It was supposed to be a positive, uplifting way to remind bullied students like her that they are beautiful or awesome. However, the 11th grader Caitlin Prater-Haacke received a different response from her school: she was reprimanded for her actions.
Sixteen-year-old Caitlin studies at McDougall High School in Airdrie, Alberta, Canada. On September 25, someone broke into her locker, got her iPad, and used it to post a Facebook message telling her to die. That truly made her upset, but instead, it inspired her to do something positive for all students in school.
Using Post-It notes, on Monday, she peppered the school with uplifting messages as a cool, empowering reminder for everyone that they don't deserve to be bullied. She posted more than 800 of these notes.
However, some of them fell off the floor, catching the attention of a teacher who yelled at her for littering. She was pulled out of her classroom and told their cleaning aide wasn't going to run after her own mess.
Nicole Haacke, Caitlin's mom, shared the story in a Facebook group among local mothers. She expressed her disappointment over the school's actions, including how they remained unresponsive even after she brought Caitlin's bullying issue to them.
Fortunately, Caitlin's receiving a lot of support from everyone who sees the kindness out of her simple gesture. Mayor Peter Brown dedicated October 9, Thursday, as Positive Post-It Day. He also encouraged the community to leave positive messages. A store also supported the campaign by giving away Post-Its for free.
On Thursday, hundreds of people participated in the campaign, posting thousands of these sticky notes around the community including right in her own school, which had now changed its stand and allowed them to stay after Caitlin asked for permission and filled out the necessary forms.
Caitlin expressed her thrill and joy over the strong response she's getting from her simple action. She likes the fact that it increased awareness on bullying.
