The School Program Helping Kids Love Themselves

Emily Johnson · 2026-09-09

Imagine a classroom where the first lesson isn't math or reading—it's learning to notice your own breath. That's exactly what Peace in Schools is doing, and their Executive Director Janice Martellucci believes it could change everything. I recently sat down with Janice to talk about why mindfulness belongs in schools, and what happened next surprised even me. It's not just about calming kids down. It's about something much deeper: helping them uncover a sense of wholeness they already have inside. ### Why Mindfulness in Schools Matters More Than Ever Think about the pressure kids face today. Social media, academic expectations, family stress—it's a lot. Janice explained that when students learn to pause and check in with themselves, they don't just feel better in the moment. They build a skill that lasts a lifetime. - **Self-awareness**: Kids learn to recognize what they're feeling without judgment. - **Emotional regulation**: Instead of reacting, they respond with intention. - **Empathy**: Understanding themselves helps them understand others. - **Resilience**: They develop tools to bounce back from setbacks. But here's the thing—this isn't about forcing kids to sit still and be quiet. It's about giving them permission to be exactly who they are. ### What Janice Wants Every Parent to Know "We're not trying to fix kids," Janice told me. "We're trying to help them see that they're not broken in the first place." That quote stuck with me. In a world that constantly tells us we need to be better, faster, smarter, mindfulness offers a radical alternative: you're already enough. And when kids internalize that message early? The ripple effects are huge. They're less likely to bully others. More likely to ask for help when they need it. Better equipped to handle the ups and downs of growing up. ### How It Works in Practice Peace in Schools doesn't just drop a meditation app into a classroom and call it a day. Their approach is intentional and evidence-based. Teachers receive training. Curriculum is adapted for different age groups. And the focus is always on meeting students where they are. A typical session might include: - A few minutes of guided breathing - A short discussion about emotions - A mindful movement activity - Time for reflection or journaling It's simple, but it's not simplistic. The goal isn't to create perfect little meditators. It's to create humans who know how to be with themselves—and with each other. ### The Bigger Picture Janice and her team are part of a growing movement to bring mindfulness into education. And while the research is still developing, the early results are promising. Schools that adopt these programs often see fewer behavioral issues, better attendance, and improved classroom climates. But for Janice, the real win is quieter than that. It's a kid who learns to take a deep breath before lashing out. A teenager who realizes their anxiety doesn't define them. A student who graduates not just with knowledge, but with self-compassion. That's the kind of education we all deserve. And it starts with something as simple as paying attention.