Stratford School “Bucket Fillers” This year, the students and faculty of the Stratford Avenue School are focusing on becoming “Bucket Fillers.” The idea of “Bucket Fillers” is based on the book Have You Filled a Bucket Today? (A Guide to Daily Happiness for Kids) by Carol McCloud.

McCloud’s book envisions that everyone carries an invisible bucket that contains our feelings. When our bucket is full, we feel great. When our bucket is empty, we feel sad. A “Bucket Filler” is someone who says or does nice things for other people. By doing this, they are filling other people’s buckets and filling their own bucket at the same time. On the other hand, a bucket dipper says or does things to cause other people to feel bad. A bucket dipper empties their bucket when they say and do mean things.

Students learned about this new initiative during the first week of school when Principal Diane Hopkins (left) and Assistant Principal Janet Gonzalez (right), pictured here with Stratford “Bucket Fillers,” read the book to the children during their lunch periods. After the assembly each class was provided with a classroom bucket and a copy of the book, Have You Filled a Bucket Today? Everyone is encouraged to fill the bucket by making kind statements to their classmates or by completing random acts of kindness.

On September 25th an assembly was held in the auditorium reminding the students of the various factors that contribute to a positive school environment and create a community of “Bucket Fillers.” During the assembly, one “Bucket Filler” from each class was recognized and presented with a certificate in an effort to increase the momentum and awareness of the “Bucket Filler” initiative.

Activities will be facilitated throughout the year to highlight the importance of becoming a “Bucket Filler.” Parents can assist in this process by asking their child, “Have you filled a bucket today?”