A description of the Culture of Kindness being developed at the elementary campus of Heritage Christian Academy in Overland Park, KS

1. Dedicated to Our Children
Creating a Culture of Kindness
WELCOME: Come Take A Look at our story of Creating a Culture of Kindness at HCA;
Our first place to look to create a culture of kindness to TURN TO JESUS.
The life of Jesus presented many examples of kindness in action. It is our goal to teach
His example and use the Gospel to transform the lives of our scholars to follow and
imitate His life and His examples of kindness in our classrooms, on our playground, in
our hallways, in our gym, and in our lunch room. The example of the media and the
world is to fight bullying and control it, which is good, but replace it with what? We
want our young people to turn from bullying, but turn to what?
We have the life of Christ to turn to. We have the Word of God and the Holy Spirit. Our
help, our peace, and our kindness comes from the Lord who made Heaven and Earth.
As Christians we can teach our scholars to turn away from bullying – but we don’t stop
there. We have a solution. We have direction. As Christians we have someone to turn
to, a real and living example of kindness. We can teach our scholars to turn to Jesus.
Building a Culture of Kindness
We have created a Culture of Kindness. Our purpose for doing this has been two-fold:
1. Gospel Transformation, which results in thinking of others more highly than
ourselves, and
2. Calm Focused Classrooms for our scholars
~Blessing in Christ
Kathy Sievert
Principal

2. The atmosphere at HCA is so different
from all the schools I have known. There
is a pervasive culture of peacefulness,
respect, and kindness. ~ HCA Teacher
Treating others with
kindness and respect is
something that I pray my
kids will take with them as
they become adults
serving in God’s Kingdom.
~HCA Parent

3. We are intentional about building a Culture of Kindness. Our
wonderful teachers have beautifully orchestrated an atmosphere
where many children desire to be kind to one another. We have a
Rock of Refuge on our playground, a Wall of Kindness, special
Kindness Stickers, and a Lunch Bunch rotation; which is Special
Reserved Seating for all our highly valued scholars (where many
friendships have been formed!). In addition, each semester
teachers nominate eight students to receive the Esther/Daniel
Trophies. We want our scholars to become much more aware of
their words and actions – and it’s working!

4. The Culture of Kindness at
HCA provides our children
with the opportunity to see
the good in all students. It
promotes a community of
believers who seek to lift one
another up. It encourages
students to look for ways to
show love, kindness, and
respect to their neighbors.
~HCA Teacher
Kindness Counts Stickers
Kindness Counts T-shirt
Philippians 2:3 “Do nothing from
selfish ambition or conceit but in
humility count others more
significant than yourself.”
#Kindness Counts…Love is Kind

5. Heritage’s Culture of Kindness
Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or
rude. It does not insist on its own way. -- 1 Corinthians 13:4
Dear Parents,
Our teachers will continue to instruct our scholars about our Culture of Kindness. Our purpose for
creating our Culture of Kindness is to focus on two goals:
The Gospel Transformation of our scholars - to help them daily "count others more significant" as
Philippians 2:3-4 says. It is important that all our scholars are committed to being respectful and kind
to each other. We have a truly amazing opportunity to disciple our children in what it means to follow
Christ on a daily basis as they interact in their classroom communities.
Providing calm, focused classrooms that are Christ-centered, creating vibrant learning communities for
every scholar and a nurturing atmosphere where academic excellence is achieved.
Ask your scholar the following questions related to our Culture of Kindness.
What does it mean to be committed to Christ?
Galatians 2:20: “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I
now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
…with humility, count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own
interests, but also to the interests of others.” Philippians 2:3b-4
What is the Rock of Refuge on the playground all about?
Psalm 71:3 “Be my rock of refuge, to which I can always go… for you are my rock and fortress.”
What are the Daniel and Esther awards?
Why do our teachers give out Kindness Counts stickers?
How have you shown kindness to a schoolmate or a teacher during the school day?
Blessings in Christ,
Kathy Sievert
Principal

