NILES ­— Students who go about their school day often have a mental check list of activities they must complete — from homework assignments to brushing their teeth before bed. But on Thursday, students at Eastside Connections received another checklist, this one containing acts of kindness to check off during a week-long anti-bullying and kindness campaign, which begins next week.

The Great Kindness Challenge is an international movement that takes place in schools around the world. Eastside students kicked off the event Thursday morning at Oak Manor, where they are being housed temporarily during construction on their school. The event was organized by members of the Eastside student council. 

Starting next week, students in kindergarten through eighth grade will be working to check off acts of kindness from a list. The 50 checklist items include tasks such as smile at 25 people, pick up 10 pieces of trash on campus, sit with a new group of children at lunch or thank a bus driver or carpool driver.

Scott Hamstra, the director of student affairs, for Eastside Connections, said the checklist items are pretty simple to complete, but have the power to initiate a bigger change.

“We are hoping that they can build habits and do these things more often,” Hamstra said. “We want to create a school culture of kindness. It is an anti-bullying campaign. Instead of saying ‘don’t be a bully.’ We are saying the opposite: ‘be kind.’”

During the assembly, student council members explained the challenge and helped them to check off one challenge on their list by taking the time to smile at 25 people in the room. Following that, teachers took to the front of the room for a friendly dance-off at the encouragement of students. Once the dance moves subsided, school leaders shared with students the importance of being kind.

Principal Joe Racht reminded students at the assembly that kind words have the power to change someone’s day.

“Every single person in the world has the power to be kind,” Racht said. “If you see someone with a sad face, give them a smile or ask about their day. This is something you can do every single day. Your words are powerful.”

Dan Applegate, the Niles Community Schools District superintendent, challenged students to find new ways to be kind to others. 

“I know Eastside students are kind. I think it is awesome that you guys are going to take kindness to that next level,” he said. “Congratulations and good luck.”

In addition to checking off acts of kindness, the school will also set up a kindness station, where students can make thank-you notes, posters and cards to complete an act of kindness. Teachers also have some activities planned that will seek to remind students how to be kind every day.

Megan Bartlett, the special education teacher, said she has witnessed students’ acts of kindness extending beyond just the week of the challenge.

“Last year, students continued to write kind notes to the secretaries in the office, even after the challenge was over,” Bartlett said.

Students who can complete their checklists by the end of the week have the opportunity to win “Viking bucks” or stickers toward different incentives, depending on their grade level.