During the week of February 13-17, Westbury High School celebrated Kindness Awareness Month with activities designed to promote empathy and compassion. The SEL Scholars Club, led by Dr. Nicolette James and Sandra Auguste, hosted Random Acts of Kindness Week which consisted of students and staff taking a pledge and signing their names onto pieces of paper that would then be looped into a chain of other students and staff who also took the pledge. This gesture symbolizes their awareness and commitment to unity in the school community and beyond. When asked about the importance of Kindness Week, Dr. James stated, “I believe that Random Acts of Kindness Week can have a significant impact on the WHS community by fostering a culture of compassion, empathy, and goodwill by raising awareness about the importance of kindness and its positive effects on individuals and the community as a whole. RAK Week encourages students, teachers, and staff to actively engage in acts of kindness and consider the impact their actions can have on others. By engaging in acts of kindness, students and staff can build stronger relationships, create a more inclusive environment, and foster a sense of belonging within the WHS community. The focus on kindness during this week can contribute to a more positive emotional climate within the school. Acts of kindness, such as offering support to struggling classmates or expressing gratitude, can uplift spirits, reduce stress levels, and promote a more harmonious atmosphere.”

As part of the week-long event, students and staff were encouraged to nominate people who went the extra mile to help others. Those who were nominated received a paper bunny and a piece of candy to show appreciation for their kindness. One student said, “It was cool to see how many people actually took the pledge and signed their name.” Dr. James believes that “Kindness is contagious. When people witness acts of kindness during Kindness Week, it inspires them to engage in their own acts of kindness, creating a ripple effect throughout the WHS community which can lead to a sustained culture of kindness beyond the designated week and beyond the walls of our school.” It’s good to see how many people actually care about others in the school, and the club looks forward to seeing how many more people they can get to take the pledge next year. After all, as their slogan says, “It doesn’t cost a dime to be kind!”

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