The City of Hoover, in collaboration with Hoover City Schools, the Hoover Public Library, the Hoover Area Chamber of Commerce, the Hoover Schools Foundation and Hoover Helps will recognize “Be Kind Week” next week from Monday, February 26th to Friday, March 1, 2024. “Be Kind Week” is a city-wide initiative dedicated to spreading kindness, addressing the social and emotional well-being of students, and fostering a culture of compassion and inclusion. This year’s theme is “Spread Kindness”, the cornerstone of the school system’s commitment to promoting empathy and taking a stand against bullying.
“Our students’ academic achievements and success in life are among our top priorities in Hoover City Schools. In addition, we also strive to build their character,” says Hoover City Schools Superintendent, Dr. Kevin Maddox. “‘Be Kind Week’ is a special time to promote the power of kindness and empathy to continue creating a positive and inclusive school community. We always instill in our students the profound impact of their actions and the importance of treating people with kindness.”
Throughout the week, students, faculty, staff, and community members will participate in engaging events and activities that will empower them to make a positive difference through acts of kindness and support.
At the heart of “Be Kind Week” is a service project known as “Stock the Counselors’ Closets.” Students at each school will donate items tailored to their school counselors’ specific needs, ensuring that every donation directly benefits students in need within the HCS community.
Another highlight is Pink Shirt Day, which will be held on Wednesday, February 28. On this day, each school’s faculty, staff, and students will proudly don pink shirts to symbolize solidarity and commitment to kindness while denouncing bullying. Additionally, Hoover City Hall will be illuminated in pink lights on Pink Shirt Day, emphasizing the city’s dedication to cultivating a culture of caring and kindness throughout the community.
“One of the great things about Hoover City Schools is their relentless efforts to extend learning beyond the classroom, beyond textbooks, and to teach students real-world lessons,” says Hoover Mayor Frank Brocato. “A lot of importance is placed on the role of empathy and character in our everyday lives. Integrity and kindness must be guiding parameters that we teach from the earliest age and stress until students leave our halls. It is the City’s honor and responsibility to stand in solidarity with the school system as they instill these fundamental principles.”
Since the first “Be Kind Week” in 2017, it has evolved into a powerful initiative aimed at instilling values of empathy and compassion and creating a city-wide movement against bullying. Together, HCS, the City of Hoover, and our community partners hope to inspire people to spread kindness in Hoover schools, workplaces, and the community, empowering each other to make a positive difference every day. Join us as we come together to celebrate kindness!
