Purdue University athletes lined the sidewalks with signs to greet students as they arrived at Klondike Elementary School. Members of the Purdue volleyball, soccer and swimming and diving teams held signs that read “Have a great day,” “Be happy” and “Smile it’s Monday,” while giving high-fives, compliments and words of encouragement.

Klondike Elementary School is participating this week in the Great Kindness Challenge which is a global bullying prevention initiative for schools. Student Service Coordinator Liaison Brianna Morrissey says the activities planned fit well 
with the school’s mission to connect with each other and build a sense of community. “We are handing out lists for our students so they can check random acts of kindness off their list throughout the week,” says Morrissey. “Some of those tasks include things that you can do at school or within the community like wave at 25 people or help a neighbor pick up trash.”

Other activities this week include reading stories about kindness, helping others and writing thank you letters to first responders and hospital staff. The week concludes with a first responders parade, where students share their encouraging messages to police officers and firefighters.