Richardson Olmsted School Health Teacher Devin Beck, center, poses with fifth-grade students holding positive message yard signs created as part of the Positive Message Sign Project, an initiative supported by grants from the nonprofit Sarah’s Village and the Richardson Olmsted PTA. (Photo Courtesy Easton Public Schools)
EASTON — Imagine a student walking home from school in Easton, backpack draped over one shoulder, looking straight down at the ground and struggling with sadness and depression.
As they approach a crosswalk they look up, and across the street they see a yard sign with a message that breaks through the darkness: “People care, even if you don’t see it.”
If only for a moment, the message is received as a sign of hope, kindness and positivity.
That was the vision behind the Positive Message Sign Project in Easton, made possible through a $1,000 grant awarded by the nonprofit Sarah’s Village, together with a matching $1,000 contribution from the Richardson Olmsted Parent Teacher Association (RO PTA).
Richardson Olmsted School Health Teacher Devin Beck, who successfully applied for the grant, does not recall one exact moment of inspiration. Rather, the idea developed over the past few years as he drove around town and noticed the visual power of yard signs.
“I always drive around town and see signs promoting roofing companies or all the yard signs during voting season. Signs are something everyone is drawn to as they are driving,” Beck said. “I thought this would be a way we can have someone read something as they’re driving by real quick and hopefully it puts a smile on their face. I knew if done properly it could reach almost everyone in town. If everyone does their part, it could have a mass effect promoting positivity.”
Beck learned about the grant opportunity through an annual outreach from Sarah’s Village and decided to apply, outlining how the project would impact students while extending its reach into the broader community. His proposal was then selected by the organization’s review team.
All 10 fifth-grade classes at Richardson Olmsted School participated in the project, with students developing their slogans earlier in the school year. Each student first proposed a message, and then each class voted to select one statement to represent them.
In total, 300 bright orange signs were produced, featuring 10 different student-selected messages, with 30 signs printed per slogan. The signs went home with students on Wednesday, Jan. 14, to be displayed throughout the Easton community.
The yard signs feature the logo of Sarah’s Village, a Massachusetts-based nonprofit organization established in 2021 that promotes wellness, works to eliminate the stigma associated with mental illness, and seeks to reduce the rate of suicide among teens and young adults. The organization was inspired by the life of Sarah Vita Bresnahan, whose silent struggle with mental illness underscores the importance of compassion, understanding and early support.
Each sign also includes Richardson Olmsted School’s motto: Grow. Proud. Strong.
The student-chosen statements displayed on the signs include:
- “You are NOT alone.”
- “Be You!!”
- “Being different is a superpower!”
- “Don’t let others tear you down.”
- “Don’t Stop Believing”
- “Every mile, the bigger the smile!”
- “Kindness Matters, Just Like You.”
- “Life is short, spend it smiling!”
- “People care, even if you don’t see it.”
- “You are loved no matter what.”
Beck said the students took great pride in knowing their work inside the classroom could have a real impact beyond the school walls.
“I gave them the reason behind the project and then stepped back,” Beck said. “They came up with the slogans themselves, and they were extremely excited to bring the signs home and put them in their yards. It’s been really meaningful for them to see that something they created is being noticed and appreciated by the community.”
Looking ahead, Beck hopes the initiative continues to grow through additional community involvement.
“My dream scenario is that this project really catches on,” Beck said. “If residents or local businesses see a sign and want one of their own, they could make a donation to Sarah’s Village, and that money could be used to print more signs. We could really flood the town with positivity. That’s the next step, and that’s the goal.”
Superintendent Dr. Lisha Cabral and Richardson Olmsted School Principal Christopher J. Getchell applauded the students, along with Beck and the school community, for their creativity, compassion and commitment to mental health awareness.
“We are incredibly moved by this display of compassion and positivity,” said Principal Getchell. “Devin has done an amazing job bringing this project to life, and it has made a powerful impact on all of our fifth graders. The students took this message to heart, and it’s inspiring to see their voices reaching so many people throughout our community.”
“This is a wonderful project,” said Superintendent Dr. Cabral. “Thank you to Devin for this impactful and inspiring initiative, and to our students for sharing such meaningful messages. I am also deeply grateful to the Bresnahan family and Sarah’s Village, as well as the Richardson Olmsted PTA, for their invaluable support. These signs are a beautiful reminder that small acts of kindness can make a very big difference.”
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One of the yard signs created by Richardson Olmsted School fifth graders as part of the Positive Message Sign Project states the following: “People care, even if you don’t see it.” (Photo Courtesy Easton Public Schools)
Fifth-grade students at Richardson Olmsted School displayed positive message yard signs that they helped create to promote kindness, mental health awareness, and positivity throughout the Easton community. (Photo Courtesy Easton Public Schools)
Another one of the positive message yard signs created by the Richardson Olmsted School fifth graders states the following: “Kindness Matters, Just Like You.” (Photo Courtesy Easton Public Schools)
A student-designed sign as part of the Positive Message Sign Project states, “You are loved no matter what.” (Photo Courtesy Easton Public Schools)
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