Since school abruptly ended last week, St John Vianney School in Colonia, like all other township schools, went into virtual learning.  So to keep the message of positivity alive, teacher Rachel Toporek, thought it would be a great idea to continue the schools  “Kindness Challenge”  from the comfort and safety of the students’ own homes.  While looking on line, Ms. Toporek saw that someone posted an idea about “chalking up our walkways” with positive words and pictures so that anybody taking a walk or driving by would see some motivational thoughts for them.  Ms. Toporek said, “My school is unbelievable and is taking on this kindness challenge by storm.  We even went to the school with some of the teachers, of course keeping our 6 foot distance, to chalk up our walkway at our school to show our students that we miss them and to give them some motivational things to look at.”

Then Ms. Toporek, decided to make her own post by saying, “Social distancing and virtual learning is not an excuse to stop the SJV Year of Kindness.  Your March Kindness Challenge is to “Chalk The Walk.”  In this trying time in our lives it is important to maintain a sense of community… so we want to see/hear from you about “Why you SJV?” We invite you to draw inspiring art, write encouraging messages or thank someone special on your driveway or sidewalk with chalk. Make sure you use the hashtags: #WhoAreWe and #PandemicPositivity.  Send us photos of your work so our SJV community can take a virtual walk through your neighborhood!”

The students and parents loved the idea and took to the sidewalks to “chalk up” positive messages.

Through the school year Ms. Toporek does many different events at the school, all to promote kindness, which she does in memory of her cousin Todd who passed away from a rare form of stomach cancer at the age of 19. “Everything I do has my cousin Todd and his family in the back of my head as I continue to spread kindness, love and light throughout our community and the families I come in contact with.  Spreading kindness is free and is one of the easiest things that we can do as our world is always changing.  Being confined to your home doesn’t need to break the kindness challenge. ”

Keep up the kindness St John Vianney!