Unity Day
Kindness, Acceptance, Inclusion
Unity Day is a time to come together to celebrate kindness, acceptance, inclusion, and belonging. By participating, we can help create school communities where every student feels welcomed, valued, and supported.
This year, SSD is celebrating Unity Day on Oct. 21, 2026, with weeklong activities, including a student art contest and a five-day Unity Challenge. Students and staff are encouraged to participate and find their own ways to help build a more inclusive and connected community.
Celebrate Unity Day - Oct. 21!
On Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2026, wear orange to show your support for kindness, acceptance, inclusion, and belonging. Everyone can play a part in creating a community where we all belong!
Unity Day “UNITYeveryDAY” Art Contest
Show us what unity means to you! All students are invited to participate in SSD’s Unity Day Art Contest by creating an original piece of artwork inspired by the ideas of unity, kindness, acceptance, inclusion, and belonging.
Students and their families are encouraged to review the art contest rules prior to submitting their work.
Entries are due Wednesday, Oct. 14, by 3 PM. Submissions should be digital and include an explanation of how the artist is using their creation to support the Unity theme. Please email the work of art to face@ssdmo.org, and include the student's name, age, district, and school.
Winners will be notified on Unity Day, Oct. 21 via the contact information provided during the submission. We will recognize four winners at the Oct. 27 SSD Board of Education meeting.
Take the 5-Day Unity Challenge
Small actions can make a big difference. During Unity Week, students and staff are encouraged to complete one simple challenge each day focused on building connections and helping others feel included.
- Monday, Oct. 19 — Inclusion
- Ask three people to join you in fun or leisure.
- Tuesday, Oct. 20 — Kindness
- Introduce yourself to someone new.
- Wednesday, Oct. 21 — Unity Day!
- Wear orange and celebrate unity in your own special way!
- Thursday, Oct. 22 — Acceptance
- Give someone an authentic compliment. There is something great about each of us.
- Friday, Oct. 23 — Belonging
- Help someone feel like they belong. Invite someone new to join you, start a conversation, or share an encouraging message.