By Healthy Panther Post reporters | By spreading kindness to everyone, humanity and positivity are increased within our community, said Mr. Giampolo, middle school building leader, in a recent interview with the Healthy Panther Post.

Mr. Giampolo defines bullying as “intentionally being cruel to someone or groups repeatedly.” It comes in many different forms, such as a sound a person might make or the way they look at someone else.

Bullying may seem innocent, he said, like when children laugh at another child it may look like people having fun together, but they are not.

Bullying can occur anytime and anywhere. Even if you are inside your classroom and the teacher isn’t looking, somebody can do just something like making a face at you. The teacher may not notice.

Kindness is the act of showing positive feelings toward another individual. Research indicates it can reduces feelings of stress, anxiety, and depression. It also can evoke feelings of happiness and reduces pain.

Dr. Dan Gottlieb, a psychologist interviewed in the Healthy NewsWorks book Leading Healthy Change In Our Community 2015, said, “Be understanding of others. Most of all, be kind to yourself, always. … You will find it easier to be kind to others.”

A few easy ways that people can spread kindness is by holding the elevator door open for somebody or giving a coffee to somebody who’s low on cash. You can also help somebody carry their groceries to their house. Kindness is a form of being friendly, generous, or considerate of others.

MaST has implemented different groups and pro- grams to promote kindness and reduce bullying. Mr. Giampolo said the school hosts the Panther Pride assembly. It is a monthly gathering of the students and staff of MaST where people’s views are recognized and encouraged.

Another way the school tries to prevent bullying is by motivating students with “PBIS points.” PBIS stands for positive behavior intervention and support program. These points are used by MaST pupils to buy a variety of things at the school store. The school also gives students access to the school counselors, Mr. Giampolo said. “Students are encouraged to see the counselors when they feel hurt,” he said.

Bullying can be stopped with the help of the students. Mr. Giampolo said students should strive to have empathy and put themselves in other people’s shoes. Not only before they are thinking of insulting someone, but also if a student sees someone being hurt by another peer. They should think about how they would feel if they were in the other person’s shoes. They would want someone to stick up for them. Students should be kind to one another, even if they are not friends.

Mr. Giampolo said he has seen compassion and kindness exhibited by teachers, students, and staff in person and online. “If everybody was more kind, the world would be a better place,” Dr. Gottlieb said.

Illustration by Michaela, seventh grade, MaST Community Charter, 2023–24.