Classes 4 Classes Announces Collaboration With the Mottla Family: Spreading to SC & IL

Fairfield, CT , October 18, 2016 (Newswire.com) - ​Classes for Classes, Inc. (C4C), a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization today announced a brand new collaboration with The Mottla Family of Maine and Illinois. The mission of Classes 4 Classes is to teach children the power of kindness and compassion through their ability to gift projects to other classrooms, and inspire positive change in students across the country.

As a result of this collaboration with Ann Marie and the Mottla Family, Classes 4 Classes will expand to include their first two schools in Illinois and South Carolina. "We are honored to be working with Ann Marie Mottla Barter and her incredible family, which now gives us the opportunity to impact even more children in more schools across the nation. If we continue to teach empathy, compassion and kindness there will be no room for hate," said Kaitlin Roig-DeBellis, Founder and former Sandy Hook elementary school teacher.

"Our family cares about kids and we care about learning - that is a major reason why there are so many teachers in our family! We know that to really make a difference, a teacher must approach each student as a whole person and not a vessel of content knowledge. Kindness, compassion, empathy, problem solving, critical thinking, advocacy - they all matter and they can be taught every day THROUGH content and not in addition to content."

Ann Marie Mottla Barter

Like many, our hearts broke the day we learned of the Sandy Hook tragedy.  We wanted to do something to promote your cause because everyone can’t be a Kaitlin, but knowing there are people like you promoting our shared educational and social justice values makes us feel a part of healing and a movement that is larger than us,” Ann Marie said on behalf of her family about the collaboration.

Woods Creek Elementary in Crystal Lake, Illinois and in Broad River Elementary in Beaufort, South Carolina have been selected to participate. Extended Curriculum Coordinator Gail Kelley from Woods Creek says, “We are excited to participate TO PAY IT FORWARD.  My students have such a drive to help others.  They want to make a difference for others.  They want to make those connections outside of our school community.  Most realize that even the smallest act of kindest can make a big difference.”

Teacher Elena Ryan from Broad River Elementary in Beaufort, SC said, "Learning that one small action can change the lives of so many is such a valuable lesson for my students to learn. If you have the power to make someone happy and the power to impact the lives of other people in a positive way, why wouldn’t you! Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not! – Dr. Seuss.”

“Our family cares about kids and we care about learning – that is a major reason why there are so many teachers in our family!  We know that to really make a difference, a teacher must approach each student as a whole person and not a vessel of content knowledge. Kindness, compassion, empathy, problem solving, critical thinking, advocacy – they all matter and they can be taught every day THROUGH content and not in addition to content." - Ann Marie Mottla Barter.

"We are so grateful for the generosity and support of Ann Marie and The Mottla Family. With their support we are closer to our goal of helping children in all 50 states to experience the joy of giving, which helps to develop positive character and prevent violence. We couldn’t think of a better partner in this mission,” said Roig DeBellis.

Source: Classes 4 Classes