Lilja Lions

Dear Lilja Families,

We’re excited to share about two upcoming events that beautifully highlight our core value of Empathy—Lilja School Field Day and the Special Olympics Events!

Field Day is a joyful celebration of our students’ physical education achievements, teamwork, and school spirit. It’s a day where students encourage and support one another, showing kindness and understanding through friendly competition and collaboration. We invite families to cheer on all participants with positive words that foster a caring and inclusive atmosphere.

How Empathy Shines on Field Day:

• Students learn to notice and respect each other’s feelings during competition.

• Encouraging teammates, celebrating effort, and showing kindness help everyone feel valued.

• Understanding that everyone gives their best, whether winning or trying something new.

Family Tips to Foster Empathy at Home:

• Talk with your child about how it feels to be cheered on or helped by others.

• Encourage celebrating others’ successes and supporting friends when they struggle.

• Share stories about teamwork and kindness during sports or play.

• This inspiring unified sports event brings together students with and without disabilities to train and compete as equals. Through teamwork and shared experiences, students develop a deeper respect and empathy for the unique talents and abilities each teammate brings.

  How Empathy Shines in Special Olympics:

  • Students learn to appreciate differences and support one another as teammates.

  • Training together fosters friendships and mutual understanding.

  • Celebrating every athlete’s effort and achievement builds confidence and inclusion.

  Family Tips to Foster Empathy at Home:

  • Discuss the importance of inclusion and appreciating everyone’s strengths.

  • Encourage your child to share what they are learning about teamwork and respect.

  • Celebrate moments when your child shows kindness and support to others.

• Early Childhood (Ages 3-6)

  • How did it feel when someone cheered for you?

  • Can you tell me about a time you helped a friend during a game?

  • What does it mean to be kind to your teammates?

  Elementary (Ages 7-11)

  • How do you show empathy when your team is winning or losing?

  • What did you notice about how your friends helped each other?

  • Why is it important to include everyone and respect their efforts?

  Extension

  • How did training and playing with different teammates help you understand empathy?

  • What are some ways you can support others during competitions and in everyday life?

  • How does empathy make a team stronger and more connected?

We look forward to a fun, inclusive, and empathetic celebration of our students’ efforts and growth. Thank you for partnering with us to nurture kindness, respect, and understanding in our school community!

Best,

The Lilja PBIS Team

Natick Public Schools does not discriminate in employment nor its educational programs, services, and activities based on race, creed, color, age, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, physical and intellectual differences, immigration status, homeless status, or any other basis prohibited by law. Please be aware all electronic communication to and from Natick Public Schools is public record and subject to public disclosure per Massachusetts General Law Chapter 66, Section 10.

• Title I: Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990
• Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990
• Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964
• Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972
• MGL, Ch.76, Section 5: Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 76, Section 5