Sonoma students say, ‘Dude. be nice’

The grassroots kindness program was a hit.|

Altimira Middle School students rallied around a new program earlier this month called, “Dude, be nice.” The school’s leadership students asked students to participate in various lunch-time activities and acts of kindness throughout the week.

During the week-long initiative, posters and flyers were all over campus and stickers were handed out to the students. Leadership students hosted a rally and students had the chance to send a “Dude, be nice-gram” to others, or to write a positive note about our school or friends on a message board. Students passed out flowers to staff and they brought baked goods to Sonoma police and fire departments.

Students were also invited to nominate students who live the true “Dude, be nice.” lifestyle.

“The week is about building a positive community by recognizing those people and organizations around us in a fun, positive and meaningful way,” said Altimira Principal Will Deeths.

Students were urged to consider ways to express gratitude.

“We asked them to reach out to someone who works for our school and thank them in a creative way for all they do,” said Deeths. “Next, we thought outside the box for ways to do something nice for someone or a group of people in the community.” One day, students created two giant posters saying thanks to the Sonoma Valley librarian for helping organize after school homework help on Tuesdays and thanks to 7-Eleven for selling snacks and dealing with a huge rush of students after school.

On the last day, a lunchtime rally recognized the top nominees who live the “Dude, be nice” lifestyle, and Sonoma Valley school board trustee Gary DeSmet was thanked for his service to the schools.

Trustee Nicole Ducarroz’s son Julien attends Altimira and she said about the program, “The more students say and do nice things, the more ingrained it becomes in their lives, and the happier they become. When they see the happiness and joy they being nice to someone brings, it makes them happy and they are free and open to learning more.”

Ducarroz went on to say, “Research has shown that the more students show gratitude, whether they believe it or not, the more positiveness becomes part of who they are. When students are happy and stress free, they are more free to learn and have positive interactions with teachers and peers.”

The “Dude, be nice” movement was started by an apparel company that is “striving to set a new standard – inspiring people’s fashion and lifestyle.” The company’s site offers suggested activities for “Dude, be nice” school activities. Altimira bought 100 T-shirts and sold them to students at a price below cost.

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