“These drive-thru events mean so much to staff, students, and parent alike"

LIVE OAK, CA (MPG) – In honor of February and Mental Health Awareness Month, Live Oak Middle School Tigers, staff and the LOMS School Spirit Class held a week-long celebration that included special assignments and activities focusing on Kindness.

The week preceding Valentine’s Day, LOMS students were asked to participate in a multitude of fun mindfulness activities to promote empathy and compassion, while also educating on the importance of mental health. Vice Principal Erin Walton says of all the activities planned during the week, the two student favorites were “Be the ‘I’ in Kindness template” and “Kindness Bean Boozeld Whisper Challenge.” The “Be the “I” in Kindness” activity challenged students to share their commitment to kindness with the world by broadcasting their picture in a special template design on the school’s digital marquee. “Bean Boozeld” was a twist on the game telephone. Students read quotes about kindness to their teacher who listened to the words through headphones. If the teacher repeated the saying perfectly, no punishment. If repeated incorrectly, the teacher’s taste-buds paid the price, and they were required to pick their fate from a box of ill-flavored jellybeans.

Live Oak Unified School District has remained on distance learning since the initial lockdown started in March of 2020. For nearly a year, students, teachers, and parents have experienced the effects that social isolation and COVID -19 have had on youth mental health. The lack of in-person instruction and athletic opportunities has taken its toll on youth throughout the nation, sparking issues with depression, anxiety and more, not to mention domestic abuse sustained at home while in lock-down.

Midweek, a celebratory drive-thru invited students and families to return to campus and reconnect with their teachers and beloved LOMS staffers. The Cruzin’ in Kindness drive-thru allowed students to engage in a positive and safe, social event as they received materials about Mental Health awareness, physical education goody bags filled with equipment and activities, Valentines candy, popcorn, art supplies and a “Be the ‘I’ in Kind” bag with custom stickers and happy face gear. The 8-station drive-thru served over 350 goodie bags to the attending students.

Vickie McMillen, parent and behavior/instructional aid with LOMS said, “These drive-thru events mean so much to staff, students, and parent alike. It allows students and parents to feel a part of the school and provides an opportunity for teachers to see their student in person. It seems like something so small, but it means so much than the event and goodies. It means connection.”