Afterschool Program

Fostering Creativity and Kindness in Young Minds

“The degree to which you have social-emotional intelligence, and the mastery of it, really predicts success in life.”

~ Dr. Jeremy Richman

This program is more than just a class—it's an opportunity to inspire young minds to grow creatively, emotionally, and socially. Through the unique combination of ceramic art and kindness education, students gain skills that reach beyond the classroom, shaping them into compassionate and resilient individuals.

By engaging in hands-on art projects, children unleash their imagination and learn to express themselves in ways that build confidence and encourage individuality. Each creation becomes a meaningful reflection of their personal growth.
Our kindness lessons help children understand emotions, build empathy, and practice self-awareness. These skills not only enhance their relationships with others but also promote mental well-being and resilience.
Through group projects and collaborative activities, students develop teamwork and communication skills while building lasting friendships. Kind Art fosters a sense of community where every child feels valued and included.
Kindness is a skill that grows with practice. By exploring themes like Gratitude, Self-Awareness, and the Ripple Effect of Kindness, children learn to carry these values into their daily lives, positively impacting themselves and those around them.
In addition to learning art and kindness in an impactful and lasting way, each student will make and take home a special 8” round stepping stone and ‘be kind’ necklace which will reflect some of their experiences and lessons learned during this 5 week class

Themes of Kindness

Self Awareness

Ripple Effect of Kindness

Gratitude

Negativity Bias

Self Kindness

Pilot Program Detail 4th & 5th Grade

Lesson

Ripple Effect of Kindness
Gratitude- looking for the positive
Negativity Bias- why we are so sensitive to negativity
Self Critical- How to avoid negative thoughts by becoming aware of our thoughts

Art Activity

Painting Kindness Tokens
Design stepping stone, cut out 3 gratitude shapes
Create Custom Beads
Glazing Stepping Stone pieces
Create a custom “awareness” bracelet
Assemble custom Bead String
Assemble Stepping Stone

Our Amazing High School Mentors

Aliyah Reuther

Mentor
11th Grade
Newtown High School
Your career aspirations- “ I want to become a veterinarian”
Something fun or unique about yourself - “ I dive and used to do gymnastics, have 2 jobs, and I love music and animals” .
Wila Kuphal

Mentor
10th Grade
Joel Barlow High School
Your career aspirations or areas of interest if any: Physician Assistant, Psychologist, Microbiologist, Pulmonology
Something fun or unique about yourself (a hobby, favorite quote, or something that makes you smile!): "It is well to give when asked, but it is better to give unasked, through understanding." - Kahlil Gibran
Noely Mendez

Mentor
Your grade : 12
School : Bethel High School
Your career aspirations or areas of interest if any: I would love to be a radiologist, it’s been my dream ever since I was a little girl
Something fun or unique about yourself (a hobby, favorite quote, or something that makes you smile!): I enjoy crocheting and drawing, they make me feel like i’m in my safe space and easily put a smile on my face
Allie Humphrey

Mentor
10th Grade
Joel Barlow High School
Your career aspirations or areas of interest if any: Child Phycologist
Something fun or unique about yourself (a hobby, favorite quote, or something that makes you smile!): I love to crochet
Chase Malia

Mentor
10th Grade
Joel Barlow High School
Your career aspirations or areas of interest if any: Medicine
Something fun or unique about yourself (a hobby, favorite quote, or something that makes you smile!): I like crafts