If all goes according to the STEPS plan, there will be a lot of doors opened, compliments paid and acts of kindness shared this week.
Today marks the beginning of STEPS week in school. Proclaimed the official STEPS week by the Town Council last Monday, residents and students alike are encouraged to demonstrate consideration and kindness Sept. 18-24.
Founded in 2008, STEPS - or the Southington Town-wide Effort to Promote Success - is an asset-based prevention coalition of students, parents, educators, clergy and other stakeholders following the Search Institute’s 40 Developmental Asset Model.
Each day this week is designated towards a specific act, such as 'say hello Monday'-with many fundraisers and activities being held throughout the week.
"It's really about getting people to realize that the little things count," STEPS coordinator Kelly Berkmoes said. "It's simple to build assets, and everyone can do it."
To kick off the week, is holding a donation collection from 9 am. - 3 pm., and Activate Southington and STEPS will host a walk, run or bike around from 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.
STEPS is very active in the school system as well, with STEPS student members working to create awareness about specific activities during the week.
"The kids definitely participate in STEPS week, you see a lot more holding doors open and that kind of thing," Assistant Principal Christopher Palmieri said. "I think it makes a difference in the atmosphere at school."
The STEPS program has grown significantly since it's inception, said Berkmoes. She attributes the heightened awareness and cooperation among town entities to the program's committed volunteers.
"We've really been working hard to make sure we have an active board members and volunteers from each of our twelve sectors," Berkmoes said. "We've made better connections in the community and it's just really taken off."
Here is a full schedule of STEPS days and activities this week:
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Monday 9/19/11 – Compliment Monday
A compliment is something simple to say yet it makes all the difference! Mention that you like your customer’s outfit or mention to someone you know that they are a great artist or brave. It could make their day! Compliment someone and you’ve just built asset #3 and #38!
Tuesday 9/20/11 – Hold the Door Tuesday
Make someone’s day a little easier by holding the door for them, whether they are 3 feet away or 20. To that person, you have just shown you care and that they matter. By holding the door, that person may have gained asset #9 and #26.
Wednesday 9/21/11 – Positivity Wednesday
Positivity can come in many forms. For example, parents can communicate positively to a child in need of advice. We can be more positive by providing encouraging words to students, reinforce that a child’s future looks bright, or simply just looking for the silver lining – positivity is contagious. Positivity reaches asset #2, #15, #21, #37 and #40.
Thursday 9/22/11 – Thank You Thursday
Show your appreciation for the people around you. If a person has made you a better person, given you advice, assisted with homework, helped clean – anything at all – say thanks! By doing that, you could build assets #7, #33 and #39.
Friday 9/23/11- Be Nice Friday
Random acts of kindness, lend a helping hand, practice patience, share, invite someone to sit with you at lunch, smile, let someone turn at an intersection first, suggest a book or CD to a friend that they might enjoy, return a favor, bring a colleague coffee…kill ‘em with kindness. Being nice can assist in every asset but specifically builds assets #1, #14, #27 and #36.
Saturday 9/24/11 – Show You Care Saturday
Showing you care is easy and builds assets in yourself and others! Just by reminding someone, “I care about you, what you do and how you feel” can build assets #4, #5, #7, #16, #33 and #35.
