Elementary students sit at desks painting rocks. Each student has a paper plate with colorful paint and brushes.

Hurricane Helpers

Haynesfield Elementary School

October 20, 2025

Recently, Haynesfield started a new initiative called the Hurricane Helpers. Through this program, older students were paired with younger students to encourage friendships across grade levels; build leadership skills in older students; encourage teamwork, kindness, and creativity; and strengthen our family community.

Our first Hurricane Helpers Day was Friday, October 10th. Students throughout the school read "Kindness Rocks" by Sonica Ellis, and then discussed how the impact of kind words and actions can affect others. Then the students each received a rock and painted words and pictures on it to brighten someone's day. Students were then encouraged to spread kindness by placing their rocks somewhere in their community for others to find. Teachers and students alike enjoyed this moment of camaraderie, and our first Hurricane Helpers Day was a rock-solid success!

A smiling student holds a small rock while painting. Behind her, classmates paint at desks with plates of colorful paint.Two children smile while standing beside a cafeteria table covered with art supplies. Other students and adults are visible in the background.Two boys sit at a round table painting rocks. One wears glasses and holds a paintbrush while the other wipes his hands with a napkin.Two students sit at a round table. One paints a green rock while the other watches. A window and classroom supplies are visible in the background.A smooth rock painted with teal and dark blue shapes on a yellow background rests on a red plastic tablecloth.Several students sit in rows of desks painting rocks. A girl in a pink shirt smiles at the camera while others focus on their artwork.Two young students paint rocks at a classroom table using a plate of primary-colored paint. A cabinet and classroom posters are in the background.A student sits at a desk painting a rock with bright colors including pink, gold, and blue. A cup of water and paint plate are on the desk.Two painted rocks on a red tablecloth—one with a red stick figure and the other with red letters “RE” and blue sky-like background.