With “tolerance” as her watchword, South Whidbey School District guidance counselor Rachelle Bennett will conduct lessons this month at the elementary school that stress the need for random acts of kindness.

“The lessons will emphasize treating others with kindness and showing compassion,” she said. “Students will learn to recognize the needs and feelings of others, both human and animal.”

The week of Feb. 13 to 19 has been designated to celebrate any unexpected — or “random” — act of kindness when it’s done to extend goodness, person to person, without expecting anything in return.

Bennett added that compassionate students are less likely to be involved in gossip, name- calling and other unkind behaviors, and that caring children are much more likely to be sensitive to the needs of elderly persons and those who are “different” in some way.