Kindness is Power Club inspires positive student mindset
At Rehoboth Elementary School, a powerful message is taking root among students: Kindness matters, words matter and mindset matters. Through the school’s Kindness is Power club, students are learning the importance of self-respect, empathy and positive thinking, all skills that extend far beyond the classroom walls.
The club emphasizes daily affirmations and character-building practices that encourage students to respect themselves, their classmates and their community. Students are guided to embrace values such as honesty, integrity, gratitude and personal strength, both mentally and physically.
The club also focuses on helping students develop strong self-esteem through practical strategies. Lessons encourage students to identify their goals, focus on effort rather than perfection, and treat themselves with kindness and compassion. Students also learn the importance of setting boundaries, connecting with others and maintaining healthy habits.
Through engaging activities, students practice turning negative self-talk into positive, growth-oriented thinking. Phrases like “I can’t do this” are transformed into “I’m going to learn how to do this,” reinforcing resilience and perseverance. The Kindness is Power club also promotes creativity, mindfulness and joy, encouraging students to explore their interests, spend time outdoors, and find moments to laugh and have fun.
The group is led by dedicated staff members at Rehoboth Elementary including Dion Johnson, paraeducator; Judy Hudson, school social worker; Kevin Monaghan, assistant principal; and Kevin Wright, chief custodian. “Dr. Doris Person and Mr. Monaghan, the school’s principal and assistant principal, along with teachers through the building, have been instrumental in supporting our group members,” said Hudson. “They not only are flexible with the group’s meeting schedule but have also made it a point to implement the group’s philosophies and goals within the classroom, reinforcing all the hard work that the students are doing with the club.”
Person pioneered the original Kindness is Power group nearly 15 years ago with the help of paraeducator Gilbert Maull.
“The goal of Kindness is Power is to help students understand that their words and actions have real impact. When students learn to speak kindly to themselves and others, it builds confidence and creates a more positive school environment,” said Hudson. “We want our students to know they are capable, valued and strong. By teaching them how to shift their mindset and practice kindness every day, we are giving them tools they will carry with them for life.”
The Kindness is Power club is committed to fostering a culture where every student feels valued, empowered and inspired to make a difference.
