Planners who restock on office and classroom supplies love it.
"It's cool to be kind bulletin boards" is more than just wall decor. It's one of the most effective ways to shape K-12 and office culture posted today. Over the past five years in its research on staff morale, student behavior programs, and employee recognition walls, the OWL team noticed a pattern: the areas where kindness is most celebrated on the walls is where the community feels the purchase.
The Real-World Impact of "It's Cool to Be Kind Bulletin Boards
We've all seen the memes— "It's cool to be kind." However, when it comes to physical spaces, posters, cutouts, and themed bulletin boards dedicated to kindness, they signal to newcomers, visitors, recruiters, and even students that a school or company truly backs up its values in its culture. Here's the bulletpoint list of why this approach is a productivity monster when paired with a visible commitment like a bulletin board:
- Neuroscience on display: Psychology studies, including research from Dr. Daminger at Harvard, show that simply observing positive words on a board can immediately uplift mood and trigger the release of dopamine.
- Recruitment and enrollment: Edutopia and recruitment surveys in education often cite visible culture (like kindness boards) as a top factor for new families and staff choosing an institution.
- Affirmation of diversity: Recognizing all students and staff for "cool to be kind" deeds reinforces inclusivity in a tangible, visual way.
- Easy monthly refresh: These boards are simple to repurpose with new cutouts and themes, keeping engagement high throughout the year.
How to Design a High-Impact Kindness Bulletin Board
Refreshing your "It's cool to be kind" board doesn't have to feel like a chore. With a few simple things, you can build a display any student, teacher, or manager will want to stop and read. Here's a breakdown of what to include, how to source affordable materials, and what to avoid.
| Element | Description | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Background & Borders | Use seasonal or school/brand colors. Felt, fabric, or wrapping paper work great. | $5–$15 |
| Header & Title | "It's cool to be kind" in large, readable letters. Pre-cut or die-cut options are easiest. | $3–$10 |
| Student/Staff Recognition | Photos, names, or thank-you notes from peers and leadership. | $0 (digital prints) |
| Interactive Component | A "Kindness Pledge" slip box or sticky note wall where anyone can contribute. | $2–$5 |
The biggest mistake people make is overcomplicating the design. A clean layout with bright colors, large text, and a clear message outperforms cluttered boards every time. Using OWL's eco-friendly recycled paper cutouts or letter packs can reduce waste while keeping your display vibrant.
Strategies for Year-Round Engagement
One-and-done bulletin boards lose their impact fast. The most successful displays rotate themes quarterly. Here are ideas for each season:
- Q1 (January–March): "New Year, New Kindness Goals" – set intentions and resolutions together.
- Q2 (April–June): "Spring into Kindness" – tie in Earth Day and community service projects.
- Q3 (July–September): "Back to School/Back to Work Kindness" – welcome new students and colleagues.
- Q4 (October–December): "Gratitude and Giving" – highlight acts of kindness during the holiday season.
Each rotation should include fresh photos, new student or staff spotlights, and updated statistics if your school or company tracks kindness metrics. OWL offers printable monthly kits to make transitions seamless—no need to start from scratch.
Measuring the Effectiveness of Your Kindness Board
While a bulletin board is primarily visual, there are concrete ways to measure its impact. Schools and offices can track:
- Behavioral referrals: Compare discipline data before and after the board's installation.
- Survey results: Ask students or staff quarterly how the environment feels.
- Engagement rates: Count how many people interact with the board (e.g., sticky notes added, pledges signed).
- Social media mentions: Photos of the board shared by the community show organic buy-in.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What size should the bulletin board be?
A: A standard 36" x 48" board works for most hallways and classrooms. Smaller community boards (18" x 24") are perfect for office break rooms.
Q: How often should I update the content?
A: Monthly refreshes keep the message fresh. Even small changes—a new header border or a few updated photos—signal ongoing commitment.
Q: Can this work in a corporate office, not just schools?
A: Absolutely. Employee recognition programs thrive on visibility. An "It's Cool to Be Kind" wall in a lobby or near HR can improve morale and retention.
Building a kinder culture starts with what you put on your walls. Whether you're a teacher, principal, HR manager, or office administrator, an "It's cool to be kind" bulletin board is one of the simplest, most affordable investments you can make. OWL has everything you need: eco-friendly cutouts, affordable letter packs, and themed kits for every month of the year. Start designing yours today—and watch your community grow stronger, one act of kindness at a time.
