Ossining’s Anne M. Dorner Middle School Unveils Kindness Mural and Giving Tree

A shiny green, blue and black mosaic mural stands as a beacon in the lobby of the Anne M. Dorner Middle School. It conveys to the school community that kindness, courtesy, tolerance and understanding are expected and practiced in the building. These beliefs are hallmarks of what makes AMD rock.

Students and staff members recently unveiled the mural – a green flower with the words “be kind” in the center, surrounded by blue tiles. Nearly 50 sixth-, seventh- and eighth-graders made green clay pieces for the center of the emblem and put words and designs on them, such as “AMD Rocks,” which is the school motto, “Se Gentil,” which is “Be Kind” in Spanish, Find Your True North and flowers.

The mural is a project of "Ben's Bells," an Arizona-based organization that encourages people to strengthen relationships and communities by practicing “intentional kindness.” It is the first “Ben’s Bells” mural at a New York school and is an outgrowth of the Kindness Club that AMD students started last year.

AMD teacher Brooke Wool helped bring the mural project to fruition. “It’s very moving. It’s symbolic and it’s powerful,” she said.

Jeanette Maré of Tucson, Arizona, founded Ben’s Bells after losing her toddler son Ben 15 years ago. Her family created a design for a wind chime that includes clay designs and a bell. The chimes remind people of the importance of “intentional kindness.” The nonprofit, which has a studio in Connecticut, also works with schools and communities to install “Be Kind” murals.

“This mural will stand as a constant reminder to our students, our staff and our families that simple acts of kindness can go a long way,” Superintendent Raymond Sanchez said during the ceremony. “I ask that we all remember the mission of Ben’s Bells – to inspire individuals and communities to engage in kindness education and practice.”

The AMD project was made possible by a grant from Ossining MATTERS Education Foundation, which raises money for enrichment opportunities in the schools. “It makes me so proud to be a part of this district. It is stunning. The message is clear and beautiful and I am so moved. It’s really special,” said Jessica Irons, foundation president.

After the unveiling of the mural, AMD students went on a “Kindness Walk” to the cafeteria and taped notes on a Giving Tree on the wall about what they could do to promote kindness. This important aspect of the project was supported by the AMD PTA as its contribution to this powerful message.

“We’re all creating a class bell that’s going to represent our thinking about kindness, which will then also be displayed on a beautiful giving tree, a giving tree that’s going to be ever-present in our cafeteria,” AMD Principal Regina Cellio said.

In the cafeteria, students representing all the grades at AMD were taping paper “bells” to the Giving Tree. Each had a message about what kindness means and how it can help, such as caring about others, assisting another person and thinking beyond oneself.

“I think it’s a good way to teach people how to be kind every day,” said Zoë McLear, 13.

Thirteen-year-old Jacob Boatman, whose tile had a design of a hand with AMD written inside it, said his school is a kind place to be. “I like how if there’s a problem, you can talk to a teacher about anything you have going on, even if it’s not your teacher,” he said.

Candace Colon, 13, said she liked how the project brought people together and required teamwork. “It was a lot of fun. It makes me look back on how much this school is a family,” she said. “Just to be part of this is an honor.”

The AMD Kindness Mural will stand as a testament to a great school community and a reminder of how small acts of kindness can change a life.