Clute Intermediate School recently received a $7,500 Kindness grant from the Choose Kindness Foundation!
This grant will support Clute Intermediate in their efforts to increase experiences and expressions of kindness through instruction and recognition of kind behaviors within their school community. The Choose Kindness Foundation solicited and accepted applications from across the United States.
We are proud of Clute Intermediate School for having been selected for this competitive grant,” said Dr. Robin Pelton, Director of Student Services. “To be eligible to even apply for the grant, a school must have already been effectively implementing positive behavioral supports for the past three years. This demonstrates the level of commitment that Clute Intermediate staff has in creating a positive school environment for their students.”
The funds are designed to scale up current practices, as well as support a year-long initiative to teach and develop four specific kindness skills: show appreciation, offer help, be friendly, and reach out to those in need. Practicing these skills can have a profound effect on well-being and happiness in addition to creating caring school environments for all students and staff.
"Over the last three years, we have worked hard to build our positive behavior program,” said Counselor Darla Michaelidis. “Our teachers are invested and use our incentive program regularly. PBIS and Capturing Kids’ Hearts combine to create a positive, caring environment for our students.”
As a result of gaining this grant, the campus is able to enact a host of initiatives, including a kindness sticker competition, shoutouts, and special events related to kindness. This grant will help them continue to support their efforts for positive behaviors and increase the level of kindness on our campus. “What we focus on is often what we see develop. We want to focus on kindness,” said Michaelidis.
“I am very proud of our campus and the focus on this initiative,” said Principal Tara Fulton. “It will benefit our students and staff and will align with our beliefs and our mission. We believe in all students and we are excited about this coming year and seeing positive things happen!!”