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What Is The Kindness Project?
| Members of the Pilot Knob Kindness Patrol proudly wear their "Take Time To Be Kind" shirts. |
Last year (2008-09) our district was awarded a three-year federal grant to pay for one counselor in each of our five elementary schools. The project's primary goal is high achievement for every student. Here are a few ways counselors help: By promoting a culture of kindness so all children feel welcome and safe at school
By teaching classroom lessons on problem solving, violence prevention, acceptance of differences, and more
By helping children deal with individual problems that impede their ability to learn
By being available to help children in distress so classroom learning can continue for others
By providing leadership and service opportunities, such as the Kindness Patrol
By working closely with staff and families to make sure each student feels supported in developing strengths ("sparks") as well as in overcoming weaknesses
By offering small groups for children with similar needs (study skills, social skills, adapting to a new school and more)
Click here for background information on how The Kindness Project was developed and funded:
- Superintendent Jay Haugen's letter on the vision and the needs that inspired us
- The pilot program developed by Terry Green
- The American School Counseling Association model
- The Office of Safe and Drug Free Schools
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Amazing Gains in Student AchievementBetween the spring of 2008 and the spring of 2009, student achievement at our district's five elementary schools improved five percent in reading and 12 percent in math on the state tests used to measure progress under No Child Left Behind. Overall, our elementary students outperformed the state average by a considerable margin – six percentage points! Two years ago, our scores just missed being "average." Earlier start times allowed an extra two hours after school for extra academic help and/or enrichment classes, and our outstanding staff focused hard on results, including tracking progress for each individual student. The Kindness Project provided support that contributed to this amazing one-year jump in student achievement.What's new in 2009-10?The same services and support will be offered in year two, plus we're planning more programs and information for families. We'll also be enlisting the help of bus drivers, school volunteers, and community members to extend kindness and all that it implies – including things like respect, cooperation, and personal responsibility – beyond the school walls.
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How to Use This SiteIf you're looking for information or inspiration, we invite you to explore our site. Here is a summary its organization:
Schools: Meet our counselors and see how the program is being adapted for each unique community.
Goals: Read how The Kindness Project supports each of our school district's goals.
Activities: From what our counselors do to specific ideas, sayings, songs and service projects, see how we are building a culture of kindness.
Curriculum: Discover what we're teaching by grade level and how the curriculum supports our goals.
Collaborative: Meet our partners and explore some of the resources that are helping our project succeed.
Evaluation: Explore the evaluative process and a summary of the first year's results.
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