As classes ventured outside Head O' Meadow Elementary School on the crisp but sunny afternoon of Friday, November 4, physical education teacher Steve "Coach" Dreger was waiting for them, perched on a platform, above a dunk tank filled with water.

Head O' Meadow parent Kristopher Plummer (also known as "Chef Plum") was right next to the tank, ready to explain and demonstrate the afternoon's activity.

The event was a culmination of a schoolwide kindness program, according to Principal Barbara Gasparine. Mr Plum, Ms Gasparine, lead teacher Carol Danenberg, Lisa Kilcourse, and Karen Bambino worked on a committee to oversee the kindness program.

The kindness program included an effort to raise funds and donations for the FAITH Food Pantry. Boxes, each decorated with a paper turkey, were set up in the school's cafetorium on Monday, October 31, ready to be delivered to the food pantry later in the week. The school, as of Friday, November 4, also raised $410 to give to the pantry to purchase turkeys ahead of Thanksgiving.

Students also worked on being kind throughout recent lunches. When students were responsible and showed respect, caring, and kindness, Ms Gasparine said they earned a ticket for their exemplary attitude good toward overall classroom achievement. Students in the school also crafted posters that were recently put on display at Caraluzzi's Market in Newtown. The posters shared messages like, "Kindness is contagious" with student-crafted images. Ms Gasparine said Southbury Printing created the banner on display with a poster that reads, "Posters Compliments of Head O' Meadow Elementary School."

"You guys did such great work making posters and spreading kindness everywhere," said Chef Plum to one group of students on Friday. He went on to say the day's celebration was to recognize the students' efforts to be kind.

As students cheered, Mr Plum explained how the dunk tank worked. One teacher at a time had a turn to throw a ball at a red button. If the ball hit the target, Coach Dreger was dumped in the water.

Many contributed to the November 4 celebration, according to Ms Gasparine. Among people and businesses who helped the effort, Super Fun Inflatables provided the dunk tank, Dodgingtown Volunteer Fire Company #1 filled the tank with water, and Newtown Underwater Search And Rescue Chief Mike McCarthy donated a dry suit for Coach Dreger to wear.

"This entire event stemmed from [Chef Plum's] idea for the kindness project to the fun ending with the dunk tank," said Ms Gasparine.

The event also served as a way to celebrate upcoming school spirit activities, Ms Gasparine said. One school spirit activity, which has yet to be unveiled, she shared, will honor Chef Plum for his efforts for the school's kindness project.