MS/LS 8th Annual Random Acts of Kindness Week

St. Margaret’s Middle School recently marked its 8th Annual Random Acts of Kindness (RAK) Week, and for the first time, Lower School students joined the celebration. The week-long event, dedicated to cultivating empathy, generosity, and positive relationships, highlighted the growing impact of the initiative across divisions. Together, students embraced opportunities to serve others and spread positivity, bringing St. Margaret’s mission to educate the hearts and minds of young people for lives of learning, leadership, and service to life in meaningful and visible ways.

Middle School students engaged in a variety of activities designed to encourage kindness within classrooms, across the Tartan community. A highlight of the week was the KindSMES Grams initiative, led by Middle and Upper School Peer Counselors. Students had the opportunity to write notes of encouragement to fellow students and members of the professional community, adding treats to make the gesture even sweeter. Grams were delivered later in the week, ensuring every student received a thoughtful reminder of the power of kindness.

In the Lower School, Grade 5 leadership students led several initiatives to bring the week’s theme to life with fun and memorable activities. A donation drive benefitting the Mission Viejo Animal Shelters encouraged students to collect much-needed items, including dog and cat food, leashes, collars, soft toys, kitten supplies, sanitizing wipes, and paper towels. Donations were gathered in bins outside the Lower School office, showcasing Lower School students’ commitment to service and community impact.

Each classroom also participated in creating RAK posters, inviting students an opportunity to write about examples of showing kindness. This space allowed them to reflect on how they could show kindness or to share examples of compassionate actions within the Tartan community. There were additional posters made available for specialists and co-teachers to display in classrooms, lunch areas, or playgrounds, allowing the spirit of kindness to resonate throughout St. Margaret’s campus.

Random Acts of Kindness Week displayed how students are proving that small actions can make a big impact. “From picking up trash they didn’t leave behind to writing heartfelt notes of appreciation to teachers and classmates, Middle School students have embraced thoughtful, genuine acts of kindness,” said Kylie Middlebrook, Middle School director of community life who shared words of encouragement in a homily during chapel. According to Mrs. Middlebrook, the Middle School leadership team may have even inspired the Lower School to join the effort by putting kindness into action.

“Random Acts of Kindness Week is a wonderful opportunity for our students to practice empathy and leadership in tangible ways,” Mrs. Middlebrook added. “These initiatives help nurture character, strengthen community bonds, and inspire our students to act with generosity and respect in all areas of their lives.”