Spreading kindness, 1 coffee sleeve at a time: Northwood Elementary students brighten the community

At Northwood Elementary School in Seminole, they pride themselves on being the kindest school anywhere.

“We emphasize kindness within the four walls of this building,” said school counselor Mallory Cheatwood.

Before students settle into their classwork for the day, they take a minute to create kindness on coffee sleeves.

“Add artistic encouragement to those coffee sleeves that they use and pass out every morning at the coffee shop,” said Cheatwood.

The students choose the messages they want to send to the community, unfiltered by teachers or school staff.

“I put 'You are amazing' because I just want to brighten somebody’s day up and make them feel happy about themselves,” said 5th-grade student Brody Creel. 

The students make sleeves to combat negativity.

“Because people have too much bad energy in them, and sometimes, they release it out on people," fifth-grader Kinsley Good said. "So I’m like, shake it off somewhere else before you release it out on other people.”

Once the sleeves are complete, they are taken to Drip Coffee and are prepared to spread some kindness to the community.

“Because you’re just used to a basic sleeve, and then all of a sudden you see this sweet note from students, so we were so excited that Northwood approached us, and we were able to brighten people’s day with just a hot cup of coffee,” said Lacey Butner, co-owner of Drip Coffee in Seminole.

Through the power of social media, the school learned that kindness is contagious across the country. “I’ve seen on social media the things that your kids are doing, and I would love to steal that idea and be able to use that same thing in the Austin area for her students,” said Cheatwood.

Simple messages from the purest of hearts. “You’re beautiful, and just remember that you’re always beautiful,” said Kinsley.

“You are amazing, and have a great day,” said Brody.

“Just spread kind messages to our entire community,” said Cheatwood.

“I think it brightens a lot of people’s day,” said Krista Jones, co-owner of Drip Coffee.