Across the district, students are committed to creating a learning environment that fosters inclusivity, respect, and equity. And, as students at Richard J. Bailey recently demonstrated, the power lies in leading by example.
On the Monday morning before the Thanksgiving break, 30 students in grades four, five, and six were seated on the auditorium stage, awaiting the arrival of students, teachers, and staff for the school-wide assembly. They wore white baseball hats with a yellow and black logo that read: ‘No Place for Hate’.
This is the first year Greenburgh schools are participating in No Place for Hate, a district-wide program to promote dialogue and active learning about bias, bullying, inclusion, and allyship.
Just before the start of the assembly, the committee members spoke about their roles and what they see for the future. “We are just getting started. It’s going to be exciting,” said Amiriah. “Our job is going to be organizing school activities throughout the year that promote kindness, loyalty, and positive energy,” said Aliyah.
Once the auditorium is filled and settled, Ms. Khan starts the assembly. “Welcome to the first No Place for Hate assembly,” she said. “This is going to be a special presentation because there will be no teachers leading this assembly. Today, it’s all about the students.”
The microphone was passed to one member in each grade level, who introduced the other members by name as they stood up. “RJ Bailey, along with 1,000 schools around the country, are participating in this program. We want our school to be a safe place where nobody gets bullied, discriminated against, or is left out because they are different. We want to encourage all students to be allies by standing up for themselves,” expressed one student.
Uli, a sixth-grade representative, introduced a video depicting how someone who could be considered different can be affected in different social situations. “Please pay attention to what happens in the video,” she asked. “Because afterward, we will ask you some questions” Selected students walked around the auditorium as student committee members asked questions. “What do you think was the message of the video?” One student raised their hand and answered, “To always include others." Another student responded, “I think the message was to treat everyone the way you would want to be treated.” Students were asked to think about ways to prevent bullying. “There are many people who are different in this world. I think we can make a better environment for everyone by making someone feel better and doing something special.”
At the end of the assembly, the students were led by Blessing, a fifth-grade student, to recite the No Place for Hate pledge. “I am going to teach you how to say the pledge. I am going to be the leader and you will repeat after me,” she said. “I will do my best to treat everyone fairly and respectfully. If I see someone being hurt or bullied, I will act as an ally and ask a trusted adult for help. I will do my part to help others feel safe and included in school. I will help make our school no place for hate.”
As a sign of commitment, all students decorated paper feathers with their signatures during ELA classes. The feathers will be placed on the falcon's wings that hang in the hallway of the main entrance. “A pledge is like a promise to do your best,” said Ms. Khan. “Our signed feathers will become the falcon's wings representing a pledge to do our best so there is no hate in our school.”