Like many schools, Shelton Park Elementary has kindness activities during the entire school year. In addition to Virginia Kindness Week, students and staff observe Kindness Month.

They’re participating in a food drive that will help stock the food pantry at a local church.

“Throughout all of February, we’ll be celebrating kindness in meaningful ways,” said principal Tara Brewer. “This year, we’re hosting a canned food drive as part of a service project with our Anchored4Life team. The team will be tracking donations and promoting awareness all month long.”

Anchored4Life clubs provides opportunities for military-connected student to enhance social skills, learn leadership skills, build character, improve self-esteem, and integrate into their community.

“In addition to the food drive, we’re spotlight kindness with ‘random catches of kindness,’ similar to our ‘Paw-sitive Paws’ initiative,” Brewer said about the Shelton Park Lions.

She recently asks residents at The Gardens of Virginia Beach senior living community to help spread kindness by writing positive messages on sticky notes.

“Their incredible response led to over 1,000 heartfelt notes,” Brewer said. “These uplifting messages will be displayed on classroom doors and walls throughout the school as a Valentine’s Day surprise for everyone.”

To keep the theme alive, Shelton Park will also include intentional reminders about kindness in the morning announcements.

“Staff can use these messages to spark discussions during morning meetings and encourage students to spread kindness throughout their day,” Brewer said.