By Zion 6

Zion, IL. – Following Unity Day celebrations at Zion Elementary School District 6, East Elementary worked to spread kindness within the school. This push started with Principal Charmekia Edelstein and the East Crew Program.
Ms. Edelstein and her team created East Crew as a way for teachers to connect with students outside of their normal classrooms. This ensures that every student has an extra resource if they need someone to talk to, but also creates a tight-knit family at East. The East Crew program has impacted students in more ways than imagined and continues to be a shining light for many East Eagles.
Most recently, Ms. Edelstein gave her East Crew teachers the task of spreading kindness. The teachers and students were free to choose their act of kindness. One of the East Crew groups chose to spread kindness in the form of flowers. These students gave flowers to teachers that have made a positive impact on them, whether it be academically or personally. Another group followed with a similar message, but they gave out candy with a special message to their teachers. Other acts of kindness included giving a special message of thanks to the staff who are often unnoticed: janitors, cafeteria staff, playground staff, the school’s secretary, and the school’s health aide. The work and activities that each crew does over the course of the year allows East students to grow into extraordinary citizens.
It is inspiring to see just how much the teachers and students at East Elementary mean to one another. Look out for more news about how the East Crew program continues to make an impact in the lives of their students.