Project Kind Campus: Building a Culture of Belonging at University Park

At University Park Elementary School, kindness isn’t just encouraged—it’s woven into the culture of the school. Thanks to a $15,000 Innovative Grant from the Irvine Public Schools Foundation (IPSF), the school is bringing its vision for a more inclusive and welcoming campus to life through Project Kind Campus. This initiative is designed to inspire students, families, and staff to embrace kindness as core value, fostering a strong sense of belonging and community for all. 

Led by principal Dr. Vicky Wong, Project Kind Campus is all about creating spaces that celebrate and encourage kindness through two impactful projects: a vibrant kindness mural on the playground and a revitalized library filled with books and technology that promote kindness and cultural inclusivity.  

A Mural with a Message 

Designed with input from students and the community, this colorful mural features uplifting messages and imagery that celebrate kindness. The mural’s creation offered students the opportunity to participate as an artist, learning about mural history and experiencing the joy of contributing to their community.  

“There’s a saying: you often become what you behold,” shares Dr. Wong. “What if our students behold beautiful reminders of kindness every day? This mural will inspire and reinforce the values we hold dear.” 

A Library that Reflects Every Student 

The library project aims to immerse students in stories and lessons about kindness through books that reflect diverse cultures and experiences. With the addition of a smart board, story time will become an engaging and interactive experience, bringing these messages to life in exciting new ways.  

Mrs. R, the school librarian, shares, “We’ve started a kindness tree where students can nominate each other for acts of kindness. By the end of the year, we hope the tree will be bursting with flowers, representing the many ways our students show kindness.” 

The Ripple Effect of Kindness 

With students at University Park speaking over 24 different languages, fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment is key to creating a strong sense of belonging for all students. Research shows that when students feel safe and connected, they engage more deeply in learning and build stronger relationships. Project Kind Campus is making that vision a reality. 

“Kindness helps us form bonds and makes meaningful connections,” one student shared. Another added, “It makes you feel good because you get back more than you give.”  

By embedding kindness into daily life, University Park is empowering students to support one another, creating a ripple effect that extends throughout the community. 

A Community Effort, A Lasting Impact 

This project wouldn’t be possible without the creativity and passion of the University Park community. From students design and paint the mural to selecting culturally inclusive books for the library, everyone has played a role in bringing this vision to life.

“This unveiling is more than just art or books—it’s about fostering a sense of ownership and pride among our students and celebrating kindness as the foundation of our school culture,” says Dr. Wong. 

University Park’s Project Kind Campus is a shining example of how IPSF’s Innovative Grants Program empowers schools to turn bold ideas into reality. By investing in initiatives like this, we are creating spaces where students not only learn but also thrive—academically, socially, and emotionally. 

Interested in bringing an Innovative Grant to your school? Learn more about IPSF’s grants program and discover how you can support projects that make a difference in our community. Together, we can make kindness bloom everywhere!