“KiND LiPS” Program    

High school teens tackle anti-bullying education in a new light.  Forty high school members of STAND (Student Teaching Against Negative Decisions) partnered with KiND LiPS in the Classroom to education elementary youth on the value of the simple act, kindness.  STAND members planned an elaborate educational program that reached every third-grade student in the Muhlenberg County School District.  The program was designed to cultivate a kinder, more connected climate in both the school and community.  We have seen data that particularly affects our students in relation to bullying.   Rather than focusing on the negatives of bullying, STAND members found a way to teach promote the more positive act of kindness to deter many forms of bullying. By teaching self-care, being kind to yourself and those around you, promotes a long-lasting behavior that has a ripple effect. In short, the message for youth to speak kind words to themselves, and others around them was supported by giving youth a tube of lip balm with KiND LiPS printed on the tube, reminding youth to consider the words they speak. Youth committed to a kindness pledge, a statement that express students’ commitment to be kind to themselves and others. Five-hundred and twenty-two students were impacted by the KiND LiPS program.