Small acts of kindness can make a huge difference. 

That’s the message at the heart of Northside Middle School’s annual Day of Caring. The event is designed around a variety of service opportunities that students select from and complete at school during one of the year’s early dismissal days. Among this year’s activity choices: knitting hats for premature babies at an area hospital, making bracelets for Children’s Hospital patients, writing letters to area veterans, making holiday cards for area nursing home patients, making dog blankets for shelters, and organizing the school’s care/clothing closet.  

Events are organized by teachers, staff members, and administrators, with input from student organizations. The goal is to create activities that resonate with students and contribute to a positive, supportive culture at the Lexington Two middle school.

“The Day of Caring plays a key role in reinforcing our school’s values of empathy, inclusion, and teamwork,” said Northside Middle School Principal Dr. Tiffany Hall. “It encourages students to step outside of their day-to-day routines and engage with each other in meaningful ways. They learn the value of service, build stronger connections with peers, and develop a sense of pride in contributing to the community.”

This year’s event, held earlier this month, included the addition of a motivational lesson encouraging students to uplift each other and actively seek ways to show kindness. The discussion was presented by student leaders of WEB (Where Everybody Belongs), a student organization at Northside.

WEB eighth-grader Ivy Epperson said the Day of Caring is a great offering for Northside students.

“These events give students a chance to connect with each other in ways they don’t always get to during a normal school day,” Epperson said.  “It helps us see the bigger picture — that we’re all part of something bigger than ourselves. It also shows that making a positive impact isn’t limited to adults; students can make a difference too. 

“As young adults we need to learn to show kindness in workplaces. Right now school is our workplace,” Epperson added. “The main goal is also to help others feel joy.”

WEB members are also planning school-wide kindness projects in the spring, Epperson said, adding that students in the group “are always looking for ways to make sure everyone feels like they belong at Northside.”

Dr. Hall said she looks forward to growing these kinds of events.

“The energy and enthusiasm from students is truly inspiring,” Dr. Hall said.  “It was incredible to see students working together, showing kindness, and taking initiative at the Day of Caring.  I’m excited to see how these experiences continue to shape our school community moving forward.”

Photo below: Teacher Arlene Neely leads students in making blankets for shelter animals as part of Northside Middle School’s recent Day of Caring.