Celebrating the WEEK OF RESPECT With Amazing Heroes

Today we had the privilege of visiting JFK school in Jamesburg, NJ this morning, to kick off their Week of Respect.

At JFK school, we were greeted by a student body dressed as superheroes. With capes, superhero clothing, and bright smiles, they excitedly engaged in all the interactive role- plays throughout the program.

It was a delight to hear students using our STOP AND THINK hero strategy immediately. Teachers, PTO, guidance, and the principal all said the program was “fabulous,” and they were eager to see the students use our strategies in the school day, and their daily life.

This afternoon, we enjoyed our time spent with the students at Chiddick Elementary School, in East Brunswick, New Jersey. The school was filled with heroes. Each one of the students and teachers proved that they Wear the Cape everyday by sharing how cool it is t be kind to one another.

One first grader spoke volumes when she stated, “Just be nice. That’s what heroes do.” Let’s use this sweet girl as an example of how we should always behave.

For more information, to book or gift an assembly, please email leighann@wearthecapekids.com

In Kindness,
Leigh Ann Errico

Cape Kid of the Month – Dean Ciccarelli – May 2018

Dean-CiccarelliIt is a privilege to name Dean Ciccarelli as our Cape Kid for the month of May.  Dean, who is a student at Chatham High School, in New Jersey dedicates much of his time to kindness…and we are incredibly proud!

Dean has been involved in his school’s sports teams, as he was a member of the Cougar’s varsity wrestling team and freshman lacrosse team.  As well, he has shown great commitment and determination to both himself and his peers, as he spent seven years training to become a black belt in Tae Kwon Do, when he was a fifth grader. When he was overwhelmed and wanted to quit, Dean persisted until he reached his goal.

Dean-CiccarelliWith all this, Dean makes time to volunteer, and serve his community, on a regular basis. Each year Dean is a Cape Kid volunteer at kidkind foundation’s holiday event, where he collects guests’ donations for our military overseas and gifts for underprivileged children.  Also at this event, he works with our youngest Cape Kids to help facilitate a fun evening.

Along with his Youth Ministry group, Dean volunteers to make food for the homeless throughout the year. He also volunteered at a local food pantry with his lacrosse team, to help those in need.

Dean has been a constant source of support to Wear the Cape, his family, and friends.  His mom, Ann states, “Since the day he was able to talk we knew that Dean was going to be one special kid.  He has always been wiser than his years and always has been very concerned with others well being. I have seen various occasions where Dean has seen something that just didn’t seem “right” to him and stepped in to make sure that kids are OK and not being treated poorly. “

Dean-CiccarelliWith this in mind, it came as no surprise that Dean met with his superintendent of schools to propose a kidkind kindness club, which he will facilitate, in his district’s elementary schools.  It is Dean’s goal to work with middle school students to help transition them to middle and high school, while promoting kindness, heroism, good character and being BETTER THAN THAT™.  As Dean states, “Being BETTER THAN THAT™ is doing good things, whether that means to be accepting of someone or to even just hold the door for someone.”

Dean, we thank you for your commitment to kindness. You are a true example of being BETTER THAN THAT™ and we are excited to see your kidkind club come to fruition.

Cape Kids with Extra Big Hearts – A call to Volunteer

National Volunteer MonthApril is National Volunteer Month – a month dedicated to helping others through volunteering. In honor of this special month, and to help live out our mission of spreading kindness and helping others, Wear The Cape organized a very special volunteer activity that was open to all kids looking to make a difference.

Wear The Cape collaborated with The Bounce Factory in Warren, New Jersey to create a fun-filled and meaningful volunteer experience for both young and old. Our Cape Kids spent an early evening assisting both children and adults during a dedicated bounce time for those with developmental disabilities, called Gentle Bounce.

Staff and caregivers praised our Cape Kids for their selflessness and care. There were lots of smiles and hearts were filled, due to the service of our Cape Kids. We are incredibly proud of all of the young children who gave their time to serve and name you all our Cape Kids for the month of April for your selflessness and heroism. Congratulations to Samantha Errico, Tom Errico, Charlotte Errico, Niko Errico, Michael Mancino, Sarah Husain, Sara Allian, Nadine Greybek, Lexie Mancino, Nick Mancino, Kayla Cullinane, and Kate Allian on a job well done!

Thank you to Cheryl Taylor, owner of The Bounce Factory and her staff, for your guidance and support, and for opening your doors to those in need each week.

Keep your eyes open for more volunteer opportunities from Wear The Cape in the future.