Mt. Washington School Celebrates Better World Day with Kindness, Service and a Furry New Friend

Change often begins with one small act of kindness, and at Mt. Washington School, Better World Day was a powerful reminder that compassion and leadership go hand in hand.

Students at Mt. Washington, which uses the Expeditionary Learning (EL) Curriculum, embraced the day with a variety of service projects aimed at giving back to their community and school. The annual celebration encourages students to see how even simple gestures can spark meaningful change.

“Better World Day is about giving back and recognizing that small efforts can lead to big results,” said Principal Maureen Brenner. “Our students never cease to amaze me. They lead with heart and put their unique gifts to good use.”

This year’s event kicked off with special excitement as students welcomed Ardor, the school’s new facility dog. Trained through Circle Tail Inc., Ardor is officially joining the Mt. Washington team to provide comfort, companionship and support for both students and staff. He will be a regular presence in classrooms and hallways, offering a calming influence and even serving as a reading buddy.
“We are beyond thrilled to have a working dog at our school,” said Brenner. “Ardor brings joy and calm to our community every day. Students read to him, talk to him and feel his presence helping them through tough moments.”

To celebrate Better World Day, Mt. Washington students rolled up their sleeves to make a difference. Middle schoolers handed out reusable water bottles with uplifting messages. Fourth graders wrote heartfelt thank-you notes to local paramedics and firefighters. Fifth and sixth graders spruced up the school's landscaping, while second graders planted flowers and released the butterflies they raised.

In a spirited effort to support Ardor’s care and training, the school launched a school-wide “penny war” challenge, raising an impressive $1,240. The competition brought students together in a fun and meaningful way, all for a cause close to their hearts.

The arrival of Ardor and the dedication shown on Better World Day highlight how student-led acts of kindness are shaping a culture of empathy and responsibility at Mt. Washington. The future here is looking not only brighter but also a little furrier.