Schoharie Elementary School recently joined the ranks of schools in New York State who have earned Gold Star Status through the No Place for Hate program.
Sponsored by the Anti-Defamation League, No Place for Hate involves the whole school in combating bias and bullying as a means to stop the escalation of hate and to foster a school climate where all students can thrive.
According to the Anti-Defamation League, “In compliance with the New York State Dignity Act, No Place For Hate offers schools the opportunity to be recognized for their staff development and student training related to bullying, harassment and discrimination.”
Gold Star Status is a special designation beyond the standard No Place for Hate designation and is achieved through extra effort by a school community.
Elementary School Counselor Lindsay DiMaso said there were many activities the school pursued this school year. One of the highlights, she said, was an inspiring concert by singer-songwriter Jared Campbell.
“This activity uses music to engage students and works toward a more inclusive attitude,” DiMaso said. “It works on establishing a leadership mentality in a positive way in order to combat bullying.”
Students also took the Duct Tape Pledge to end bullying. They pledged to “Be kind and stick together against bullying.”
“Celebrating differences is something we are working on as a district and learning to stick together against discrimination and bullying is a step forward. Learning how small acts of kindness can be contagious and can benefit the whole community,” DiMaso said.
Fourth and Fifth Grade students participated in the Wonder Project Assembly.
“This project allowed us to have a discussion surrounding physical differences and abilities,” DiMaso said. “It was a terrific opportunity to have some exposure to people who were born with craniofacial differences.”
The Elementary School is also implementing a Kindness Week that starts with an assembly which will include a kindness poem, haiku written by one of our students, and skits performed by students. Each day activities will be performed school wide including a chain of kindness, that will all link together and be visible for the remainder of the month.
“These are just 4 of the many opportunities we have at Schoharie Elementary to be No Place for Hate. Our students are reminded regularly of their pledge to be no place for hate and rise to the challenge of treating each other with kindness,” DiMaso said. “I’m proud of the work we are doing and look forward to continuing to work hard on being No Place for Hate.”
