March 8, 2018
By Kelli Gile, Office of Community Resources
DIAMOND BAR, CA—Quail Summit Elementary students are rocking their commitment to spreading kindness.
On Wednesday, the 645 students at the Diamond Bar campus each took home a rock in their backpacks.
But these were no ordinary rocks.
The children painted colorful heart designs with personal messages of kindness, hope, joy, compassion, or strength on the small gray stones.
In the coming days and weeks, these kindness rocks, as they are called, will be left around the community, state, and even the world.
The school is marking its 30th anniversary with a week of caring and compassionate activities.
“We want to spread a positive message to others,” said elementary learning specialist Leann Legind.
The children hope that their kindness offerings will make a difference in the lives of the lucky recipients.
“I want our messages to inspire people,” said fifth grader Lanna Xiao, age 11.
“My rock says “You are special,” shared first grader Emma Johnson, age 6.
“I hope it makes someone feel good!”
“It was fun painting them!” said classmate Aiden Chang.
“I feel like I’m sharing kindness with the world even if it’s just one little way,” said 5th grader Evelyn Wu who decorated her rock with a heart and three flowers.
The nine-year-old penned “Have faith in your heart” on the back of the rock she plans to deliver while on vacation to Taiwan this summer.
Third grader Amy Song wrote “Even though you think no one cares, I care!” and classmate Kyle Chen declared “You are wonderful” on their rocks.
Each kindness rock also comes with a tiny card describing the schoolwide project.
“This gift is for you! Turn the rock over and know that these words came from a child’s heart to yours. Know that someone in this world cares about you!”
Recipients are encouraged to post a message on the “Quail Summit Rocks Kindness” Facebook page.
“I’m probably going to put it in our town!” Chen said.
Fifth grader Bethany Li decided to paint “Hopeful” on her kindness rock after singing at the school’s talent show.
“I performed a song called “Hopeful” with an anti-bullying message,” she said.
Another fifth grader, Wynnson Notomihardjo, age 10, wrote “Honor one another” on his gift.
“I picked it because even if you get mad you should forgive people,” he shared.
“I see many people who give up on their goals, said Anderson Zhu about his “Conquer your dreams” message.
“If you don’t succeed try, try again!” Saym Waraich, age 10, said on his kindness rock.
“A lot of people in this world give up. I believe you should try again until you get it!” he said.
The “School with a Heart” is hosting daily kindness activities including “I can make a chain-ge in this world” paper chains and kindness notes posted around the campus, and an 80’s-themed dress up day to commemorate the school’s opening.
Shown:
Quail Summit first grade students get ready to pack up their kindness rocks on Wednesday. Shown with teacher Cindy Giang.
Quail Summit Elementary students decorate kindness rocks during school’s 30th anniversary celebration.
Quail Summit Elementary 5th grader Evelyn Wu is excited to share her kindness rock and note.