November 13th marks World Kindness Day, a global celebration dedicated to promoting kindness and compassion. For high school administrators, educators, and students, this day offers a powerful opportunity to foster a culture of kindness within the school community.

This year, we are highlighting our friends at CharacterStrong, an organization dedicated to creating positive school climates through character development and social-emotional learning. They offer valuable resources to help schools integrate acts of kindness into their everyday activities. 

Here’s how you can make the most of World Kindness Day and share its message at your high school:

Engage in Staff Development

Provide professional development sessions for teachers focused on the importance of kindness and social-emotional learning. CharacterStrong’s professional development resources can help equip educators with the skills and strategies to nurture a kind and supportive classroom environment. Encourage teachers to share these practices with their colleagues and incorporate them into their teaching.

Incorporate Kindness into Curriculum

Use World Kindness Day as an opportunity to weave kindness lessons into the daily curriculum. Integrate discussions on the importance of kindness in subjects such as English, History, and even Science. CharacterStrong’s curriculum offers structured lesson plans that emphasize empathy, respect, and community building.

Foster Peer Support

Encourage peer support systems where students can help each other navigate challenges and celebrate successes. Programs like CharacterStrong’s peer leadership initiatives promote positive interactions and strengthen the sense of community among students. Peer-led activities and discussions can be powerful tools in spreading the message of kindness.

Implement Kindness Projects

Encourage students to take part in kindness projects that benefit the school and local community. These can include organizing a food drive, creating care packages for those in need, or setting up a kindness wall where students can leave positive messages for one another. CharacterStrong provides project ideas and resources to get started.

Challenge students to perform small acts of kindness daily. This can range from simple gestures like holding the door open for someone, writing a thank-you note, or helping a fellow student with their homework. CharacterStrong’s resources offer practical ideas for incorporating kindness into everyday routines. Use social media platforms to create a buzz around these acts and encourage participation school-wide.

Community Outreach and Involvement

Extend the message of World Kindness Day beyond the school by involving the broader community. Partner with local businesses, libraries, and community centers to host kindness-related events and activities. Encourage students to share their experiences and the impact of their actions through community newsletters or local media outlets.

World Kindness Day is more than just a date on the calendar—it’s a movement to cultivate a more compassionate and connected school environment. By leveraging resources from CharacterStrong and committing to ongoing acts of kindness, high schools can make a lasting impact on their students and broader community. 

Let’s make this World Kindness Day the start of a continuous journey toward a kinder world.