Can you think back to a time, maybe even recently, when someone showed you kindness? The way people treat one another matters, and a simple moment of kindness can truly change someone’s life in ways others don’t always realize.
In Downey Unified, we deeply care about the well-being of all of our students, and we want to ensure that they all feel respected and valued each and every day. We believe that being kind to others is something that should be taught to children early on in life, which is why we encourage kindness at all of our campuses throughout the district.
Giving and receiving kindness benefits students in a variety of ways, including the following:
Helps one’s physical and mental health — Research studies have revealed that kindness often triggers the release of the hormone oxytocin, which helps reduce stress and contributes to lowering blood pressure and protecting the heart. Kindness also produces endorphins within a person’s brain, resulting in higher levels of happiness, empathy, and trust.
Improves a student’s self-esteem — When students feel the kindness of others, they often feel more valued and appreciated. When they are kind to others, they can develop a sense of pride in their positive treatment of others, helping them become more confident in their behavior and the choices they make.
Teaches empathy — Because kindness is based on serving others and taking on a more selfless attitude, when students are kind, it helps them develop more empathy and creates a welcoming and accepting environment for their peers. Empathy is a meaningful and important skill that students can carry with them for a lifetime.
Creates a better learning environment — Kindness is an effective way to cultivate a sense of belonging, and students who feel like they are more connected and part of a school community are often able to find more success in the classroom. At the same time, they are learning and practicing valuable social-emotional skills that will be beneficial both inside and outside of the classroom setting.
Prepares students to be effective leaders in society — Strong leaders exhibit kindness and empathy consistently. Many of our future leaders are currently in classrooms, and it’s essential that they develop the traits needed to lead others well. This starts with them learning how to respond to others with kindness in an environment that prioritizes this admirable quality.
Students throughout Downey Unified School District practice kindness on a daily basis and have excellent role models in their teachers, campus leaders, librarians, and other staff members. For more information on our district, please visit our website to discover for yourself how your child will benefit from being a student in Downey Unified.