For many children, the family pet is their best friend. The Adopt-a-Classroom program teaches kids to be a friend in return.

Through the program, parents and community members provide elementary-school classes with subscriptions to KIND News™, an award-winning classroom newspaper that emphasizes concepts like compassion, respect, and responsibility. The monthly newspaper is published byHumane Society: Youth (formerly NAHEE), The HSUS' youth education affiliate, and is currently read by more than a million children nationwide.

KIND News (Kids in Nature's Defense) includes articles, short fiction, activities and projects that teach children simple, everyday ways to show kindness to people, animals and the environment. Teachers use the paper to supplement their science, reading, writing and character education curricula.

Topics covered in KIND News range from pet care to living with wildlife to getting along with peers. In the September 2005 issue of KIND News, NASCAR driver Ryan Newman discussed the importance of reducing pet overpopulation and caring for pets. Dr. Kind explained why donations to animal shelters are so vital. Other features covered problems with keeping wild animals as pets and what students and teachers should consider before getting a classroom pet.

Classroom teachers using KIND News have noted positive changes in their students. In 2006, 96 percent of teachers surveyed reported that KIND News had increased their students' knowledge of humane issues, such as the role of animal shelters, responsible pet care and the importance of protecting endangered species. They also cited improvements in their students' behavior toward one another.

"Animal topics grab children’s attention and can help in learning across a wide range of subject areas," said Dorothy Weller, managing director of Humane Society: Youth. "It’s nice to hear from students who say KIND News got them to read. And kids love having their own newspaper!”

The cost of participating in the Adopt-a-Classroom program is $30 for each classroom adopted and includes 30 copies of one of three editions (grades K-2, 3-4, or 5-6) with a teacher's guide every month of the school year, September through May. Also available to teachers are reproducible worksheets, a calendar of fun facts and tips on helping animals and I.D. cards for students. International subscriptions are available for $50. Single-copy home subscriptions are also available; contact Humane Society: Youth for more information.

You can sponsor a classroom for the teacher or child of your choice or adopt a classroom on our waiting list. If you prefer, you can place your order by calling 860-434-8666. For KIND News subscriptions to begin at the start of the upcoming school year, orders must be received by June 15, however KIND News can be purchased anytime throughout the year. Check out thesubscription schedule for more information.

In addition to KIND News, Humane Society: Youth offers a range of humane education resources for parents, teachers, and students, including coloring books, videos, CDs, games, and websites.