Project Cornerstone

Project Cornerstone is a District-backed initiative committed to helping all students feel valued, respected and known. The Asset Building Champions (ABC) parent engagement program gives our parents an opportunity to volunteer at our school, reading specially selected books and leading activities that help teach valuable lessons to our students.

At Village School there are many opportunities for students to develop their social awareness, emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills. The ABC Reader program does just that through the use of beautiful children’s literature. ABC stands for Asset Building Champions. This program was developed by Project Cornerstone. The goals of the program are to (from www.projectcornerstone.org):

  • Increase the number of developmental assets in all children and adults.
  • Increase the number of caring adults that students interact with at school to enable them to feel increased levels of support and value.
  • Create a common language and vocabulary about respect.
  • Use literature to share concepts of student-to-student respect.
  • Increase student skills in responding to bully behaviors.
  • Increase student achievement, learning engagement, and interpersonal competence by creating a more caring, positive school climate where all students belong and feel safe.

When parent volunteers work with the same group of students throughout the year, they can build a positive relationship. By reading a book together, students and the parent volunteer can have a meaningful discussion about things like dealing with bullies, respecting differences, resolving conflicts peacefully, setting goals, and caring for friends. Sometimes discussions are followed with activities in order for students to reflect and share their ideas. Ideas for activities are provided with the books.