6. Common Area Management
Playground, Lunch Room, Indoor
Recess, Gym
Throughout the year both of our
children have utilized the Rock of
Refuge when they need a moment
to pray and reflect on the
playground. ~ HCA Parent
The Rock of Refuge is a place where
students can go and pray and reflect
on their day. “Be my rock of refuge, to
which I can always go…for you are my
rock and fortress.” Psalm 71:3
I have noticed my son, a
second grader, is aware of
when his classmates and
friends are on the Rock of
Refuge needing love and
support. ~ HCA Parent

7. Creating a Culture of Kindness
Lunch Bunch
In the lunchroom, the students are excited when we tell them that
there will be a new “Lunch Bunch” seating today – “Who will I get to
sit by today?” As we all have room to grow in truly having a kind
spirit, it is a blessing to do so with the help and direction of our Lord
Jesus Christ. ~ HCA Teacher

8. On the Wall of Kindness, students
can write acts of kindness they see
through the school day.
As a Christian school, we have the privilege of not
only having an emphasis on kindness, as many
schools do, but as kindness is a fruit of the spirit,
we learn that God is the Author of kindness ~ it is
only through Him that we can truly have a kind
heart attitude. ~ HCA Teacher
I’m so glad we get to go to HCA. The
kids at church talk a lot about bullies at
their school, but our school actually
focuses on kindness! ~ HCA Student

9. Creating a Culture of Kindness
Calm Focused Classrooms
Some of the ways in which we achieve academic excellence is by building
strong foundations and ensuring consistency in our curriculum and having
high student expectations. A positive learning environment is another
critical component in our students strong academics.
We strive for academic excellence in these
ways:
Focusing on Fundamentals – We value the
importance of teaching the basics, which are
building blocks for learning. Students enter
education with individual strengths and
weaknesses, and our role is to encourage and
build areas of strength in each student.
Consistency in Curriculum – We believe our
curriculum is the basis for the highest quality
instruction available. We choose it carefully
and follow it consistently.
Student Expectations – Our teachers expect
each student to put forth his or her best
effort. It takes discipline and training for
students to continually do all things in a God-
honoring way.
Functioning in an Orderly Manner - Teachers
provide a structured, calm atmosphere both
in and out of the classroom in the context of a
nurturing environment.
Encouraging Mutual Respect – Students
should respect teacher authority; likewise,
teachers should treat students in an equally
respectful manner. Student discipline issues
are dealt with in a redemptive way with a
view towards progress, not perfection.

10. Kindness Counts
Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more
significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests,
but also to the interests of others. – Philippians 2:3-4
1. Kindness: We think about others more than we think about ourselves.
Colossians 3:12 Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts,
kindness, humility, meekness, and patience…
Romans 12:10 Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.
2. Integrity: When nobody is watching we still do the right thing.
Proverbs 10:9 Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but he who makes his ways crooked will
be found out.
Proverbs 2:7 he stores up sound wisdom for the upright; he is a shield to those who walk in
integrity…
3. Gratitude: We look for what is good and we are quick to say thanks.
Psalm 9:1 I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart; I will recount all of your wonderful
deeds.
1 Chronicles 16:34 Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures
forever!
4. Grit: We work hard and we try hard, even when it is difficult to reach our goals.
Titus 2:7 Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show
integrity, dignity…
2 Chronicles 31:21 And every work that he undertook in the service of the house of God and in
accordance with the law and the commandments, seeking his God, he did with all his heart,
and prospered.
5. Collaboration: We work together to reach our goals.
Romans 15:5-6 May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony
with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the
God and Father of our lord Jesus Christ.
~Blessings in Christ,
Kathy Sievert
Principal

11. Daniel and Esther Awards
Guidelines for the Daniel and Ether Awards
-Reverence for God
-Putting others first and thinking more highly of
others than yourself
-Treating others with noticeable thoughtfulness,
compassion, and kindness
-Willingness to assist and support others without
expecting reward or recognition
-Respect for authority
-Respect for the rights and feelings of others in
the classroom, lunchroom, and on the playground
-Self-control in observing the rules of the
classroom and the school
-Conscientiousness and diligence in their studies
Kindness Council
Students who are
awarded the Daniel
and Esther Awards
become a part of our
Kindness Council.

12. Philippians 2:3 “Do nothing from selfish
ambition or conceit but in humility count
others more significant than yourself.”