Getting a call down to the dean’s office will often terrify many girls, but this year more and more girls are getting caught for their kindness instead.
To increase students’ focus on kindness, in light of the nation’s citizens’ many “unkind” acts toward one another, Dean Denise Macrina began a program last year.
The dean’s kindness program began with just a few gift cards and very few nominations. After discussing the program in a faculty meeting this year, it skyrocketed.
“Ive been able to give kindness certificates along with gift cards to teachers, staff and so many students,” Macrina says.
Her favorite part is surprising girls. “When they walk in, I say, you’ve been caught, and they instantly panic, then I tell them it’s for being kind and you can see the instant relief in their faces.”
Thanks to local businesses, girls are not only acknowledged for their kindness but rewarded. Gift cards range from a variety of places including Dutch Bros, Culvers, Streets of New York, Oreganos and Windsor.
Students get nominated for things like helping classmates, staying after class to clean or just doing something thoughtful, when no one asked them to.
Math teacher Wendy Mostoller, who nominates many students, said she finds the program very important. “Recognizing kindness creates a positive ripple-effect,” Mostoller said.
In addition Mostoller says, “It motivates others to be thoughtful too, and it’s rewarding to see students become caring young women.”
Art teacher Catherine Robbins agrees that kindness goes deeper than what many people think. “Kindness shows true care and compassion,” Robbins said.
Robbins also said the program really helps students feel seen. “When girls see others getting recognized, they begin to notice the kindness around them more,” she said. It’s created a culture where students pay closer attention to how their actions impact others.
Anyone at Xavier can nominate someone and students can be nominated several times, as kindness shows in different ways.
The kindness program has slowly shifted the atmosphere around Xavier. It has created a sense that everyone plays a role in building a more supportive community.
Macrina said she already recognized approximately 25 students this year, as well as several teachers and staff.
She hopes for more students to get involved. “We live in a world where we need to be kind, and it starts here,” she said.
