CVMS students complete the kindness courtyard with creative messages of comfort

Students in Amy McDonald’s classes Friday got to let some of their creativity flow! Ms. McDonald had a special project for them – they each painted their message of kindness on a brick that was added to the kindness courtyard.

Two sixth-grade boys sit at a table painting bricks.

 

This summer, Ms. McDonald taught at the Human Rights Academy, which is open to all middle school students in the district. Part of their focus was on mental health support and its importance in school. The students at the academy painted bricks and transformed the Circleville Middle School courtyard into a calming space where they can practice mindfulness and go when they need quiet.

 

A sixth-grade girl with long brown hair paints a brick.

Ms. McDonald’s students were going to complete that kindness courtyard by contributing 57 more bricks to it, all with messages of calm and kindness.
The students were incredibly creative, using their favorite colors and color combinations, adding their peaceful messages. They also included their initials or name on the brick, making them part of this kindness courtyard.

 

A sixth-grade girl in a pink sweatshirt smiles as she holds up a brick she painted for the kindness garden.

 

 

“They can go outside and see their brick if they need a boost,” said Ms. McDonald. “I’m super proud of you all.”

 

A sixth-grade kid smiles and holds up a brick they painted in rainbow colors.

 

 

At the end of the day, she placed the newly painted bricks out in the courtyard and sprayed a clear coat on them to make them weather resistant.

 

A girl withlong brown hair wearing glasses and a purple shirt, holds up a brick she painted that has a picture of a white cat and the words you are purrfect.

It’s a resource they and all their classmates can utilize throughout the year !

 

An area under a tree filled with mulch and two large rings of painted bricks. In the center is a metal stand.

Pine Bush Central School District
State Route 302, Pine Bush, NY 12566
Phone: (845) 744-2031
Fax: (845) 744-6189
Joseph Lenz
Superintendent of Schools
This website is maintained by Public Information Specialist Linda Smith. It is the goal of the Pine Bush Central School District that this website is accessible to all users. View our accessibility statement. The district is not responsible for facts or opinions contained on any linked site. Some links and features on this site require the Adobe Acrobat Reader to view. Visit the Adobe website to download the free Acrobat Reader. This website was produced by Capital Region BOCES Engagement & Development Services, Albany, NY. Copyright © 2025. All rights reserved.