World Champions AGAIN!

The New England Patriots’ six Super Bowl rings may be historic and awe-inspiring, but in this time of greatest need, they are surpassed by a new title: World Champions of Generosity. The NFL’s most charitable foundation never fails to lead with big vision and deep humanity. Their #TogetherWhileApart campaign has three focus areas: “stepping up for those in need, supporting healthcare workers and first responders, and staying home for each other.” And in Patriots tradition, they execute each with excellence and  as one team -- united in service to others.

1. Earlier this week, we were filled with pride to see 2018 Service Hero & beloved champion Donna Spigarolo on WBZ (our media partner!). Modeling social distancing and health protocols, Donna reflected on a joint effort of the Patriots, Kraft Family, and Gillette Stadium to support families at risk of hunger. They cleared the stadium’s pantries, refrigerators, and storage areas of food with a short shelf-life.Then, donated more than $100,000 worth of food to food pantries and homeless shelters in Bristol and Norfolk Counties. 

2. Support and care for veterans and their families is a special passion of the Patriots, Revolution, and the Kraft family. So, they’ve teamed up with the Massachusetts Military Support Foundation to pack and provide 1.4 million meals to active duty military, veterans, and their families throughout New England who have limited access to food due to the coronavirus. From March 31 through April 10, “Vital Food Packages” (two weeks worth of meals for two) will be delivered and distributed from Gillette Stadium. An effort to ensure our heroes and their families are nourished and supported in this time of great need.

3. And, an act of superheroism, Governor Baker and the Kraft family joined forces to secure 1.2 million desperately needed N95 medical masks for frontline health care workers. Thanks to the relentless efforts of our Governor, masks were secured -- in China. “I just have to get them here,” he told longtime friend, Patriots president Jonathan Kraft. And, together they went to work. Through extraordinary logistical and diplomatic teamwork, including the upgrade of the Patriots’ plane to make the long journey and a $2 million donation from the Krafts, they pulled off a “Hail Mary”. Last evening, Air Kraft arrived at Logan packed with medical masks. Robert Kraft reflected, “It is an honor for our family to be a part of this humanitarian mission...Multiple organizations across the public and private sectors, all of which were in lockstep with Governor Charlie Baker’s visionary leadership, worked together to execute this mission with the purpose of helping save lives. I truly hope that in doing so we can in some way inspire others to find creative ways to give more in support of our doctors, nurses and first responders." A very special shout-out to the pilot and crew who made the 7,936 mile journey to -- and from -- China.

And, this is just a selection of the many things our champions are doing. Check out https://www.patriots.com/covid19 to see more on their #TogetherWhileApart initiative.

In the course of three weeks, global education has gone digital. Everywhere you look, educators and organizations lead with innovation, creativity, and a focus on enrichment and student empowerment. Seemingly overnight, teachers created welcoming online classrooms. Companies in technology and enrichment offered free apps, software, and courses to support online learning, social connection, and virtual community-building. And, students of every age engaged in topics ranging from quantum physics to Kindness 101.

Nelson Mandela said, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” For those seeking to create positive social change, online access to tools that inspire, challenge, and enrich are a most welcome gift. Today, we invite you to explore three innovative learning opportunities:

1. Now, more than ever, we could all use a little kindness. CBS’ Steve Hartman dedicates his much-beloved "On the Road" reports to that very theme. Concerned by the confusion and frustration his children felt, he decided to use his gift -- bringing meaning to a mass audience -- to host a weeklong class titled "Kindness 101". Last week, for 30 minutes each day, Hartman taught a lesson -- applicable to us all: why kindness matters. Using his archive of stories and wisdom from On the Road, Hartman taught tens of thousands of the youngest among us about the importance of gratitude and the positive impact realized when that emotion is expressed. This video provides a touching overview of his young students in action.

You can watch all of Hartman's lessons on You Tube. Check out the first lesson on “character”.

