caring” and “be gentle and sweet.”
Dr. Tisa Holley, Director of Student Services, reminded students that kindness starts with them, leading the school in a spirited “Unity Starts With Me!” chant and encourage students to use their words and actions to make others feel welcomed and respected.
The celebration also marked the official debut of Captain Kindness, PGCPS’ new anti-bullying superhero.
The idea came to Port Towns professional school counselor Daisy Anderson-Dickens in the middle of the night. With support from her principal, the idea grew from a concept into a schoolwide symbol of kindness.
Artist Andre Briscoe first brought Captain Kindness to life with colored pencils and paper. At the celebration, he watched his original drawing become a real-life superhero.
Fourth grader Amelia Perea gave Captain Kindness his name. She said she wanted the superhero to help children choose kindness, honesty and respect instead of hurting others.
From a drawing on paper to hundreds of students marching together, the celebration showed what kindness looks like in action.
