Kindness Week Dec. 15-19, 2025
Students Spread Kindness During Spirit-Filled Week
Upper St. Clair High School students have been sharing the message of kindness throughout the school community and beyond during the school’s annual Kindness Week, held Dec. 15-19, 2025.
The week was organized by Student Council and the activities office, which is led by Brooke Tarcson, head of student activities, and Doug Kirchner, activities assistant. The week featured daily themes, including PJ Day, Vest Day, Ugly Sweater Day, Twin Day and Quarter-Zip Day.
“Kindness Week is about creating moments where students feel seen, included and valued,” Mrs. Tarcson said. “The spirit days are fun, but the real goal is encouraging students to think intentionally about how small actions can have a meaningful impact.”
The message of kindness extended beyond the high school on Tuesday and Wednesday, when dozens of Student Council members took their message of kindness on the road – visiting all three elementary schools. Dressed in chef hats and aprons, the students shared a short video and read, “Cookie Kindness” a story about a plain butter cookie that initially feels left out among more decorated cookies before learning that kindness is what truly matters.
“Our high school students loved bringing this message to our elementary school friends,” Mrs. Tarcson said. “They understand how powerful it can be when older students model empathy and kindness for younger children.”
Following the story, each elementary student decorated a paper “kindness cookie” and added it to their classroom’s cookie tray – a visual reminder that kindness matters.
On Thursday, Dec. 18, Student Council hosted a Home Alone at School event for more than 60 elementary students. The event was designed as a kind gesture for both young students and their parents. While children enjoyed a fun-filled evening of activities, the event provided parents a few hours of solitude for holiday shopping or a quiet dinner. Proceeds from the event support the school’s upcoming U-THON event, which benefits UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh.
