An 8th Grader's Story of Belonging - You Can Create the Next One
"One particular day stands out in my memory, where the topic of discussion was Feelings, a subject that often feels daunting yet necessary. As we settled into our seats, our teacher gently encouraged us to express our emotions freely… One by one, we began to speak, sharing stories of joy, sadness, anger, and vulnerability. It felt safe; the circle created a sense of camaraderie, fostering an environment where no one would be judged for their feelings. By the end of the class, we had not only discussed feelings but had also created a bond that felt unbreakable. That day taught me the power of vulnerability and the importance of expressing and validating emotions. The Circle classroom experience was not just about sharing; it was about understanding each other on a deeper level, emphasizing that feelings, no matter how difficult, are a universal part of being human. It remains one of the most meaningful moments of my educational journey." - 8th Grade Project Resilience Student
This is what belonging looks like in a classroom.
Last year, Acknowledge Alliance supported over 1,500 students and educators in 27 K-8 schools across Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties. Our Resilience Consultants work directly on campuses to create inclusive environments where every person feels seen, heard, and valued. In a world increasingly marked by conflict, injustice, and social division, students and teachers are facing unprecedented challenges. Classrooms must become more than places of academic learning. They must also be spaces of trust, empathy, and healing. Your support makes that possible.
Through strengths-based coaching, support groups, social-emotional learning, counseling, and crisis intervention, we empower educators with tools to manage stress, nurture relationships, and guide students with compassion and confidence. Teachers consistently share how transformative this support is:
“Our Resilience Consultant helped me grow in so many ways. I really wanted to build each class as a community, and she… encouraged me to lean into ideas that resonated with who I am. I don’t think I would have been as successful as a teacher this year without her help and support.” - Educator, Partner School
When you give to Acknowledge Alliance, your generosity helps to:
Support the mental health and well-being of educators
Strengthen collaboration and trust within school teams
Guide young people through their emotional challenges with resilience and self-awareness
Empowered educators empower students. Donate today to strengthen the hearts behind our classrooms - help ensure that Acknowledge Alliance can continue cultivating thriving school communities. Thank you for building brighter futures with us, one classroom at a time.
Your donation, no matter the size, makes a direct and lasting impact on the lives of students and educators in our community. To see this impact firsthand, watch Principal Steve Hamm share how Saratoga's Redwood Middle School is partnering with Acknowledge Alliance to provide Social Emotional Learning on campus.