Last week, Westmont Elementary did something intentional and powerful.

From February 23–27, their Student Council led the school’s very first Kindness Week, a five-day initiative designed to encourage positive choices, gratitude, unity, and a stronger school culture.

And it worked.

Each day carried a specific theme and simple activity, proving that kindness doesn’t have to be complicated to make a difference.

Monday: Compliment Day

Kindness Week began during Den Time with a focus on compliments. Students read How Full Is Your Bucket? and discussed the powerful “bucket-filling” concept: everyone carries an invisible bucket representing their emotional well-being. When we say or do something kind, we fill someone’s bucket. When we are hurtful, we dip from it.

Students were challenged to give at least one sincere compliment to a peer or staff member. Hallways and classrooms quickly filled with kind words and smiles, a simple start that set the tone for the week.

Tuesday: Thank You Day

On Thank You Tuesday, students wrote heartfelt notes to members of our school community. From bus drivers and custodians to nurses, cooks, paraprofessionals, and teachers, every role that helps Westmont run smoothly was recognized.

The message was clear: appreciation matters.

Small notes. Big impact.

Wednesday: Helping Hands Day

Helping Hands Day turned kindness into action. Students brainstormed ways they could help others, holding doors, cleaning up, assisting younger students, and stepping up when someone needed support.

Classroom “helping hands” buckets filled throughout the day as acts of service were noticed and celebrated. Kindness wasn’t just talked about, it was practiced.

Thursday: Wear Kindness Colors

On Thursday, the school turned pink, red, and school colors as students and staff visually showed their commitment to spreading kindness. The Student Council tracked participation by grade level, and it was clear that Westmont showed up.

Unity isn’t just something we say. It’s something we demonstrate together.

Friday: Unity Day & The Kindness Chain

The week concluded with the creation of a school-wide Kindness Chain.

Beginning in Preschool and moving classroom by classroom through 6th grade, each student added a paper link. Each grade level used a different color, symbolizing how every age and classroom plays a part in building a stronger community.

By the time the final links were added, the chain represented more than a week of activities. It symbolized connection. Inclusion. Shared responsibility.

The completed Kindness Chain now hangs proudly in our school, a visual reminder that small, daily actions build something much bigger.

This first Kindness Week was more than themed days. It was student-led leadership in action. It was intentional culture-building. It was Westmont choosing to be a place where kindness is noticed, encouraged, and celebrated.

And if last week proved anything, it’s this:

Kindness spreads.

And at Westmont Elementary, it’s here to stay.