Frenship ISD’s February Mental Health Minute is all about spreading Kindness and serving others. To embrace kindness, Frenship has created a new initiative called “Paws for a Cause”.
"Paws for a Cause" is a district-wide initiative to promote kindness and community service among students. This event will take place from February 9 to 13, with additional activities extending through February 16. The initiative encourages students to engage in acts of kindness, both on and off campus, with opportunities for whole-grade, whole-campus, and school-wide participation. There will be no donations; instead, we encourage each campus, grade level, and clubs to contribute their time and heartfelt effort.
February’s theme encourages students and staff to be intentional with how they treat themselves and others, recognizing that small actions can create a lasting impact.
“Kindness isn’t just about big gestures - it’s the small, everyday choices that create a positive school climate,” said Frenship Middle School Counselor Katie Alderson. This month encourages students and staff to slow down, notice one another, and choose empathy, respect, and compassion, even when things feel stressful or overwhelming.”
Kindness is more than a character trait; it is also a meaningful part of mental health. When students experience kindness from others, they are more likely to feel connected, supported, and safe at school. Alderson explained that this sense of belonging can make a significant difference for students.
“Kindness really matters for mental health because it helps students feel seen, valued, and connected,” said Alderson. “Right now, students may be dealing with academic pressure, social stress, and things going on outside of school, and even small acts of kindness can go a long way in helping someone feel less alone.”
Alderson added that when kindness is practiced consistently, it helps build a school culture where students feel comfortable being themselves.
“When kindness is part of our everyday school culture, it creates a space where students feel safer being themselves and more comfortable reaching out for help when they need it,” said Alderson.
One of the most impactful parts of this month’s theme is that kindness does not have to be complicated. Students and staff can practice kindness through small, consistent choices throughout the day, many of which take only a few seconds but can leave a lasting impression.
“Kindness doesn’t have to be anything big—it can be as simple as students greeting each other in the mornings, asking one another how their day is going, offering a smile in the hallway, or even holding the door open,” said Alderson.
For staff, kindness often begins with building relationships and creating moments where students feel known and valued.
“For staff, kindness can look like building relationships by getting to know students, their interests, what they’re involved in, and what matters to them, and taking time to genuinely check in,” said Alderson. “Those small moments of connection and kindness add up and can completely change the tone of someone’s day, and even the whole campus.”
Kindness also includes supporting classmates who may be struggling, whether that struggle is visible or unseen. Alderson encouraged students to be inclusive and aware, and to take action when someone needs support.
“Students can support their peers by being patient, inclusive, and willing to stand up for others,” said Alderson. “This might look like inviting someone to join a group, offering a listening ear, or reporting concerns to a trusted adult when someone seems left out or mistreated. Sometimes the kindest thing a student can do is simply notice and care.”
In addition to showing kindness to others, February’s theme also highlights the importance of practicing kindness toward oneself. Alderson also encouraged students to remember that kindness starts with how they treat themselves.
“Self-kindness is just as important as kindness toward others,” said Alderson. “Students can practice this by giving themselves grace when they make mistakes, setting healthy boundaries, getting enough rest, and doing things that make them happy. Learning to speak kindly to yourself builds confidence and resilience.”
While February’s Mental Health Minute focuses specifically on kindness, Alderson emphasized that the goal is for students and staff to carry out the theme beyond this month and into their everyday lives.
“Kindness isn’t something we should only focus on for one month—it’s something we can carry with us all year long,” said Alderson. “Every act of kindness, no matter how small, helps create a school environment where everyone feels respected, supported, and valued.”
As February continues, Frenship ISD encourages students, staff, and families to look for simple ways to practice kindness each day, helping to create a stronger sense of connection and well-being across the district.
To learn more about Paws for a Cause and Frenship’s Mental Health Minute, click here.