Sioux Falls, SD – On Tuesday, students in Assistant Professor of Education Lisa Riddle’s Human Relations class at the University of Sioux Falls marked World Kindness Day with a series of community‑focused projects. The class, part of the Fredrikson School of Education, embraced the university’s motto, “Culture for Service,” by preparing kindness‑filled gestures for local schools.
Campus activities spark smiles
Students began by painting rocks and leaving encouraging messages around campus, aiming to brighten the day of fellow students and staff. The effort was designed to create a ripple effect of positivity that extends beyond the university grounds.
Thank‑you notes for elementary school staff
Building on the campus work, the class turned its attention to the broader community. They drafted heartfelt thank‑you notes to be sent to two Sioux Falls elementary schools—Lowell and Susan B. Anthony. The notes will be read aloud by bus drivers, cafeteria workers, custodians, secretaries, teachers and paraprofessionals, acknowledging the vital role these staff members play in shaping the next generation.
“I feel like that’s really neat being able to recognize those teachers and let them know that we do appreciate them and that what they’re doing is not going unrecognized,” sophomore elementary education major Aubrie Lang said.
Students see a future of service
Lang, who hails from Harrisburg, reflected on her own teachers’ impact, noting that they were “the light” that helped her through school. She hopes to become the same source of encouragement for her future students.
Riddle emphasized the broader lesson: “We are more than the occupation we have. We’re remembered for how we make others feel, and these students see a future where their classroom can be where kindness thrives.” The thank‑you notes are scheduled for delivery on Friday, with the hope that the kindness initiative will continue to inspire both the university and the Sioux Falls community.
Original reporting: Dakota News Now KSFY Sioux Falls (local) — read the source article.
