New Summit Charter Academy Kindergarten Class Spreads Kindness Across The Country (Photo) - 03/10/26

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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New Summit Charter Academy
Nikki Reichert
Marketing and Communications Coordinator
719-749-4012
nikki.reichert@newsummitcharter.org

New Summit Charter Academy Kindergarten Class Spreads Kindness Across the Country

Colorado Springs, CO – Mrs. Lucero’s kindergarten class at New Summit Charter Academy is proving that kindness knows no boundaries. As part of a nationwide educational initiative known as “Hearts Around the USA,” students are collecting valentines, postcards, and letters from all 50 states—and beyond—to demonstrate that kindness happens everywhere.

The project, traditionally held around Valentine’s Day, encourages classrooms to receive mail from across the country and place a heart sticker on a map for each state represented. As letters arrive, students proudly mark the corresponding state and display the cards, turning their classroom into a vibrant showcase of connection and community.

Mrs. Lucero thoughtfully tied the activity into New Summit’s schoolwide Kindness Challenge, helping her young learners see that acts of kindness extend far beyond their hometown. “We want our students to understand that kindness isn’t just something we practice at school—it’s something people share all over the country and the world,” said Mrs. Lucero. “Each card we receive is a reminder that we’re connected.”

To expand the project's reach, Mrs. Lucero shared the initiative in a national Kindergarten Facebook group. Families and classrooms from across the country responded enthusiastically. When participants provided their contact information, Mrs. Lucero’s class sent valentines in return—creating a two-way exchange of goodwill and learning.

In addition to reinforcing social-emotional learning, the project supports academic goals by helping students learn about geography, state names, and map skills in an engaging and meaningful way. Each new letter sparks discussions about different states, landmarks, and communities, turning every delivery into a teachable moment.

New Summit Charter Academy is proud of Mrs. Lucero and her kindergarten students for embracing this opportunity to combine learning with compassion. Through small acts of kindness, these young learners are building connections that stretch across the nation—one heart at a time.