RACINE, OH- Students in the Talented and Gifted program at Southern Elementary School recently engaged their creative skills in a heartwarming project centered around kindness.
Under the guidance of teacher Mrs. Jennifer Roush, students in different grades took part in crafting colorful kindness clothespins. With markers in hand, each student expressed their creativity by writing uplifting messages on the clothespins, with affirmations such as "You rock!", “You’re loved,” "You’re amazing!", "Be extraordinary!", "Choose kindness!", “You’re a rockstar,” and "You’re worthy!” They even drew hearts and stars too.
This simple yet meaningful exercise allowed the students to not only personalize their clothespins but also to think about the positive impact of their words. After completing their affirmation clothespins, the students took to the halls and classrooms, spreading joy and positivity as they clipped these encouraging tokens onto the clothes of teachers, staff members, and their fellow students. Students of all grades helped with the clipping process.
The atmosphere in the school shifted as bright and colorful clothespins adorned many outfits, each one carrying a heartfelt message designed to uplift and inspire.
Mrs. Roush emphasized the significance of such acts of kindness, noting, “Acts of kindness can change the feelings and attitudes of others. I am so proud of the students for coming up with positive messages and making other people feel important.”
Mrs. Roush reflected on a recent experience where someone had anonymously written “You’re amazing!” on her dry-erase board, expressing how it made her feel deeply appreciated and loved.
This initiative is about more than just a fun craft—it’s all about creating a positive school environment where kindness is at the heart of everything. Encouraging kindness is so important for improving mental and emotional well-being, helping students build better social skills, and developing empathy for one another.
Students reveled in the joyous chaos that unfolded as they watched various individuals react to the surprising experience of being clipped. Smiles emerged on those who were clipped as they soaked in unexpected moments from giving students.
“I am truly touched to receive this kindness clip! It’s heartwarming to see how our students are embracing the spirit of compassion and making such a positive impact in our school community,” said Southern Elementary Principal Tricia McNickle. “Moments like these remind me why I love being part of this wonderful school. Thank you to everyone who contributed and to our incredible students for spreading kindness in such meaningful ways.”
More than 200 kindness clothespins were clipped on students and staff.
Note: The Kindness Clothespins Project was inspired by a staff member’s niece, Samantha Sheridan, who is a sixth-grader at Trimble Elementary. She made kindness clips with her traveling volleyball teammates, and they shared positive messages with other athletes.