December 13, 2007 - On Wednesday, Dec. 12, Blue Creek Elementary School held its fourth annual “One Smile Day,” recognizing the importance of kindness. 

During the day, all classroom teachers read the book, One Smile, by Cindy McKinley, about a little girl who realizes that one smile can initiate a chain of positive events throughout the community. The book is a wonderful example of how children can change the world by performing simple acts of kindness.

Following the reading, each class discussed the concept of kindness and how it affects our daily lives. Each student was asked to perform three acts of kindness; one at school, one at home and one in their community. As the recipient of the act thanks the student, the child has been asked to reply, “Instead of thanking me, please pass on acts of kindness to three other people.”

Like the book One Smile, the student’s one act of kindness should initiate a chain of kindness within the community. Students will record their acts of kindness on paper smiles, which will be hung up around the school building.

The annual event is sponsored by staff members on the School Success Team, who work together with the school to incorporate character education into the students' daily activities.