By Michele Ouellette, Lead Teacher for Student Life, HKIMS
The start of a new year leads many of us to consider our hopes and dreams for the future and the goals we set for ourselves to realize those dreams. This is no different for the staff and students of Haddam-Killingworth Intermediate and Middle Schools (HKIMS), who recently devoted time to reflecting on their hopes and dreams for 2021, and then shared them with the school community through Luminarias of Hope.
The idea for Luminarias of Hope was brought to us and was funded by our wonderful PTO. This project ties nicely into our “Wellness Wednesdays” initiative where we dedicate time each week to teach students strategies, tips and information regarding the 6 Pillars of Wellness, with our most recent focus being on the importance of reflecting on our hopes and dreams and setting goals for the future.
The luminarias were decorated with hopes and dreams by students and staff during their flex period. They were then illuminated with tea-lights and set-up in the auditorium for socially distanced viewing. Students and staff walked the luminaria path in silence, taking in their classmates’ and teachers’ hopes and dreams. Anyone who walked the luminaria path and read the hopes and dreams of our students and staff could not help but be moved by their words.
From wishing for unity and world peace; an end to the Coronavirus; accepting others for who they are; and good health for friends and family, many staff members who read the messages shared that it was by far one of the most powerful experiences they have had while working in RSD17.
Interested in viewing the luminaria walk yourself? Grab a tissue and check it out on YouTube: HKIMS Luminarias of Hope
Our sincerest appreciation to our wonderful PTO for bringing us this idea and for funding the project. Thank you also to Black Mountain Elementary School for inspiring our project.
Photo by Michele Ouellette.
