Every Monday afternoon, 25 students from Amvet Boulevard Elementary School gather in a classroom to participate in a new after-school program dedicated to making a difference through kindness and understanding.
Known as the Be the One Club (BTO), this group, led by fourth-grade teacher Laura Croteau, encourages students to stand up for others and be the positive change in their community.
The club’s message—that one person can make a big difference—was drawn from Kathryn Otoshi’s book “One.” The lesson resonated deeply with BTO’s members, who’ve enthusiastically committed to staying after school each week to learn and bond.
Now in its first year, the club has covered topics that include supporting classmates with special needs, standing up against bullying and ensuring everyone feels included.
Last week, the group explored the concept of empathy. Through reading and situational exercises, Croteau guided students in understanding empathy’s role in daily interactions, encouraging them to think about how they can put themselves in others’ shoes and teach their peers to do the same.
In fact, the group regularly posts encouraging messages around the school to remind others of the power of empathy and kindness, sparking change in small yet impactful ways.
In addition to weekly lessons, BTO members share shoutouts to recognize acts of kindness they see among their classmates. The children raise their hands to praise their peers for positive behavior, creating an environment where kindness and inclusivity are celebrated.
“These students have become an integral part of our school climate,” Croteau wrote, “I am beyond proud of their dedication and effort to become better citizens and role models.”
For these young students, the club is more than an after-school activity—it’s a chance to learn life skills and make Amvet Boulevard Elementary a more welcoming place for all.
