Siclali De Jesus, 6, paints a rock Thursday to be placed on the grounds of August Elementary as part of community service projects Stockton Unified students are doing in honor of Cesar Chavez’s birthday.Michael McCollum/The Record

STOCKTON – All around the August Elementary campus in east Stockton, students busied themselves painting rocks, bagging leaves and picking up trash Thursday afternoon. Similar beautification efforts have been taking place this week at campuses throughout Stockton Unified.

"We’re being grateful for Cesar," August fifth-grader Sidney Easton explained.

Sunday would have been the 86th birthday of iconic farm labor leader Cesar Chavez, who died 20 years ago. Stockton Unified schools are marking Chavez’s birthday by having students engage in various community service efforts, ranging from beautifying campuses to having older children tutor their younger counterparts.

"(Chavez’s) life goal was to make his community, state and country better," August math coach Rebecca Rodarte said. "We want students to take ownership of their school by beautifying it."

The rocks painted by the students will be used to improve the aesthetics of a patch of dirt on the August campus. And the rocks will do more than honor Chavez’s memory; they will serve to instill anti-bullying messages taught at the school. On some of the rocks, Rodarte said, will be painted five positive, anti-bullying character traits: love, integrity, respect, courage and wisdom.

Before performing their afternoon service Thursday, August’s students listened to instruction from their teachers about Chavez’s accomplishments and his importance. Sidney, who is 11, clearly was paying attention.

"Cesar, he did stuff just to help people," Sidney said. "That’s what we’re doing. We want to help our school."