Unity Day – students and staff strengthening community connections

Unity Day brings our high school students together with our elementary students encouraging collaboration, empathy and leadership.

In his book Together: The Healing Power of Human Connection in a Sometimes Lonely World, Dr. Vivek Murthy notes, “When young people feel socially isolated, their risk increases for depression, anxiety and poor sleep.” Five years ago, our district introduced Unity Day as a cornerstone of our social and emotional learning (SEL) efforts, creating a meaningful space for students to connect, express themselves and advocate for an inclusive school culture.

Unity Day encourages collaboration, empathy and leadership through engaging activities that inspire students across all grades. The day begins with group icebreakers to build trust, followed by discussions on respect, kindness and inclusion. Although each Unity Day is tailored to different grade levels, every student in the Daniel Boone Area School District experiences at least one Unity Day during their academic journey.

The impact of Unity Day has been lasting. Inspired by these events, secondary students have formed a student ambassador group that now leads districtwide SEL initiatives, welcomes new students and strengthens community connections. Today, this ambassador program includes over 170 students, with more joining each year. Unity Day remains a valued tradition that renews our district’s commitment to fostering a culture where every student feels valued and empowered.

Unity Day is more than an annual event; it’s a call to action for students, staff and our community to come together in kindness, empathy and shared purpose. It serves as a foundation for the positive climate we strive to create each year and stands as a testament to the lasting impact of SEL in our district.