Sussex County's Week of Respect Toolkit

Dear Sussex County School Staff,

Week of Respect is a chance to build a positive, supportive school climate and kick off year-long kindness and respect initiatives!

To make it easy, the Center for Prevention & Counseling has put together daily themes, social media posts, and simple project ideas that Sussex County schools can use all week long. We hope you find it helpful!

We would love to showcase your success. Tag us or email your photos

Monday, October 6

Blue Shirt Day!

The first Monday of every October is World Day of Bullying Prevention®!

Wear Your Blue Shirt!

#BeKind #BlueUp even further by wearing a blue hat, blue shoe laces, blue tie, blue sneakers ... etc. You could even dress your pets in blue! Don't forget your blue nail polish!

Social Media Caption:

Today kicks off Week of Respect!

💙 #BlueUp and #BeKind! It’s #BlueShirtDay—stand up to bullying with kindness and respect. #StompOutBullying #Choosekindness

Click here for more info on Blue Shirt Day!

Tuesday, October 7th

Respect is Classy

Recognize students for their acts of kindness by creating a kindness chain or certificates. Need help coming up with some random acts of kindness projects?

Students wear your best!

Whatever makes you feel beaYOUtiful.

Social Media Caption:

Let’s make kindness the norm — in our schools, homes, and communities. 💙 Every act of respect matters! You have the power to set a positive tone at home. Check out this free toolkit for tips: https://www.randomactsofkindness.org/kindness-at-home/Kindness_at_Home_Parent_Guardian_Guide.pdf

#WeekOfRespect #MakeKindnessTheNorm #ChooseRespect"**

More Kindness Ideas: free pintable's include calendars, bookmarks, free posters

Wednesday, October 8th

School Spirit Day

Social Media Caption:

Respect is our school spirit! 💙

It’s School Spirit Day for Week of Respect! Today, and everyday we encourage our students to cheer for each other, include everyone, and be kind throughout the school.

#WeekOfRespect #SchoolSpirit

Click here for info on starting a Kindness Club at your school!

Thursday, October 9th

Mismatched Day

Everyone is Unique! Today is a day to celebrate that with a reminder about self respect!

Social Media Caption:

Today’s Week of Respect theme: Everyone is UNIQUE! Celebrate what makes you and your kids special. Remind them (and yourself!) that self-respect is the first step to kindness. 💙 #WeekOfRespect #CelebrateUniqueness #SelfRespect"

Click Here for Self Care Bingo

Create a Positive Affirmation Worksheet

Free Self Esteem Worksheets

Friday, October 10th

HERO Day!

While looking the part, let’s act like heroes by giving back—or showing respect to our local hero's collect food donations, write thank-you notes to first responders, or brighten someone’s day at a local nursing home. Together, we can make a real difference.

Hero Day! Students and staff dress as their favorite hero or community helper.

Social Media Caption:

It’s Hero Day! 🦸‍♀️🦸‍♂️ While students celebrate by dressing as heroes, the greatest lesson is in their actions—especially online. Talk with your child about being an UPSTANDER, not a bystander, when it comes to cyberbullying. Encourage them to speak up, report harmful behavior, and show kindness. Together, we can create a safer digital world for every child. 💙 #WeekOfRespect #BeAnUpstander #DigitalKindness"

Click Here for THANK YOU CARD Coloring Pages

Click here for a calendar that you can edit!

Alternative Theme Ideas:

Neon for Nice-ness: Wear Bright colors.

Team Up Tuesday: Wear your favorite sports gear/jersey.

Dream Big, Respect Always: Pajama day.

Hats Off to Respect: Hat day.

Week of Respect Goal:

Provide students with a safe and

supportive school environment devoid of harassment, intimidation, and bullying (HIB), encourages academic success and increased social and emotional competence.

NJ Department of Education

More Resources/Activity Ideas

Week of Respect Challenge:

Have students try to accomplish one of the activities list below:

Share something positive on social media
Create a positive affirmation card to use when feeling upset
Pick up 10 pieces of trash seen around school and throw it out
Slip a nice note into your friends backpack or locker
Say hello to student you've never meet and ask their name
Eat lunch with someone new
Hold the door for a stranger
Compliment someone genuinely—let them know you notice their effort or kindness.
Leave a small surprise or uplifting note in a common area for anyone to find.