Students with Special Needs Boost Culture of Kindness

From the Books to the Barn: Internship Allows Knowledge and Hands-On Experience to Flourish

September 13, 2021

May 29, 2018

A colorful and kind mural was recently installed at Green Chimneys thanks to our inspired students, supportive staff and a keen collaboration with fellow nonprofit Ben’s Bells.

Click on the image above to view more photos.

The latest Green Chimneys School initiative adopted one core theme: Be Kind. Students embraced every facet of the month-long mosaic project, from molding tiles to painting them and ultimately installation. During each phase, Green Chimneys social workers and education staff, along with representatives from Ben’s Bells, fostered open dialogues with students about kindness. Throughout the process, Green Chimneys students showed compassion and dedication to contributing to our school culture. Once the mosaic was installed, students could see the outcome of their efforts in the form of a permanent fixture in the school lobby.

Many Green Chimneys School students struggle with social, emotional and behavioral challenges. Opportunities to connect and develop life skills are essential to their success. As a part of our curriculum, ongoing programming introduces topics and activities to spark discussion and create understanding. Collaborations such as the one with Ben’s Bells support anti-bullying efforts. Green Chimneys students learn to identify unacceptable behaviors. They become empowered to express feelings appropriately and support others in positive ways.

Ben’s Bells is a nonprofit organization with a mission to inspire, educate, and motivate people to realize the impact of intentional kindness. For three years, Green Chimneys has worked with the organization on a range of programs. We have partnered on a Be Kind project in our dorms and organized group trips to Ben’s Bells’ studio in Connecticut. In 2017, Ben’s Bells Founder Jeannette Maré led a conversation on kindness with students. The organization designated Green Chimneys a “Kind Campus”. Now, Green Chimneys is officially 1 of 211 schools in the country with a Be Kind mosaic.

Ziggy

Jacob sheep are small, horned, black and white sheep which the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy has listed the North American population as a conservation priority. The breed produces a medium fleece which is sought after by hand spinners. Ziggy and her twin sister Rita were born in 2008 and are among a small herd of Jacobs that live at Green Chimneys. From gentle sheep, children learn valuable life lessons in kindness, patience, consistency and love.