Saint Peter Public Schools

Students at South Elementary recently began their second straight spring in using a recess intervention program with the implementation of its Spreading Smiles program, which is quickly making a difference already, according to Cindy Bruce, South Elementary’s behavior interventionist. 

“I had given instruction to the recess groups about it on Monday,” Bruce said. “Judging by all of the friends coming to tell me someone had made them smile, it seems as if they listened!”

At recess, any student may reach out to Mrs. Bruce to let her know that someone was kind to them, and that student made them smile. They then fill out a quick form about what made them smile. Then they each get a sticker with their name on it for the 'Be the Reason Someone Smiles Today' wall located in the hallway between the main building and gymnasium.

“I think of it as positive tattling" Bruce said. "I then help them write a note to that friend which they get to give them. Then the names are added to smiley faces and put on the wall by the recess doors. It is fun for them to be able to share the notes at home and know everyone can see they are making people smile.”