SGI Students Turn Doors into Messages of Kindness

October is National Bullying Prevention Month, and Spring Grove Area Intermediate School (SGI) marked the occasion with a month-long celebration of kindness, inclusivity, and teamwork. Students and teachers participated in a friendly door decorating contest, turning their classroom doors into creative messages encouraging everyone to be a buddy, not a bully.

Congratulations to Mrs. Meghan Roy’s class, whose winning door, “Kindness Vending Machine – where kindness is always in stock!”, earned the class a special reward.

The contest was organized by SGI School Counselor Jill Tapia, who humorously dubbed herself Door Decorating Contest Coordinator & Celebrity Headhunter. A panel of “celebrity” judges helped select the winning door, including:

• Dr. Kelly Peake, Principal
• Dr. David Renaut, Acting Superintendent
• Dr. Steve Guadagnino, Assistant Superintendent
• Dr. Michelle Ludwig, Director of Pupil Services
• Steph Kennedy, Communications & Marketing Manager
• Officer Hine, SRO
• Dr. Kerri Henry, Special Education Supervisor
• Kim Dunlap, Instructional Technology Specialist
• Deb Yost, SGI Head Custodian
• Shannon Engles, Social Worker
• Chrissy Kenney, Home School Visitor
• Wendi Bulgarelli, School Nurse

In addition to the doors, students created weekly video messages sharing random acts of kindness and tips on being a buddy, not a bully. These videos reinforced lessons in empathy, teamwork, and inclusion, offering the entire school community practical ideas to foster a welcoming environment.

The contest and video messages provided a fun, meaningful way for students to practice kindness, creativity, and teamwork while reinforcing SGI’s commitment to bullying prevention and a positive, inclusive school culture.

View the full album of all participating doors to see the incredible ideas and creativity students and staff brought to this year’s contest!