Random Acts of Kindness Week

Prince William County Public Schools, in partnership with the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE), invites all schools to join the celebration of Random Acts of Kindness Week and help “Make Kindness the Norm.” From February 16–20, we encourage schools to engage students in kindness activities and meaningful classroom discussions that highlight the power of compassion.

Research shows that teaching children to act kindly improves self-esteem, strengthens peer relationships, and enhances focus. This week is an opportunity to reinforce these benefits while creating a positive school culture. Consider collaborating with your school’s No Place for Hate Club to amplify the message and involve the entire community.

This year’s theme reminds us that kindness is not only good for the world—it’s good for us, too. Choosing kindness activates the brain’s “feel-good” chemicals like oxytocin and dopamine, fostering connection and well-being. Together, let’s help students build kindness from within and experience its lasting impact.

Reading. Writing. Arithmetic. They're the keys to the success of our kids, right? But what about the skills that will help when things get tough? What about the ability to communicate your feelings and needs? To really listen to others? To keep your emotions in check, and understand other points of view that you may not agree with? To empathize with people who are different?...

...According to a CASEL (the Collaborative for Academic and Social and Emotional Learning) study, 93% of teachers believe it's important to teach SEL-and 95% of them believe it can be taught. Their confidence was well-founded because they found that teachers who included SEL programs in their instruction saw an 11-17% increase in the academic scores of their students. Read more about how Kindness in the Classroom lessons teach kindness skills through a step-by-step framework of Share, Inspire, Empower, Act, and Reflect.

Retrieved from the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation

Kindness is more than a simple act—it’s a powerful tool for shaping a positive school climate and culture. When students and staff practice kindness, schools experience stronger relationships, increased feelings of safety, and a greater sense of belonging. These elements are essential for creating an environment where every student can thrive.

One way to foster inclusivity and belonging is through the Anti-Defamation League’s (ADL) No Place for Hate^® initiative. This school climate improvement program provides PreK–12 schools with an organizing framework to combat bias, bullying, and hatred, leading to long-term, positive change.

Schools participating in No Place for Hate take a student-centered approach to address hate and discrimination within their communities. To earn the designation, schools:

• Form a committee of students, staff, and family members.
• Sign the No Place for Hate pledge.
• Plan and implement schoolwide activities that address issues impacting their school climate.

By combining kindness initiatives with programs like No Place for Hate, schools can create welcoming environments where every student feels valued and respected. Together, we can make inclusivity and belonging the norm.

Visit our No Place for Hate webpage for more information and resources to promote kindness.