📰SACO | A Brighter Shade of Kindness at Young School

24 minutes ago

2 min read

By Karen Garnett, Saco School Department

September 29, 2026, Yellow was more than just a color at Young School this week. It represented kindness, service, and the difference students can make when they work together to brighten their school and the lives of those around them. On September 23, 2026, Young School in Saco held its annual “Be the Yellow” Day, inspired by educator and author Adam Peterson’s book Yellow. Students throughout the school participated in hands-on service projects designed to reinforce a simple message: everyone has the ability to make someone’s day a little brighter.

Throughout the day, students worked alongside staff, PTO members, parent volunteers, and members of the Legends Basketball League to make improvements around the school. Projects included working in the school garden and adding colorful four-square, hopscotch, and other games to outdoor areas, creating spaces students will be able to enjoy long after the event.

“Children learn so much when they have the opportunity to see that their actions matter,” said Meg Parkhurst, Assistant Superintendent of Saco School Department. “‘Be the Yellow’ gives our youngest students a chance to experience kindness as something they can actively do, not simply something we talk about. They are caring for their school, helping one another and seeing firsthand how working together can make their community better.”

The day also brought together several community partners who helped make the projects possible. The Young School PTO provided each student with a special yellow gift, while Dayton Sand & Gravel provided sand for the school projects. Saco Schools’ Facilities Director Don Roth ensured students had the necessary supplies and equipment, and volunteers led students through lessons and activities in the garden area.

For Young School’s Kindergarten students, the day included a tradition that has become a visible reminder of the school’s commitment to kindness. Each Kindergartener added a yellow handprint to the school shed, joining the handprints of students who came before them.

“The yellow handprints are one of my favorite parts of this tradition because every one of them represents a child who has been part of our Young School community,” said Jeff Mears, principal of Young School. “Our students may be young, but they are absolutely capable of helping, serving, and making a difference. When they work beside their classmates, families and community members, they learn that kindness isn’t just a word—it is something we choose to put into action.”

The event is part of Young School’s ongoing “Be the Yellow” initiative, which promotes kindness, helping others, and community service throughout the school year. Through these experiences, students are encouraged to look for everyday opportunities to help others and be a positive presence in their school, families, and communities.

For more information about the “Be the Yellow” movement, visit www.adampetersoneducation.com.

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