PROJECT CORNERSTONE
Project Cornerstone is a YMCA initiative that supports students' social and emotional growth by teaching important values such as kindness, honesty, respect, empathy, and responsibility.
Each month, parent volunteers visit classrooms to read a specially selected book and lead engaging discussions and activities that help students:
- Build Character: Practice kindness, respect, and responsibility.
- Develop Social Skills: Strengthen friendships and positive relationships.
- Grow Emotionally: Build confidence, empathy, and resilience.
- Foster Belonging: Create a caring, inclusive school community where every child feels valued.
If you have any questions, please contact our Project Cornerstone Committee Leads, Jordan Wong and Cynthia Fuentes, at: graystonecornerstone@gmail.com.
Upcoming event
SJUSD and PROJECT CORNERSTONE parent workshop
YMCA Project Cornerstone has partnered with SJUSD to offer a workshop for parents, guardians and adults.
Please register using the link below.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B0945ABA72D6-65923049-sanjose/106125334#/
We look forward to seeing you and thank you for being a caring adult in the lives of youth.
Bullying Prevention
Date & Time: Tuesday, October 20, 2026 | 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
Are you concerned about bullying and looking for ways to create a safer environment for your kids to thrive? Our workshop, "Bullying Prevention," is here to help! Acquire tools and action plans to help identify, reduce, and prevent bullying and foster a safer, more respectful environment. Join us to set new standards of acceptable behavior.
This workshop will be presented in English.
There will be dinner provided.
There will be childcare for children ages 5 to 10 years old.
OCTOBER
Project Cornerstone
- Book of the Month -
Capybara is Friends with Everyone by Maddie Frost
SEL Core Competency: Relationship Skills
This book explores the power of setting healthy boundaries and understanding that true friendship is rooted in mutual respect rather than people-pleasing. The story guides children to realize that "you are enough” just as you are, shifting the focus of friendships to deeper connections and shared power.
Tools
• Establish healthy boundaries by learning when to comfortably say yes and how to confidently say no.
• Authentically connect by being open to diverse friends while staying true to your own values.
• Embrace your personal self-worth.
• Respect different social styles, allowing all to be themselves.
Parent Resources
Explore recommended podcasts and movies to reinforce these lessons at home: CAPYBARA PARENT RESOURCES.pdf
PROJECT CORNERSTONE Books for Grades TK-5
October: Capybara is Friends with Everyone by Maddie Frost
Theme: Healthy Friendships & Boundaries
- Setting healthy boundaries and respecting others' needs.
- Building genuine friendships based on mutual respect.
- Understanding that being a good friend doesn't mean pleasing everyone.
November: Ruby Bridges: Goes to School and This is Your Time by Ruby Bridges
Upcoming: November 13th - walk to school and wear purple! Details coming soon...
Theme: Courage, Equality & Inclusion
- Standing up for equality, fairness, and what is right.
- Showing courage when facing challenges or injustice.
- Embracing diversity and treating everyone with respect.
December: The Invisible Boy by Trudy Ludwig
Theme: Kindness, Empathy & Belonging
- Accept and value others' perspectives
- Recognizing and including those who feel left out.
- Understanding how small acts of kindness can make a big difference.
- Building empathy and helping everyone feel valued.
January: Bored Panda by Mike Bender
Theme: Creativity, Curiosity & Exploration
- Digital dependency vs. real-world engagement
- Discovering creativity and imagination beyond screens.
- Embracing boredom as an opportunity to explore new interests.
- Finding joy in simple activities and real-world experiences.
- CHALLENGE: One week no screen challenge; Boredom = Opportunity
February: Eyes that Kiss in the Corners by Joanna Ho
Theme: Self-Acceptance, Diversity & Confidence
- Celebrating individuality and embracing what makes us unique.
- Express gratitude for people in our lives.
- Appreciating cultural heritage and family connections.
- Building self-confidence and respecting differences.
March: Clovis Keeps his Cool by Katelyn Aronson
Theme: Emotional Regulation & Self-Control
- Managing anger and responding calmly to difficult situations.
- Practicing self-control and healthy coping strategies.
- Choosing forgiveness and kindness over retaliation.
April: I Wish You Knew by Jackie Azúa Kramer
Theme: Empathy, Compassion & Understanding
- Recognizing that everyone faces challenges we may not see.
- Practicing empathy by listening without judgment.
- Creating a supportive community where everyone feels heard and understood.
- Power of connection
