October 6, 2010
As I read the names of the gold award recipients in Chapel this morning, I was excited to see some new students receiving recognition. I realized later that many of our new families might not understand the meaning of gold awards.
Students receive gold awards for kind acts that go above and beyond our daily expectations. The “trick” of the gold award is to get “caught” by any school professional doing a deed that is beyond good manners. Let me give you an example.
Last week, I was outside at the kindergarten through second grade recess. A kindergarten student hit her head on some of the recess equipment and needed to go to the nurse for ice. I quickly looked around to have someone walk her to the nurse when a first grade boy, who happens to be new to the school, came over to ask the girl, "Do you know where the nurse is? I can walk you there if you want me to." A gold award moment indeed! I didn't have to ask and he didn't offer help to receive a gold award - he didn't even know they existed! He was just acting from the kindness in his heart.
The students celebrate gold award moments together. These are teachable moments we can all learn from. While the natural reaction might be, “I wish I had received that,” instead I’m hearing, “Good job!” Focusing on the positive – that is what this is all about. What we have seen over the years we have been doing gold awards is that the students in the Lower School grades do these good deeds out of habit because it makes them feel good and they head off to Middle School taking pride in helping others.
I'm proud of you students! Keep up the good deeds!
