This year, we're highlighting what our schools are doing toward our three primary district goals: attendance, kindness, and academic achievement. Today, it's the Washington Street Warriors.

Sept. 20, 2024-- For the 2024-2025 school year, Toms River Regional Schools instituted a Kindness Campaign, and the Washington Street School Warriors are using Monday morning announcements to spread the word.

"We want our students to start each week feeling good about themselves, and inspired to treat others well, and we're trying to make that happen through the loudspeakers for everyone to hear," said Principal Jeff Ryan. "Which means they can't be boring-- the announcements have to be upbeat, quirky, and engaging, and they have been."

Each weekly kindness announcement features specific themes and specific personalities behind the microphone. This past Monday, for example, it was paraprofessional Mr. McGrath with the positive messaging.

"Compliments can make us feel amazing, but for some of us, we can be shy about accepting a compliment," McGrath said. "Being noticed for something we did may make us feel uncomfortable or self-conscious. However, a compliment is a type of kindness that shows that we are incredibly aware."

McGrath went on to note how a simple compliment can help people see what they might not otherwise see on their own.

Not to be outdone in the kindness arena was teacher Tracy Seitz, who had her turn on the intercom. One might even say she offered her help.

"Help, whether offering or accepting, is not always easy. However, an offer of help is usually most welcomed and just what we need," she said. "This week, let’s help students connect with how an offer to help is an act of kindness unlike any other."

The inspiration to give compliments and offer help resonated throughout the school week, among students and staff members alike, according to Supervisor Jacqueline Citta. And this route to kindness has impacted more goals than one.

"The Monday morning announcements are an event now, but you have to be here to hear them, so that helps attendance," said Citta. "And the students receiving praise are entering their classrooms happy and ready to learn, ready to build on that confidence, which we know is going to impact academic achievement throughout the year." 

That's a trifecta of goals, all connected to school-wide speakers.

As for next week's Monday morning announcements radio personalities and themes, you'll have to be there to find out who and what they are. But there's no mystery to Washington Street's approach to kindness, because they're saying it loud and proud, for all to hear. Which is to say, they're doing a great job.

Consider that a compliment.