Denise Kelly

Kelly’s innovative teaching idea, “Our Caring School Community,” focuses on applying the Caring School Communities curriculum to the Sterling community in order to develop a caring, empathetic and growth-oriented school culture. The curriculum provides daily lessons on empathy, growth mindset, bullying prevention and kindness; home-side activities for students to start in class and complete with their families; and school-wide community building events. By promoting a safe frame of mind and correcting behavioral issues, this project aims to increase students’ focus and improve academic proficiency. Kelly and the school’s staff believe that the Caring School Curriculum, which complements the school’s existing Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports framework, will successfully encourage students, staff and families to join together in building a strong and caring school culture.