Polk County Middle Schools counselors held Kindness Week for students April 26 through 30 that focused on the theme Dont wait for people to be kind. Show them how, by unknown author.

During the weeklong celebration, students heard motivational announcements that provided students with suggestions for ways to show kindness at school and in the community and they received wristbands that reminded them to celebrate each other and help others by doing the little things. The students also met with Peer Helpers to discuss simple acts of kindness with all students.

The week ended with students writing on a handprint what they could do to show kindness to others. The hands were placed in the hall spelling out kindness and will be on display for the rest of the school year.

On Friday, 12 students that were caught being kind by teachers during the week were recognized and given a kindness week t-shirt. These students were caught by showing kindness in one of these ways: helping a new student find his way around the school, giving another student a chair and taking the time to cheer people up in class each day with a great attitude.

It was a successful week reminding us all that even little acts like saying hello or smiling at someone can change a persons day, says counselor Langlee Garrett.