Early College EAST Students Lead Kindness Day Activities at Havelock Elementary

Havelock Elementary School was filled with energy, encouragement, and meaningful connections as students from Early College EAST partnered with the SAVE Promise Club to celebrate Random Acts of Kindness Day on February 17.

The visit provided elementary students in grades 3–5 with an engaging, hands-on experience centered around kindness, inclusion, and positive peer interactions. The morning began with a short exercise video to energize participants, followed by a rotation through three interactive stations to reinforce empathy and teamwork.

During the first rotation, students explored the book Have You Filled a Bucket Today? Through discussion and collaboration, classes created lists of ways they could “fill someone’s bucket” by using kind words and helpful actions. The activity encouraged students to think intentionally about how their behavior impacts others.

The second station featured a Marble Run STEM Challenge. Students worked in teams to design and test their creations while practicing good sportsmanship. A key component of the activity was being a “hype man”, offering three positive statements to encourage classmates. This focus on affirmation and teamwork reinforced the importance of uplifting one another.

In the third rotation, SAVE Promise leaders introduced students to Sandy Hook Promise’s “Start With Hello” program. Students learned the difference between empathy and sympathy and were guided through three simple steps to recognize when someone may be feeling isolated and how to respond with inclusion and kindness.

The event not only provided leadership opportunities for Early College EAST students but also strengthened connections between schools within the district. By modeling positive behavior and mentorship, the visiting students demonstrated how small acts of kindness can create a lasting impact.

Craven County Schools is proud of the collaborative effort that made this day possible and remains committed to fostering safe, supportive, and inclusive learning environments for all students.