The Mehlville School District will launch its second annual program celebrating acts of service and kindness by its students and staff members when the Project ENGAGE Plus — Enriching Neighborhoods through Generous Actions Growth and Empowerment — window opens Friday, Jan. 13.

The Project ENGAGE program debuted in the 2010-2011 school year to highlight the service projects taking place across the district throughout the year and to encourage students to reflect upon how their volunteerism impacts their community. Project ENGAGE Plus will follow the same premise but will include an additional component — kindness.

“Staff members across our district have made a commitment to helping our students develop into individuals of character, and our schools’ character education efforts are constantly progressing,” Superintendent Eric Knost stated in a district news release. “I am excited to highlight how the positive character exhibited in our district translates into worthwhile service and kindness to others across our community.”

Service learning is a key component of Project ENGAGE Plus. By reflecting on the ways in which their acts of kindness and service have made a difference in their community, students can find the value in helping others and feel empowered to continue serving their neighbors in need, according to the release.

“By celebrating the students’ contributions to their community, we are not only helping to develop students of character, but we are encouraging students to carry the ideals of kindness and service with them throughout the rest of their lives,” Knost stated.

The Project ENGAGE Plus window will close Friday, April 13.