[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 56 (Thursday, May 7, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E789-E790]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    BRIGANTINE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL NAMED KINDNESS SCHOOL IN NEW JERSEY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. FRANK A. LoBIONDO

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 7, 1998

  Mr. LoBIONDO. Mr. Speaker, in a time when the evening news is 
characterized by conflict and turmoil, it is nice to come across the 
story of Brigantine Elementary School. Last year, Brigantine Elementary 
was named the kindest school in my home state of New Jersey. The school 
received the award after students were urged to perform acts of 
kindness every day during the month of October. The students responded 
by performing 50,000 good deeds. Some of these acts included helping 
parents or calling a sick relative.

[[Page E790]]

  The month of May is Kindness Awareness Month in New Jersey. During 
this month, Brigantine Elementary's kindness program will be promoted 
as a model for other schools in the state. Brigantine Elementary's 
success is easily replicated. Their kindness program was developed as a 
means to reinforce basic values in their students. Administrator, 
teachers, and parents worked cooperatively to develop the kindness 
program to support a mission of developing good citizenship qualities 
in a rich multi cultural setting. Working on a ``Kindness is 
Contagious'' theme, the school set goals for each student, had students 
record their progress and encouraged parents to participate with their 
children.
  The work of these students profoundly demonstrates that each 
individual can make a difference. They have proven that kindness is 
indeed contagious as other schools in the state embrace the model of 
their program. I want to commend the work of the students, staff and 
parents at Brigantine Elementary. I am proud of the dedication they 
have shown to make their community a better place.

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