Leading with Heart: McCurdy Elementary's Pay It Forward Initiative

Before students returned to campus, the staff at McCurdy Elementary School began the school year by giving back through the school's annual Pay It Forward event.

Working in teams, staff members received a small budget and one hour to complete two random acts of kindness throughout the community. The activity encourages collaboration among colleagues while strengthening connections with the families and community they proudly serve.

Principal Terri Lemos introduced the tradition after participating in a similar event in another district. "It brings people together while giving back to the community," she said.

Staff members were intentionally grouped with colleagues from different grade levels and departments, creating opportunities to build new relationships while serving others. After returning to campus, teams shared stories and photos of their experiences, which will be displayed throughout the school as a reminder that small acts of kindness can make a lasting impact. "It sets a positive tone for the school year and reminds us why we do this work," Ms. Lemos shared.

The Pay It Forward event reflects the school’s commitment to sponsoring meaningful community experiences that support the district’s mission, vision, and strategic goals. This activity provides a great demonstration of how schools can strengthen partnerships by actively engaging with the communities they serve.

By starting the year with service, McCurdy staff model the values they hope to inspire in every student—kindness, empathy, collaboration, and community responsibility—helping build a stronger school community, one act of kindness at a time.