Pictured are the students during the Champions of Change Recognition Tuesday morning. First row - Left to Right: Easton Parker, Casshe Fowler, Nora Roberts, Chloe Ingerson, Lucas Muniz, Simon Pihlblad, Grayson Woodfield, Leah Willsie, Marlie Lundsten, Brian Walters, Bryson Peterson, Aryana Dybka, Sophia Taulbee, Natalie DeJesus. Second Row – Left to Right: Owen Henderson, Tucker McGarrie. Third Row – Left to Right: Amy Bedell, Shawn Huntington, Abbie Shevlin, Kathy Bernard, Ali Brennan, Autumn Harkness, Tracy Woodfield, Kim Weber, Julie Milliman, Sylvester Cleary, Ashley Querrieo, Melissa Shawley, Amanda Morgante, Michelle Skudlarek, Bayley Johnson, Kristy Carlson, Jennifer Panebianco, Kaine Kelly. Submitted photo

RANDOLPH — Randolph Central School District’s Gail N. Chapman Elementary School has been working to spread kindness among their students and was recognized for their efforts during a Tuesday morning ceremony.

Gail N. Chapman Elementary School is the recipient of the Champions of Change Recognition from the New York State School Boards Association. This notable award highlights the school’s innovative Cardinal Kindness program, which has significantly enhanced the school climate by promoting kindness, respect, and inclusivity among students.

NYSSBA’s Champions of Change recognition program was initiated to celebrate and acknowledge innovative educational programs and initiatives across school districts in the state. The program recognizes both districts and individuals who are contributing to positive change, with the main purpose being to spotlight the unique and creative programs that enhance the learning environment and contribute to student education.

The Tuesday morning ceremony was attended by the entire elementary school, pre-K through sixth grade students and staff, as well as four school board members: Louise Boutwell, Julie Milliman, Janet Huntington, and Kyle Brown. Sylvester Cleary, a New York State School Board Association representative, was on hand to give out the award. He is a former board member at Forestville Central School District who now represents the New York State School Board Association.

Cleary, Vice Chair of NYSSBA’s Awards and Recognition Committee, praised the school for its “exemplary dedication to fostering a nurturing and inclusive atmosphere.” The recognition was presented by Cleary to Julie Milliman, School Board President, and members of the Cardinal Kindness Team.

Superintendent Kaine Kelly expressed his pride in the school achieving this recognition.

“The Cardinal Kindness program embodies the spirit of our community,” Kelly said. “It not only promotes social-emotional learning but also significantly impacts student development and well-being.”

Kelly also noted that the program saw great success, surpassing its goal during the recent Cardinal Kindness Challenge, which saw over 6,000 acts of kindness recorded in one month, double of the original target. He added that this recognition underscores the impactful initiatives that address crucial issues like student well-being and community engagement and that the Tuesday morning event celebrated the collective efforts of students, teachers, and staff in achieving an inclusive and supportive educational environment.

During the brief assembly, an overview of the program being awarded was given. There was a brief discussion about school boards, their importance, and how they work, which was delivered by Kelly.

“Mrs. Carlson talked about how immensely proud she is of the hard work of the students,” Kelly said. “Amanda Morgante’s class was recognized for all of the work they did compiling the results of their challenge. Gail N. Chapman Elementary continues to be a beacon of change and innovation in education, inspiring other schools to implement similar programs that make a lasting difference.”

This award is a first for the school, and Kelly said he thought the Champions for Change program was also relatively new. Being recognized for the school’s work on focusing on kindness was something that Kelly said was great for them.

“It was awesome to be recognized for coming together as a school to help make our community better,” Kelly said. “I feel that one of the many roles of our school is to be the heart and soul of the community and to be the galvanizing force that keeps the community together.”