Tie Dye Tuesday: A Vibrant Celebration of Kindness
WRITTEN BY: DR. DAVE MACKZUM, HEAD PRINCIPALI'm thrilled to share an initiative we recently launched at our school called Tie Dye Tuesday! It was an absolute blast and a fantastic way to celebrate kindness and build community.
As many of you know, our school is a large and diverse place. It's incredible to witness the energy and enthusiasm that fills our hallways each day. However, with a large population, it can sometimes be challenging to foster a strong sense of connection and belonging for everyone.
That's where Tie Dye Tuesday came in! We encouraged all students and staff to wear tie dye shirts every Tuesday as a symbol of our commitment to kindness, acceptance, and unity. The response was overwhelming! The hallways were awash in a kaleidoscope of colors, and the atmosphere was electric.
But Tie Dye Tuesday was more than just a fashion statement. It was a reminder that we are all part of something bigger than ourselves. It was a way to break down barriers, spark conversations, and celebrate our shared humanity.
Throughout the initiative, we saw countless acts of kindness, big and small. Students were holding doors for each other, helping with homework, and offering words of encouragement. Staff members were going above and beyond to support students and create a positive learning environment.
Tie Dye Tuesday was a simple idea, but it had a profound impact on our school community. It showed us that even small gestures can make a big difference. It reminded us that we all have the power to spread kindness and make our world a better place.
For Supplies and Inspiration:
Tye Dye Everything: This site has everything you could possibly need for tie dye, from shirts and dyes to kits and accessories. They also have a great gallery of patterns and color combinations to get your creative juices flowing. www.tyedye-everything.com
Dharma Trading Company: Another great source for tie dye supplies, Dharma Trading Company offers a wide variety of dyes, fabrics, and tools. They also have helpful tutorials and tips for tie dye beginners. www.dharmatrading.com
Pinterest: Pinterest is a fantastic resource for tie dye inspiration. Search for "tie dye" or "tie dye DIY" to find tons of ideas for patterns, techniques, and projects. www.pinterest.com
For Kindness Activities and Resources:
Random Acts of Kindness Foundation: This organization is dedicated to inspiring and promoting acts of kindness. Their website has a wealth of resources, including kindness ideas, lesson plans, and activity guides. www.randomactsofkindness.org
The Kindness Rocks Project: This project encourages people to paint rocks with kind messages and leave them for others to find. It's a great way to spread positivity and brighten someone's day. www.thekindnessrocksproject.com
Character Counts! This organization provides resources and programs to help schools promote character development and ethical decision-making. Their website has a section on kindness with articles, activities, and tips. www.charactercounts.org
Bonus:
YouTube: Search for "tie dye tutorial" or "tie dye DIY" to find videos demonstrating different techniques and patterns. This can be a great way to learn the basics or get inspired to try something new.
I hope these resources help you make your Tie Dye Tuesday a huge success! Remember, the most important thing is to have fun and spread kindness.
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DR. DAVE MACKZUM
It is my pleasure to continue to serve as building principal for the 2024-25 school year! This is my eleventh year at a large urban MS with it being my seventh as the building principal. Prior to becoming building principal, I have had various roles over my professional career including: director of education, elementary administrator, assistant principal, intervention specialist, 6th grade ela/ss teacher, coach, and academic dean. I have over twenty-five years of experience in various educational settings including: charter, rural, urban, diverse, for-profit post secondary medical programs, and charter school board member. My educational background includes a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education grades (1-8) from Miami University, a Master’s of Education in Educational Administration from Xavier University, a Doctorate of Educational Leadership from Northern Kentucky University. I also hold a 5-year professional superintendent license with the Ohio Department of Education. This license permits me to serve in any school administrative position, pre-kindergarten to grade 12, with the exception of school treasurer.
I cherish spending time with my wife Erin, a middle school PE teacher, and son Brayden who is in the 10th grade at Princeton High School. I am also a proud US Army dad of Logan, in the 82nd Airborne Division. I love to work out, am an avid reader, and enjoy learning to play golf.
Follow me on twitter @DrMackzum