In a world currently marred by violence, acts of kindness carry an even greater weight.

Lehighton Area Elementary Center students proved that point in mid-February by taking part in a districtwide “Kindness Week,” highlighted by a door-decorating contest using positive messages.

Each homeroom was asked to decorate its classroom door with themes including “Spread Some Joy By Beeing Kind,” “We Choose To Be Kind,” “Kindness Lifts Us Up,” and “Let’s Splatter Kindness All Around,” among others.

“All of the entries were so good,” Deb Lindh, elementary guidance counselor, said. “We had about 40 doors decorated. We as a district thought the message of kindness was a good way to help prevent bullying and promote a positive school climate.”

In addition to the door-decorating contest, the school held spirit days where students could dress a certain way. Themes included kindness themed shirt day, flannel day and camouflage day.

Throughout the week, the district also raised $150 for the Carbon County Animal Shelter and $122 for Carbon County Friends of Animals between the elementary center and administration buildings.