24 | APRIL 4 • 2024
J
N

I

n a heartwarming display of empathy
and initiative, a group of second-
grade students at Farber Hebrew Day
School has taken it upon themselves
to be pioneers, developing a student-
driven recess program centered around
inclusion and kindness that they call
“Kidz Fun.”
Led by their compassion and a desire
to make a difference, these young leaders
are proving that age is no barrier to
creating positive change within their
school community.
The origin of this remarkable initiative
stemmed from observations made by
the students themselves. Recognizing
that some of their peers were playing
by themselves during recess activities
and others didn’t know what to play
during recess, they felt compelled to act.
Determined to create an environment
where every child felt valued and
included, they used what they saw as a
springboard to transform their peers’
recess experience.
Completely on their own, the second-
grade students began brainstorming
ideas for their inclusive recess program.
“It all started by the kick of a ball,” says
Ezzy Gertner.
“We decided to do like a carnival every
day on recess,” says Atara Feldman.
Drawing upon their own experiences
and insights, they devised a variety
of activities designed to encourage
cooperation, empathy and friendship
among their peers.
One of the key components of the
program is the implementation of
inclusive games and activities, including
various activities that help keep the
playground clean!
“It’s not only for playing, but it’s for
helping,” said Atara.
Each day of the week has a different
game schedule: Monday is “Watch
Your Back” tag, Tuesday is P.U.T. (Pick
up trash day in which the students
pick up garbage that they find on the
playground), Wednesday is Free Pick,
Thursday is “Night at the Museum” and
Friday is Crab Walk Race and a Hide the
Toy game.

For participation each day, students
can earn tickets for a Friday prize raffle.
Perhaps most importantly, the second-
grade students serve as role models
for their peers, demonstrating through
their actions the power of empathy
and inclusion. Their enthusiasm and
dedication have inspired other students
to join in their efforts, leading to a ripple
effect of kindness throughout the school.
“People just treat each other nicely,”
said Ezra Schwartz. “It’s about how
everyone always is nice to people.”
The impact of the inclusive recess
program extends far beyond the
playground, influencing the school
culture as a whole. “Kidz Fun” has
fostered a sense of belonging and

connectedness among students, creating
a more positive and supportive learning
environment.
As Farber Hebrew Day School
continues to embrace the principles of
inclusion and kindness, the second-grade
students who spearheaded the recess
program serve as shining examples of the
difference that young leaders can make.
Through their vision, compassion and
determination, they have transformed
their school community for the better,
leaving a lasting legacy of empathy and
inclusivity for all of the students.

Elana Miodownik is a social worker, grades K-8, at

Sara Rivka Friedman Elementary School and FHDS

Middle School.

Second-Grade Students
Lead the Way

Farber students create an inclusive recess program.

ELANA MIODOWNIK SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH NEWS

OUR COMMUNITY

Ezzy Gertner,
Atara Feldman
and Ezra Schwartz