Students at Pulaski Road Elementary School are looking to spread friendship and kindness through a new “Patchwork Friends” quilt made of popsicle sticks. Words like “peace, love grateful” and “believe” catch the eyes of students, teachers and staff as they walk past the bulletin board outside of school psychologist Dr. Veronique Hayek’s office.

The “quilt” is more than half complete with more than 300 popsicle sticks. Each stick is meant to represent the unique individuality of each student, teacher and staff member, as well as the community that is formed when all those individuals come together.

“I use it to reinforce individuality, equality and acceptance and to show students what can happen when we collaborate,” Dr. Hayek said.