Lianne Matarese

Everyday there are opportunities when children and adults have to make all kinds of choices. Leonardo Grade School utilizes a program called “Choose To Be Nice”. A simple but powerful message, Choose To Be Nice is a social movement dedicated to encouraging and inspiring kindness. The goal is to improve the way people interact with each other by reminding them that they have a choice about how to “be” in the world.

It all starts with a simple promise: “I promise to help spread kindness wherever and whenever possible. And to the very best of my ability, I’ll be nice to those with whom I come into contact on a daily basis.”

The Choose To Be Nice Program includes nine grade-specific learning activities that will guide your child and our classroom community as we learn more about the nine important values of respect, kindness, acceptance, teamwork, honesty, responsibility, friendship, patience, and courage.

Learning activities feature appropriate children’s literature, hands-on classroom activities, discussions, reflections, and extensions. In addition, each lesson has a home link and activity for your child to share and practice what they’ve learned with you. Please note that home activities are not considered formal homework, but they are designed to help reinforce what we learn in class. We encourage you to ask your child about what they have learned.

We are fortunate that we already enjoy a positive school and classroom community, but we always strive to improve. We know your child/children will have fun learning about these important values through Choose To Be Nice!

Please feel free to reach out to me at any time with questions, feedback, or concerns.  

Phone: 732-291-1330 x4699

Email: MatareseL@middletownk12.org