Broward County Public Schools will celebrate Choose Peace Stop Violence Week 2025 with student activities and community events

Broward County, Florida – Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) is preparing for a week filled with unity, kindness, and student-led action as the district celebrates Choose Peace/Stop Violence Week from September 22 through September 26, 2025. The initiative, now a cornerstone of BCPS’ culture of community engagement, carries this year’s theme, “Speak Life. End Bullying.”

The program is a long-standing partnership between BCPS, United Way Broward, and the Children’s Services Council of Broward County. Together, the organizations are working to remind students that schools can be safe, supportive environments where peace and mutual respect are the norm. The focus goes beyond awareness campaigns—it challenges students to take an active role in improving school culture and to recognize that their choices can shape the well-being of their classmates.

“Choose Peace/Stop Violence Week promotes peace, positive changes and kindness,” district leaders explained in announcing the schedule. “It also aims to educate, engage and empower youth to take action to prevent bullying and youth violence, while improving school climates and students’ academic achievements.”

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Throughout the week, schools across the district will host activities that reflect this message of peace. The events are designed not only to inspire but also to give students and staff tangible ways to practice compassion and reject bullying.

On Monday, September 22, Hollywood Hills High School will set the tone with a Peace Pole Ceremony. Students and staff will gather as the school chorus performs “One Love” by Bob Marley, a fitting tribute to unity and shared humanity. The program will include additional activities that highlight the power of small actions to build stronger communities.

Later in the week, on Thursday, September 25, creativity will be on full display at James S. Hunt Elementary School in Coral Springs. Students there will take part in painting rocks with positive, uplifting messages of peace. The project allows younger children to connect art with advocacy, leaving behind colorful reminders of their commitment to kindness.

The week will culminate on Friday, September 26, with Peace Across Broward Day, the signature districtwide observance. At Coral Cove Academy of the Arts in Miramar, students will gather on the P.E. field to form a massive Human Peace Sign while dressed in white. The display, which symbolizes unity, hope, and love, will serve as a powerful visual statement for the community. Organizers note that the aerial view of hundreds of students standing together is an especially moving sight.

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Community members are encouraged to join the movement by also wearing white on September 26 to show solidarity. The district emphasizes that peace and respect are not just school-based ideals but values that must be carried into neighborhoods and homes.

Choose Peace/Stop Violence Week underscores the importance of youth leadership in driving cultural change. By pairing symbolic events with everyday acts of kindness, BCPS hopes to build lasting habits among students that will extend well beyond the classroom.

For more details on activities and resources, families can visit browardschools.com/choosepeace.