24 | APRIL 4 • 2024 
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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

