FLORENCE, Ala. — An intricate display of paper chains currently lines the halls of the Florence City Schools Central Office. Students from Forest Hills, Harlan, and Weeden elementary schools, along with Hibbett Intermediate and Florence Middle School, participated in creating what is known as the Kindness Paper Chain.

Each link in the chain is designed with an illustration or message of kindness to foster a sense of togetherness among students while spreading positivity and goodwill throughout the district. The K-8 counselors and Peer Helpers spearheaded the initiative.

Originally planned to be unveiled during Great Kindness Challenge Week in January, the project was moved to February due to school closures from the recent winter storm. In their perseverance, the counselors and peer helpers demonstrated that making a difference doesn't have to be confined to a calendar week.

As coincidence would have it, the paper chain unveiling fell on National School Counseling Week because of the winter weather closures; it is celebrated the first full week in February each year. The American School Counselor Association says that National School Counseling Week focuses public attention on the unique contribution of school counselors within U.S. school systems. The week also highlights the tremendous impact school counselors can have in helping students achieve school success and plan for a career. The 2024 theme is "School Counseling: Standards-Based, Student-Focused."