Kindness Campaign & Initiatives

Kindness Campaign

We are excited to launch the 7th-grade Kindness Crew! This group will collaborate with a local middle school’s Kindness Crew to find ways to make our school an even kinder place. Some of the projects we’ll take on include:

• Writing postcards to students before testing
• Leaving encouraging notes on lockers
• Completing kindness-focused tasks over the summer
• Creating a buddy bench

Other local projects include:

• Notes on lockers to spread encouragement
• Summer activities (message on the fence)
• Partnership with Pearson School in Winchester
• Buddy Bench initiative to promote inclusivity and friendship

Noisemakers

The Noisemakers at NHRMS exemplify student leadership, engagement, and school culture-building through peer-led initiatives. Inspired by the Wingman Student Leadership Program, they drive activities that amplify student voice, promote collaboration, and foster service learning, empowering students to shape their school community.

Through Noisemaker Days, students lead peer learning, teamwork, and problem-solving activities. Public speaking opportunities build confidence, while their mentorship extends to volunteering at East Haddam Elementary School, reinforcing a culture of support and connection.

Noisemakers also enhance academic and leadership growth. On January 10, 2025, they organized 8 to Celebrate, an event featuring Jeopardy, Act It Out, and Comic Strip Challenges to strengthen test-taking strategies. A week later, they extended their reach beyond the school, leading a session at the CAS Middle Level Leadership Conference, where they shared strategies for fostering inclusive, student-driven communities with peers and advisors from across Connecticut.

Their impact reaches beyond academics, shaping school culture and character development. February’s Takeover Day focused on kindness and empathy, reinforcing that Everything Matters. They also work with mentors Kendrick and Kruti to develop resilience and time management skills.

Looking ahead, Noisemakers will serve as CAS Tour Guides on February 27, 2025, lead the Basketball Bash, and host Takeover Day three in March. Their leadership abilities earned them the Department of Transportation Program of Distinction.

Through collaborative leadership, student empowerment, and service, the Noisemakers continue to strengthen NHRMS’s culture, ensuring every student has a voice and a place to belong.

Best Buddies

The NHRMS Best Buddies Program is dedicated to building a culture of inclusion, friendship, and leadership, ensuring that every student feels valued and connected. Their commitment to fostering meaningful relationships and promoting student engagement has earned them the CAS Challenge to Educational Citizenship Award, recognizing their outstanding efforts in creating an inclusive and supportive school environment.

At the heart of their initiatives is a focus on student leadership and service learning. Throughout the year, Best Buddies members participate in a variety of activities that strengthen school culture and extend their impact beyond the classroom.

One such initiative, Buddies in Business, launched this year by Ms. Masterson, NHRMS 2024 Teacher of the Year and District Teacher of the Year, provides 6th-grade Best Buddies with opportunities to learn from local business leaders. Through conversations about entrepreneurship, passion-driven careers, and sustainability, students gain real-world insights that connect to their classroom learning. A highlight of the program was a presentation by Mr. Mark Thiede of Two Wrasslin' Cats, who shared his perspective on the responsibility of small businesses to support their communities.

Ms. Masterson will also host the Family Expo, showcasing student projects that highlight innovation and community impact. Additionally, she will continue her three-year collaboration with the East of the River Transitional Academy, where students collect bottles and cans to support sustainability efforts.

Service remains at the core of Best Buddies' mission. In October, students will join the East Haddam Leo’s Club for a pumpkin carving activity, strengthening connections with their peers while supporting a local cause. Through the "Project Cupid" initiative, they will create handmade Valentine’s Day cards for elderly residents in a Connecticut extended care facility, spreading joy and reminding recipients they are valued. 96.5 TIC will hand-deliver the valentines, ensuring their messages of care reach those who need them most.

Through leadership, service, and inclusion, the NHRMS Best Buddies Program continues to make a lasting impact. Their recognition by CAS highlights their dedication to creating a school where every student belongs.