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Martha B. Day Elementary School Anti-bullying Coordinator Karleen Lunetta introduced the book "Have You Filled A Bucket Today, A Guide to Daily Happiness for Kids" to the district.
She then made several lessons plans for teachers to integrate into their classrooms based on the book.
"The main concept is that everyone has an invisible bucket," Principal Cheryl Mallen said, "which is filled with happiness and good thoughts. When your bucket is full you feel happy and when your bucket is low you feel sad."
The program started in 2011 soon after the creation of the Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights.
"We pretty much infused it into the culture of the school, which has been wonderful," Lunetta told Daily Voice.
The students take a pledge at the beginning of the year to be "bucket fillers" and be kind.
Some ways to "fill someone's bucket" include saying kind words. paying compliments, or being a good listener.
Teachers will students who they see practicing such behavior and at the end of each month reward the kindness with a certificate.
The initiative extends to students in pre-kindergarten to first grade.
Students also get a hand stamp from their teacher when they see them acting kindly.
"We believe that we have changed the culture and climate of this school," Mallen said, "through our consistent implementation of this program."
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