Good morning!
The Lighthouse project was designed to look at the social ramifications of small, positive acts of kindness. The experimental curriculum works directly with a group of students who are empowered to take on miniscule tasks and then report on the social consequence of their behavior. The group has tracked their progress in order to determine a variety of outcomes. For example, do they have the ability to impact themselves through these behaviors? Does this expand beyond themselves to the people close to them in life? Does it go beyond that to the school and/or community? Can one beacon of light pave a new direction for the masses?
The students have been encouraged to take pride in themselves and their school. Students come together each week to talk about their personal experiences with this task. In addition, we plan monthly “acts of kindness” done for no other reason than to bring hope to other students and inspire creativity, inspiration and an overall feeling that each student matters. The program is designed to inspire confidence and pride in positive (even if small) successes.
The students have dedicated hours after school to create inspirational gestures of hope which are randomly distributed to the student body. It is amazing to see the amount of energy and enthusiasm students put towards recognizing each other’s strengths….not always an easy or popular thing to do in high school!
The project has been recognized by the White House and has inspired students in Gloucester High School’s Cabinet Making program to make an official sign. I have attached pictures of the projects…
Tomorrow we are embarking on our next random act….leaving colored eggs around the school full of inspirational quotes and candy:)
Follow us on twitter: The Lighthouse Project https://twitter.com/arose_project
I would be happy to talk to anyone interested in running the story….and would be thrilled to be able to prove to my students that kindness and small acts of kindness can change the world.
Thank you!!
Amy Rose
Rockport High School
Guidance Counselor
Good Morning Gloucester 