By: Madelyn Moore
Down at rock bottom, full of dejection, or even at a new high, overflowing with joy, kindness can go a long way.
At Salem Community Schools, each school now has a Kindness Wall. SHS counselor Jennifer Martin explained the purpose of the walls and how they work.
“The Kindness Wall is a place where students and staff can post positive sayings and/or shout outs to each other,” Martin said.
The notes from the Kindness Wall will be shown on the TV screens within the school and also on social media. Students can access it on their chromebook and phones, too.
“I saw this at a conference a year ago and thought it would be a great thing to have, but it was very expensive,” Martin said.
A couple of months ago, Martin was contacted by a representative of ESG (Energy Systems Group) who has sponsored the Kindness Wall, which makes the platform free to every elementary, middle and high schooler in the state of Indiana for all of 2024.
“My hope is that the wall will give our school community a positive moment or encouragement each day,” Martin said.
The platform is available through December 2024. The school hopes that ESG will continue to sponsor it.
“If not, maybe someone else will or maybe it will be affordable at that time,” Martin said.
Teacher Megan Elgin spoke about what she thinks regarding the wall.
“I think the kindness wall is a really fun idea,” Elgin said, “It’s a great way for people to appreciate one another when it’s not always comfortable to do so in person.”
Anyone with access to the website can post to the wall. (https://youuplift.com/salem-high-kindness-wall/) All messages go through admin to make sure it is school appropriate.