Shaler elementary schools celebrate kindness on 143 Day

More than 60 Shaler School District staff and volunteers worked together to make the ‘It’s a Beautiful Day in Titan Town’ event a success. The event was to celebrate 143 Day, a Pennsylvania day of kindness inspired by Fred Rogers and his use of his special code 143, which represents the number of letters in the words I love you.

143 Day is celebrated on the 143rd day of the year.

The event was a collaboration between the district and the LIGHT Education Initiative, which aims to connect K-12 students with community members, no matter the age, and encourage students to make responsible choices with kindness and love, volunteering and humility.

It’s a Beautiful Day in Titan Town brought together kindergarten through sixth-grade students from Shaler Area Elementary School and Burchfield, Marzolf, Reserve and Scott primary schools.

The district collaborated with the Shaler North Hills Library, Millvale Community Library and Boys and Girls Club, each bringing resources and activities for the students.

It’s a Beautiful Day was set up as a town complete with street signs and a map that was used to help guide participants throughout it. Street names included Story Street, Imagination Avenue and Caring Boulevard.

“In each of the areas, there was a variety of activities including arts and crafts, story time with building principals and district administrators, music and dance, and a calming corner featuring yoga,” said Marzolf Elementary music teacher Angela Evans. “The district also provided free shuttle transportation for families, something I hope we can continue for future events.”

Shaler Elementary teacher Lucy Bender hopes that this can become an annual event and that more local organizations and businesses will partner.

“I feel proud to work in a school district that is committed to creating opportunities for students to feel like they belong,” said Bender. “It keeps me focused on the bigger picture of why we are here – to support students.”