Spreading Kindness with Cammie Jeffries and the Positive Proton Squad 

At the Oklahoma Virtual Charter Academy (OVCA), teachers continuously innovate to create meaningful connections and promote positivity in a virtual learning environment. One shining example of this effort is the Positive Proton Squad, a kindness club led by 7th-grade science teacher, Cammie Jeffries. 

Meet Cammie Jeffries 

Cammie Jeffries is a dedicated educator and the driving force behind the Positive Proton Squad. She teaches 7th-grade science at the Oklahoma Virtual Charter Academy and has a passion for fostering a positive and inclusive learning environment. Jeffries’ journey to virtual teaching is deeply inspiring. Diagnosed with Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS), a rare condition that causes severe allergic reactions, she faced challenges that required her to leave traditional teaching. The switch to virtual teaching has allowed her to continue her passion in a way that prioritizes both her health and her students’ success. 

“It has been transformative,” Jeffries shares. “My health has flourished, and I feel like my connections with students here are stronger than ever.” Her resilience and creativity shine through her teaching and initiatives like the Positive Proton Squad, which reflect her commitment to spreading kindness and making a difference. 

The Inspiration Behind the Positive Proton Squad 

The Positive Proton Squad originated in Jeffries’ science classroom when her students’ genuine kindness inspired her. While learning about atomic particles, Jeffries affectionately dubbed a group of exceptionally kind students the “Positive Protons.” This small nickname sparked a big idea, a club focused on spreading kindness. 

“It doesn’t directly have anything to do with science,” Jeffries explains. “It’s literally a way to get together a bunch of nice people and talk about different ways to spread kindness in the world.” 

A Club with Impact 

The Positive Proton Squad meets monthly, with each meeting centered on a specific theme. For example, November’s focus was on showing kindness to family. Students explored their own definitions of family and brainstormed acts of kindness, such as helping with chores or offering words of encouragement. Other themes include spreading kindness in classrooms and showing appreciation to teachers. 

The club has quickly become a favorite for students, with members actively engaging in discussions and activities. Jeffries emphasizes how the kindness shared in these meetings extends beyond the club. “Last year, it made a huge difference because I had enough members that there were students from the club in each of my classes. They encouraged that behavior, so even students who weren’t in the club started recognizing and emulating it. It was like a snowball effect.” 

The Power of Positivity 

The Positive Proton Squad is more than a club; it’s a movement that proves kindness can thrive in any environment, even a virtual one. Students in the club often inspire new themes and projects, creating a dynamic and collaborative space where positivity is celebrated. Jeffries recalls how one student attended every meeting despite having no classes on Fridays, showing the impact and dedication, the club inspires. 

Through initiatives like the Positive Proton Squad, the Oklahoma Virtual Charter Academy continues to demonstrate the power of virtual learning in building a supportive and inclusive community. Jeffries’ story is a testament to resilience and the ability to create meaningful change, no matter the challenges faced. 

Join the Kindness Movement 

The Positive Proton Squad exemplifies how a small idea can grow into a powerful force for good. By encouraging acts of kindness, students are not only improving their own lives but also creating a ripple effect of positivity within their community. As Jeffries says, “There’s enough negativity in the world, so let’s add a little positivity to it.” 

Stay tuned for more updates on how OVCA’s students and teachers continue to inspire and lead by example.