Even in our current distance learning environment, CJUSD elementary students are gaining important social skills like empathy, compassion, inclusion and thoughtfulness.
It’s all part of Kindness Clubs, now offered at Cooley Ranch and Sycamore Hills Elementary Schools. Similar clubs also are being planned at other CJUSD campuses. The clubs offer students of all ages a chance to interact (virtually) with their peers while learning ways to be kind and considerate. The clubs offer students a safe space to express feelings and learn from one another.
Although students connect via their devices, advisors also try to ensure that students have fun without technology.
"Kindness Club is cool because you can see your friends and have fun with your friends even when it’s virtual,” said Levi Rubio, a second-grader and Cooley Ranch Kindness Club Vice President. “At the beginning of Kindness Club we get to dance a cool dance and we even get to bring a healthy snack. Every week we have a different kindness challenge to spread kindness. “
“That is what makes it unique,” said Cooley Ranch Counselor and Kindness Club Advisor Nina Torres. She is joined by Grand Terrace Elementary Counselor Belinda Saavedra-Gutierrez and Jurupa Vista Elementary Counselor Rosa Rubio. Rubio is starting a Kindness Club at Jurupa Vista and Saavedra-Gutierrez hopes to add one at Grand Terrace Elementary in the future.
“We want the kids to engage in conversation with each other and just have fun!,” Torres said.
Sycamore Hills Elementary School Counselor Melissa Rangel said “Sycamore Hills' Kindness Club has proven to be a positive way for our students to build relationships while spreading kindness to our community. During this time of distance learning, we wanted to ensure our students had the opportunity to remain involved and connected to school, and what better way to do it than spreading kindness to our students, staff, and families.”
“Our Virtual Kindness Club is a great way to connect students through inclusive activities that promote positivity!” added Sycamore Hills Principal Lisa Mannes. “Our students enjoy learning about the science behind how kindness makes us feel as well as interacting in physical activities and kindness challenges. Our school theme this year is Bucket Fillers Spread Kindness and our Virtual Kindness Club promotes spreading kindness in their homes and virtual classrooms. During this pandemic and recent civil unrest, it is more important than ever to remember to help each other and spread kindness. Stallions always do their best to fill someone else’s bucket with kindness and Stallion Pride.”
Added Cooley Ranch Elementary School Principal Lorilee Martin, “Our Kindness Club members have truly blossomed into Kindness Ambassadors. They actively promote kindness each and every day which positively impacts our school culture. This is extraordinarily meaningful for our students, families, and community during the pandemic.”
Kindness Club also is empowering, Torres said. Students in the after-school Make a Change Leadership Club plan the kindness activities each week.
“They feel valued. They are invested. They truly take ownership,” Torres said.
Torres believes the impact of the Kindness Club will be lasting and powerful.
“Our Kindness Club is an essential tool to engage students in a socially healthy and safe platform/environment during this pandemic,” Torres said. “It's a place where students can continue to engage with their friends as they learn how to build a supportive school community and learn how to navigate through these uncertain and difficult times”
“I think Kindness Club is important to show everyone you are there for them and they don’t have to feel alone” added Cooley Ranch Kindness Club President Ezra Ochoa, who is in 6th grade. “People should come to Kindness Club even if they don’t think they need it. Deep down inside, it will make you feel good.”
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