Kilmer Middle School Students Get 'Write Ups' For Acts Of Kindness

VIENNA, VA — At Kilmer Middle School in Vienna, students are actively trying to get write-ups. That's because these "write-ups" are really positive referrals to reward students for acts of kindness.

Principal Steven McFarlane said the positive referral program started as the school questioned, "how can we recognize every single day the [students] who are doing the right thing?" As part of the Kilmer Middle School program, staff can recognize students' good works and habits in a print-out card displayed on the school cafeteria window. Students also receive a coupon for a piece of candy or bag of chips donated by the Kilmer Middle School PTA.

The acts of kindness can be simple things that make a difference for someone else during the school day.

"I helped someone with their laptop because it wasn’t functioning," seventh grader Sai Gaddabathini said via the Fairfax County Public Schools blog. "I had to restart it and do something with it."

Another classmate, Mohammed Mansour, got recognition from a teacher for helping another student with a question in English class.

This school year, McFarlane said staff have provided more than 1,400 positive referrals, which equates to an average of more than one per Kilmer's 1,200 students. In fact, the students get so many "write-ups," the staff have to clear the cafeteria windows every few months to make room for more.

Students and staff alike shared how they believe the recognitions have a positive effect on the school culture.

"Often in middle school, students feel really doubtful about themselves, have lots of negative feelings; maybe they compare themselves to other kids," seventh grader Naomi Rosner told FCPS. "It can be really hard sometimes, but I feel like when you get a Positive Referral you realize, ‘Hey, I am really good the way I am,’ and you realize that you’re really smart and kind, and you can do lots of great things in this world."

"Maybe a student helps another, and that helps the student [being helped] feel better, and then the student who is helping them gets a Positive Referral, so they’re feeling like they’re positively impacted," added Kristen Reighard, a school counselor.

Students may get to enjoy candy or chips as a reward, but they understand the impact on mental wellbeing is greater.

"“Candy or no candy, it’s good to help people," said Mansour.