Guggenheim Elementary School launched a new initiative, “E-Pledge,” with a special kickoff assembly featuring Drew and Lynne Falkowitz, parents of Ethan Falkowitz and founders of the Ethan Falkowitz Foundation. The Foundation’s mission is to foster empathy, kindness, and meaningful connections while promoting integrity and spreading positivity. The #wEpledgekindness initiative aims to inspire students to embrace kindness and empathy through a series of activities over the coming months.
The assembly introduced students to the E-Pledge, reinforcing the importance of kindness as a daily practice. As part of the kickoff, each student signed their own E-Pledge in their classroom as a personal commitment to demonstrating kindness in their school and community. Students and staff will engage in various activities throughout the E-Pledge initiative, all designed to foster kindness and empathy. These include documenting acts of kindness with recognition notes displayed across the school, creating kindness-themed bookmarks, sharing thoughtful compliments with peers, participating in community donation drives, joining guided empathy walks, and writing letters to brighten someone’s day. The initiative will culminate in May with the creation of a Gratitude Tree, showcasing students' reflections on kindness and gratitude. Additional efforts, such as the “Kindness Kart” and morning recognitions, will further amplify the program’s impact.
Dr. Kimberly Licato, Guggenheim’s Principal, noted that the E-Pledge initiative reflects Guggenheim Elementary’s commitment to fostering an environment where kindness, empathy, and community service are integral to students' daily experiences. “We are thrilled to have this opportunity to support the Ethan Falkowitz Foundation and look forward to highlighting acts of kindness through a variety of exciting activities these next few months. We hope this program helps to spread kindness both within our school community and beyond,” said Dr. Licato.
Drew Falkowitz asks a Guggenheim student for examples of how someone showed them kindness.
Drew Falkowitz speaks to Guggenheim students about spreading positivity.
Students watch a video on the impacts of kindness.
Students are excited to share how kindness has impacted their lives.
Marci Haworth, Drew Falkowitz, Lynne Falkowitz, Dr. Kim Licato, and Arzu Alkan.
