The Beach Haven School began the new school year with a focus on compassion, the first monthly character trait featured through the school’s character education and Social-Emotional Learning programs.
Throughout September, sixth-grade student leaders helped bring the theme to life by making daily morning announcements about what compassion means and sharing examples of how students can demonstrate it in their everyday lives. Students who are recognized by classmates or staff for acts of compassion receive Golden Surfer tickets, which they place in the character bin in the main office while proudly sharing how they demonstrated the monthly trait.
At the end of each month, the Student Principal of the Day or the school’s superintendent/principal draws a ticket to recognize one student. The selected student receives a Golden Surfer T-shirt, sticker and pencil, while the student’s class earns the opportunity to display the Golden Surfer Award in their classroom for the month. The tradition reinforces an important message at the school: Building strong character is both an individual responsibility and a community effort.
To culminate its month-long focus on compassion, the school took that message beyond the classroom with a special “Kick Off the School Year with Compassion” community event.
The community kickball game brought together students, families, staff, the Beach Haven Police Department and friends from Compassion Café and David’s Dream and Believe Cancer Foundation for an afternoon centered around kindness, connection and fun.
At the heart of the event was a spirited kickball game that brought participants of all ages together. The fun continued off the field with yard games, music from DJ Elmo, a hot dog cart and a popcorn machine.
The event was especially meaningful because of the school’s close relationships with Compassion Café and David’s Dream and Believe. Their involvement helped students see compassion is not simply something discussed at school; it is something demonstrated through service, relationships and caring for others throughout the larger community.
What better way to introduce that message than by beginning the school year surrounded by people and organizations that demonstrate compassion in action?
The event came to life through a collaboration between teachers Olivia Swanson and AnnMarie Deakyne, who worked together to turn the idea of a community kickball game into reality.
“This event really showcased just how special our community is,” Swanson said. “Seeing our students, families, staff, police department and community partners all laughing, playing and spending time together was something really special. It’s one of those moments where you look around and feel so lucky to be a part of this community.”
Deakyne also credited the Beach Haven Police Department for immediately embracing the event and helping make it a success.
“When I reached out to (Police) Capt. (Lisa) Fay, she immediately embraced our vision for the event and was eager to support our school community as a sponsor,” Deakyne shared. “Our local officers brought all the enthusiasm and energy.”
Principal/Superintendent Ted Loeffler reflected on the importance of having strong relationships with community partners who consistently model compassion, service and care for others.
“We are incredibly fortunate to have community partners who not only support our school, but truly live the values we are working to instill in our students,” Loeffler said. “I am also very proud of our staff for taking an idea centered around compassion and turning it into such a meaningful experience for our students, families and community.”
He added, “The Kick Off the School Year with Compassion event was a joyful reminder of what can happen when a school and community come together around a shared commitment to kindness.”