2. Our very own, Margot Sonia, Class of 2018, of Lancaster, noticed that families in her community were looking for resources and ideas on how to engage their children while home from school. With help from her Project 351 friends, Margot created an online forum that features daily enrichment and play activities for families. Visit “Creating Community” -- with the motto of "unity through positivity" -- and you’ll find crafts, physical activities, fun facts, literacy and math games, and more! Margot invites you to check it out daily, as each morning starts with a positive quote or story, and an activity for the day. You can visit on Facebook here: Creating Community

3. Last up, we invite you to find the keys to happiness by enrolling in one of the world’s finest universities -- Yale! (Which is the current academic home to Project 351 Alumni Brooke Milosh, Emma Rutan, Elizabeth Hopkinson, and Enyonam Adoboe!) In 2018, Professor Laurie Santos created “Psychology and the Good Life”, a course to address student stress and anxiety levels. It quickly gained campus -- and -- national attention, and became the most popular class in Yale history. The online format, called “The Science of Well Being” provides free access to research that reveals misconceptions about what makes us happy — and the concrete steps we can take to live a more fulfilling life. Since March 1, more than 600,000 people have enrolled. Professor Santos reflects: “The interest has been a bit surreal...as people focus on evidenced-based ways for staying physically healthy during this COVID-19 crisis, so too people are looking for evidence-based ways of improving their mental health.” You can sign up for greater happiness here: The Science of Well-Being.

We wish you a day filled with good news and happiness!

“I’ve been searching for ways to heal myself, and I’ve found that kindness is the best way.” ~ Lady Gaga

The best of humanity continues to uplift our spirits and inspire our greater efforts to serve, lead, and collaborate with love and greatest intention.

Again and again, school communities powerfully demonstrate devotion to their students and gratitude for the professionals who are the heartbeat of every school. A quick tour around the Commonwealth:

1. In Mashpee, Mashpee Public Schools Superintendent Patricia DeBoer and her team kick-off week two of virtual community building through Spirit Week. From crazy socks to Tropical Tuesday to the “Letter M” Day, Mashpee demonstrates the extraordinary pride they feel as #WeAreMashpee with creativity, humor, and love. Add to that, a partnership with the Mashpee First Responders for story hour! On Saturday, Sgt. Assad read "The Little Fire Engine" by Lois Lenski from a Mashpee Fire truck; and on Sunday K-9 Officer Derochea read "Charlie Goes To School" by Diane deGroat. Mashpee's town leadership is all-in for their students!

2. Inspired by her best friend in Vermont, Heather Letteney of Medfield launched a fundraiser in appreciation of Medfield Public Schools 19 custodians, for their tireless efforts to sanitize every classroom and school gathering place. In no time at all, she raised $9,290! In response, a moving message from the daughter of one of the custodial staff, “Your fundraiser is so amazing. Thank you for doing this. I’m literally in tears. My dad is the head custodian at one of the schools and is immune deficient and that requires him to get monthly infusions for a functioning immune system. Yet, he loves his job so much and never lets his XLA hold him back. This pandemic unknown has been a bit unsettling, but my dad is still working hard as always. This act of kindness showing people supporting one another is so heartwarming and amazing. Thank you for being greatness in the world."

3. Everyone loves a parade! In Burlington, a police-led convoy of educator-driven cars formeds a parade with purpose! Last week, every member of the team at Pine Glen Elementary School decorated their cars with balloons and brightly decorated signs reading: “We Miss You!” and “Stay Positive” for a parade of student support. Educator Kathy Horton reflected, “I love this idea and miss the kids -- as they would say ‘wicked’. ...I can’t wait to see them and wave at them and blow kisses to them!”

As the parade wound through Burlington streets, Burlington Public Schools students and families cheered. On front steps, driveways and front yards, handmade signs returned the gratitude and love. You can view the parade here in the second story:https://www.boston25news.com/…/…/LCDKPQCYXRCMNCMMDUNWMBVHWA/

In the days and weeks ahead, our schools without walls and virtual communities of caring will provide essential enrichment, joyful connection, and a whole new roster of everyday heroes for children (and adults!) to admire and appreciate.

We kick off this week’s “Good News” in tribute to them!