📰SACO | CK Burns Students Champion Kindness Through “Spread the Word” Campaign

By Karen Garnett, Contributing Writer

March 9, 2026, Students at CK Burns School came together last week to promote kindness, respect, and inclusion through a school-wide “Spread the Word” Cookie Walk, organized by the school’s Best Buddies program. During the event on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, students learned about the power of words and how choosing respectful language helps build a school community where everyone feels valued, included, and supported. As part of the activity, students in grades 3–5 were invited to sign the “End the Word” pledge, promising not to use the hurtful “R-word,” to speak up if they hear it used, and to treat people with intellectual disabilities with dignity and respect.

(L-R) Brody Johnson (8th grade), Maci Wilson (6th grade), and Bentley Day (8th grade) visited CK Burns School from Saco Middle School’s Unified program to hand out cookies at the end of the Cookie Walk.

The event is part of the Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools “Spread the Word” campaign, a global initiative encouraging students and communities to take action for inclusion while raising awareness about the harmful impact of derogatory language toward people with intellectual disabilities. The campaign began as a youth-led movement to end the use of the R-word and has since inspired nearly 900,000 people to commit to promoting respect, empathy, and meaningful action in schools and communities around the world.

Teachers led age-appropriate conversations explaining that while the word was once used as a medical term, it has become widely recognized as harmful and exclusionary. Students learned that words carry power—and that even language used “as a joke” can cause real harm. By choosing respectful language and standing up for one another, students are helping create a school environment where everyone feels safe, valued, and accepted.

“Events like this remind students that inclusion starts with everyday choices,” said April Noble, Principal of CK Burns School. “When students understand the power of their words and actions, they become leaders in creating a school community where everyone feels accepted and supported. Our Best Buddies program helps foster authentic friendships and encourages students to celebrate differences while recognizing what brings us together.”

The initiative reflects a growing commitment across the district to expand inclusive programming and opportunities for students to build meaningful peer connections. Assistant Superintendent Meg Parkhurst noted that the impact of programs like Best Buddies can be seen across multiple schools.

Students in the Best Buddies program at CK Burns School lead the “Spread the Word” pledge signing. Pictured L-R: Braley McCormack (4th grade), Abby Gash (5th grade), Popi Giamaiou (5th grade), Wyatt Carey (5th grade), and Logan Glaude (4th grade).

“We have seen firsthand how programs like Best Buddies strengthen empathy, leadership, and a true sense of belonging for all students,” said Parkhurst. “Saco Middle School has maintained a strong Best Buddies program for many years, and we are excited that Fairfield School and Young School are working to implement programs of their own. These initiatives help students build friendships across differences and reinforce the values of inclusion and respect that are central to our school communities.”

Through events like the Cookie Walk and the End the Word pledge, students at CK Burns are learning that creating a welcoming school culture starts with small but powerful actions—choosing kind words, standing up for others, and embracing the differences that make every community stronger.